SASKATCHEWAN FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED AT GEMINIS

The Province congratulates members of Saskatchewan's film and television industry for being recognized with four Gemini Awards this past weekend.

The 20th Annual Gemini Awards were handed out over three gala nights, wrapping up with a televised awards ceremony on November 19th in Toronto.

Two Geminis were awarded to Corner Gas (produced by Prairie Pants Productions II Inc.) as Best Comedy Program and Best Interactive Production. Ksenia Solo won a Gemini for Best Performance in a Children's or Youth Program or Series for her work on renegadepress.com. The documentary Two Worlds Colliding (written and directed by Tasha Hubbard and produced by Bonnie Thompson) received the Canada Award, which honours excellence in mainstream television programming that reflects the racial and cultural diversity of Canada.

"Saskatchewan's film and video industry is among the best in Canada," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "We congratulate Saskatchewan's Gemini winners and nominees of this prestigious award."

This year, five Saskatchewan-made television programs received a total of 13 Gemini Award nominations.

Other nominations included: Partners in Motion's Escape from Iran: The Hollywood Option for Best History Documentary program; CBC Saskatchewan's Football First: The Roy Shivers Story received two nominations – Best Sports Program or Series, and Best Photography in an Information Program or Series; David Hansen's English Teachers III – Election Day for Best Direction in a Lifestyle/Practical Information Program or Series; Vérité Films' original youth dramatic series rengadepress.com received two other nominations for Best Performance in a Children's or Youth Program or Series apart from Ksenia Solo's nomination, plus nominations for Best Interactive Production, Best Direction and Best Writing in a Children's or Youth Program or Series, and Best Sound in a Dramatic Series.

"Saskatchewan's productions are enjoyed by millions from coast to coast, and it's great to see them get this kind of recognition," Beatty said.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967