Beverly Hills, California, United States of America
Order of Canada
Officer of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 2009-11-04
Invested on: 2010-09-03
As a child, Ivan Reitman escaped with his parents from communist Czechoslovakia, arriving in Canada a displaced person who spoke no English. He would go on to become one of our biggest filmmakers. Since the 1970s, when he produced David Cronenberg's early films, he has distinguished himself as a strong supporter of Canadian talent and as a director and producer. His blockbuster achievements include such classic comedies as Animal House, Meatballs, and Ghostbusters. He continues to promote the Canadian film and television industries and has played a pivotal role in the development of the Toronto International Film Festival and its new headquarters and resource centre.