FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2024
OTTAWA, Ontario—Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser will host Telling Canadian Stories through Film: A Sneak Preview of National Canadian Film Day.
During this unique event, the following films will be shown:
Ru: Based on Kim Thúy’s award winning novel, Ru tells the story of a wealthy family’s arduous journey fleeing from Vietnam, only to find themselves landing in Quebec.
Peace by Chocolate: Based on Tareq Hadhad’s lived experience, Peace by Chocolate tells the story of a young Syrian refugee struggling to settle into his new small-town Canadian life after the bombing of his father’s chocolate factory.
Following each screening there will also be question-and-answer sessions with Kim Thúy and Charles-Olivier Michaud about Ru, and with Tareq Hadhad about Peace by Chocolate.
This event is part of a larger initiative by the Governor General to invite Canadians to discover the full story of our country.
Date: Monday, March 18, 2024
Film 1: Ru
6:00 p.m. Film screening (French)
8:00 p.m. Question-and-answer session with author Kim Thúy and director Charles-Olivier Michaud
Film 2: Peace by Chocolate
6:20 p.m. Film screening (English)
8:10 p.m. Question-and-answer session with Tareq Hadhad, founder of Peace by Chocolate
About National Canadian Film Day
National Canadian Film Day (CanFilmDay) is a coast-to-coast-to-coast celebration of Canadian film, with screenings taking place each year. This year's CanFilmDay will take place on April 17, 2024. National Canadian Film Day is presented by REEL CANADA, a national non-profit dedicated to promoting the power and diversity of Canadian film to new audiences across the country and around the world.
Notes for media:
- To guarantee your access to the event, we ask that you please confirm your attendance with the Rideau Hall Press Office via media@gg.ca.
- Media are asked to arrive at the Princess Anne Entrance no later than 7:45 p.m. on the day of the ceremony.
- Official photos of the event will be made available upon request.
Media information:
Rideau Hall Press Office
343-573-7563
media@gg.ca
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