Short Film Grand Slam; Edmonton Festival to Bow Three Canadian Short Screenplay Competition Films

Online, August 14, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The Canadian Short Screenplay Competition's 2008 1st place winning script 'Seeing In The Dark' written by Gordon Pengilly will have it's World premiere as part of the Edmonton International Film Festival.

'Seeing In The Dark', penned by Calgary native Gordon Pengilly and co-directed by Lethbridge born David Cormican, placed 1st in the 2008 CSSC. It will receive its world premiere at the Edmonton International Film Festival. The short film tells the story of a paroled prisoner (played by Cormican) and his first day as a free man who tries to make amends with those who he wronged and those who wronged him. It is a story of longing to finally belong only to find he no longer belongs. The film also stars Regina, SK local Amy Matysio (Single White Spenny).

'Seeing in the Dark' screens Saturday, Oct. 1 @ 2pm in 'Our Own Backyard' program.

'Minus Lara', penned by Surita Parmar, directed by Rob King (George Ryga's Hungry Hills) and starring Romina D'Ugo (So You Think You Can Dance Canada), placed 2nd in the 2009/10 CSSC. It was originally produced with the generous support of Bravo!FACT and previously screened at the Yorkton Film Festival where it was nominated for the Best of Saskatchewan Golden Sheaf award.

'Minus Lara' screens Friday, Sept. 30 @ noon in 'Lunchbox Shorts' program and again Saturday, Oct. 1 @ 3pm in 'Our Own Backyard' program.

'Rusted Pyre', penned by Calgary screenwriter and artist Daniel Audet, placed 3rd in the 2008 CSSC. It was funded by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, is directed by Calgarian Laurence Cohen and stars Brooke Palsson (Less Than Kind) and Samantha Somer Wilson (Nurse.Fighter.Boy.). 'Rusted Pyre' received it's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival as part of Telefilm Canada's "Not Short on Talent" programme, followed with a bow at the Canadian Film Centre's Worldwide Short Film Festival.

'Rusted Pyre' screens Saturday, Oct. 1 @ noon in 'Our Own Backyard' program.

When asked about the three films screening as part of the 2011 EIFF, David Cormican, CSSC founder and producer of all three films shared "This is unbelievable. I feel like I just hit my very first grand slam-- Especially to have all three of my first self-produced films to play in my home province. I couldn't have asked for a better honour from the EIFF. This is special. It may even be a first in the history of film festivals. It's certainly a milestone for me and my career and I will never forget this!"

The Canadian Short Screenplay Competition short film schedule is as follows:
Friday, Sept. 30 @ noon in 'Lunchbox Shorts' program - 'Minus Lara'
Saturday, Oct. 1 @ noon in 'Our Own Backyard' program - 'Rusted Pyre'
Saturday, Oct. 1 @ 2pm in 'Our Own Backyard' program - 'Seeing in the Dark'
Saturday, Oct. 1 @ 3pm in 'Our Own Backyard' program - 'Minus Lara'

The Edmonton International Film Festival runs September 23rd to October 1st, 2011.

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