Hollywood
‘Atanarjuat’ dethrones ‘Mon once Antoine’ as Canada’s most memorable film
NEW DELHI: Toronto International Film Festival has announced the results Canada’s All-Time Top Ten List, an international poll of industry and academics on the most memorable Canadian films.
This is the fourth edition of TIFF’s All-Time Top Ten List; previous lists were released in 1984, 1993 and 2004.
“In our 40th year we are celebrating our national cinema by revisiting the list of top Canadian films, with help from our esteemed colleagues in the industry and academia. It is encouraging to see new filmmakers and films establishing themselves on the list alongside the classics,” said TIFF director and CEO Piers Handling.
“With more than a decade since our last survey, much has changed in Canadian cinema, and in the results of the survey. Atanarjuat has dethroned the long-standing No. 1 film, Mon once Antoine, and we welcome filmmakers including Guy Maddin, Jean-Claude Lauzon, Sarah Polley and Jean-Marc Vallee to the list for the first time. It’s an exciting group of films indicative of our rich cinematic tradition,” added TIFF senior programmer Steve Gravestock.
Canada’s All-Time Top Ten List of Canadian films:
1. Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, Zacharias Kunuk (2001)
2. Mon oncle Antoine, Claude Jutra (1971)
3. The Sweet Hereafter, Atom Egoyan (1997)
4. Jesus de Montreal, Denys Arcand (1989)
5. Leolo, Jean-Claude Lauzon (1992)
6. Goin‘ Down the Road, Don Shebib (1970)
7. Dead Ringers, David Cronenberg (1988)
8. C.R.A.Z.Y., Jean-Marc Vallee (2005)
9. My Winnipeg, Guy Maddin (2007)
10. Stories We Tell, Sarah Polley (2012)Les Ordres, Michel Brault (1974)
“The Directors Guild of Canada takes pride in shining the spotlight on our national cinema at every opportunity. The filmmakers featured here have contributed much to our country’s cultural voice and history. It is inspiring to be able to experience them again with a new generation of viewers,” said DGC national president Tim Southam.
The films on the All-Time Top Ten List will be screened free of charge at TIFF Bell Lightbox in July and August. Screening times and more details will be announced 20 May.
The upcoming issue of Montage magazine published by the DGC and includes individual participants’ votes alongside essays on each of the selected films.
Hollywood
David Zaslav could net up to $887m as Warner Bros Discovery sells up
Media mogul strikes gold as Paramount Skydance deal triggers massive windfall
NEW YORK: While the average office worker might hope for a nice clock and a round of applause upon leaving, David Zaslav is looking at a slightly more substantial parting gift. The chief executive officer of Warner Bros Discovery is positioned to receive a windfall of up to $887 million following the company’s blockbuster $110 billion sale to Paramount Skydance.
In a twist of corporate fate that feels scripted for the big screen, the deal marks the finale of a high-stakes bidding war. It comes after Netflix, once the frontrunner, decided to exit stage left and abandon its pursuit of the HBO Max parent company.
While most people receive a standard final paycheck, the filing released on Monday suggests Zaslav’s exit package is built a little differently. If the deal closes as expected in the third quarter of 2026, the numbers break down like this:
The cash out: A severance package of $34.2 million, covering his salary and bonuses.
The equity: $115.8 million in vested shares he already owns.
The future fortune: A massive $517.2 million in unvested share awards, essentially “future stock” that turns into real money the moment the ink dries on the merger.
Perhaps the most eye-catching figure is the $335 million earmarked for tax reimbursements. However, this particular pot of gold has an expiration date.
The company noted that these reimbursements are tied to specific tax-code rules that significantly decline as time passes. If the deal hits a snag and drags into 2027, that tax payout drops to zero. With hundreds of millions on the line, the chief executive officer likely has every incentive to ensure the closing process moves at double-speed.
