Norman Jewison is one of those Canadian directors that made such a name for himself in Hollywood that I never thought of him as a purely “Canadian” filmmaker. Truth is, though he worked largely in Hollywood for most of his career, Jewison always had (and continues to have) close ties and support for the Canadian film industry so much so in fact, that in 1988 he founded the Canadian Film Centre. Originally set up as a training centre for film, the CFC has grown over the years to become one of, if not the, largest Canadian institution for training in filmmaking, television and new media. Some of Canada’s best new talents have come out of the CFC and their graduate films are nothing short of spectacular. From the cult favourite Blood & Donuts to Vincenzo Natali’s awesome Cube and last year’s Nurse.Fighter.Boy.
The CFC is celebrating their anniversary and honouring Jewison by screening two of his classic films, In the Heat of the Night and Fiddler on the Roof, at LACMA. On April 17th, Jewison will be on hand for a conversation on his career moderated by the great Leonard Maltin while the two films will screen on April 18th. Definitely an event to attend if you happen to be in town. I think I’ll celebrate by revisiting In the Heat of the Night.
