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Arts and Culture

LOCAL FILM MAKER WINS GOLD!

Grand River Film Festival celebrates 2010 BMO SHORT Shorts winner

CAMBRIDGE, ON – The Grand River Film Festival (GRFF) is thrilled to congratulate Kitchener film maker James Anthony Usas on his the latest achievement - a Gold Remi win for original drama at the 44th Annual WorldFest – Houston International Film Festival for his film Deliveries.

"Deliveries was a labor of love. The cast and crew of the film were honoured to be invited to screen at this year's WorldFest. The win makes this honour extra special.", notes James.

Born in Kitchener, Ontario in 1979, James Anthony Usas began making films at the age of seven using a neighbourʼs video camera and schoolmates as actors. James studied filmmaking at Confederation College before studying architecture at the University of Waterloo., where he is presently completing his Masters of Architecture. James is currently nominated for a KW Arts Award, and has won multiple awards for excellence in filmmaking, including 1st place at the 2010 BMO SHORT Shorts awards hosted by GRFF.

GRFF is more excited than ever to carry on with the BMO SHORT Shorts Competition in light of James Usas success, and submissions are currently being accepted for 2011. GRFF encourages anyone interested in filmmaking – novice or expert – to submit their short film. As a part of GRFF, taking place October 20-23, 2011, the shorts competition is open to any resident of Ontario and is a way to showcase Canadian cinematic creativity. GRFFʼs focus is to showcase the next generation of talented filmmakers, with a goal to create exciting opportunities by bringing support and recognition to excellence in the art of filmmaking.

Submission details and application forms can be downloaded at www.GRFF.ca. The Grand River Film Festival (GRFF) is entering its fifth season as a medium for bringing lovers of all film together. Started by members of the Waterloo Region community with a passion for film, the Festival has grown to attract guests internationally including Academy Award winners. Each season features a line up of film that includes Canadian and foreign screenings in multiple genres.