CBC's
Short Film Face-Off is Canada's only television program featuring short films from across the country. The critically acclaimed show has brought forth a new mainstream audience for short films as well as an increased profile for filmmakers.
"I think it's a very important show," says Toronto filmmaker, Yaz Rabadi, who directed
The Beard, one of the final three films. "It's showcasing emerging film talent from Canada and putting the spotlight on them and their short films. I would be hard-pressed to think of any other show that does that. It also allows the Canadian viewing audience at home to have their say, as they vote for the final winner."
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
The Beard, which won 1st place in its heat on August 17th, is a dramatic film detailing a day in the life of an elderly Sikh who has been victimized as a result of his race, and how he chooses to deal with his given circumstances in the aftermath of the event.
"In the interest of supporting emerging talent, Telefilm Canada has created the Telefilm Canada Short Film Face Off Award," CBC states on its
website. "It is a cash award of $30,000 CDN. In addition, we also have from PS Production Services, a proud sponsor of the film and television community, a $10,000 CDN film equipment rental package for the winner. That's a grand prize of $40,000 CDN toward the winning director's next film."
"That's a good chunk of change that creative minds could put to good use," says Rabadi. "Should
The Beard be fortunate enough to leave with the grand prize, the funds will be put toward my first feature film which will tackle the issue of gun violence, by presenting a documentary rooted in a fictional future."
Canadian viewing audiences can vote after 8 p.m. EST
online. International audiences can vote by calling 1-877-876-3636.
