Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
May 18, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development:

Highlighting Local Success of Artists

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this House today to acknowledge the success of two local artists, writer Chad Pelley and film maker Mark Hoffe.

Mr. Speaker, the screen adaptation of Mr. Pelley's first novel, "Away from Everywhere," is being featured at the Cannes Film Festival this month as part of Telefilm Canada's Perspective Canada Program. The novel was adapted for the screen by Mr. Hoffe and shot in St. John's last spring.

Telefilm Canada's annual program showcases 10 recent Canadian films at the Marché du Film, which runs parallel to the famous film festival, giving them exposure to an international network of buyers, sellers and producers.

"Away from Everywhere" tells the story of two brothers brought together by mental illness and tragedy. Directed by Justin Simms, Jason Priestley stars as the older brother Alex, with Wabush native Shawn Doyle playing his younger brother, Owen. Bay d'Espoir's Joanne Kelly, along with two young actors - Grace Keeping of Conception Bay South and Emmajane Donnan from St. John's - also had roles in the film. Producers include Barbara Doran of Morag Loves Company and Brad Gover, a partner in Mad Mummer Media.

The novel "Away from Everywhere" was published by Breakwater Books in 2009.

Mr. Speaker, our government is proud to support this project and the film and television industry in our province through the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation. We are also pleased to provide support to publishing companies through our Publishers Assistance Program.

I wish all of those involved with the project continued success. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

- 30 -

2016 05 18                              2:25 p.m.