Montréal, August 9, 2010 – The World Film Festival, one of the most anticipated events for filmgoers from here and far, gets off to a smashing start with the premiere of Route 132, the new film from Québec director Louis Bélanger (Gaz Bar Blues, Post Mortem). The screening will be followed by some 400 other films and documentaries from around the globe, which will shine the spotlight on Montréal for nearly two full weeks. 

For this 34th edition, Montréal will be the proud host to many of the great names of cinema, including celebrated Danish director Bille August who will preside the Festival jury, French icon Gérard Dépardieu, actress Nathalie Baye, director Bertrand Tavernier as well as Stefania Sandrelli, one of the great ladies of Italian film.

“Once again, the World Film Festival features an exciting program and a truly impressive guest list. And once again, everyone’s attention, from film lovers to people across the film-making industry, will be focused on Montréal, affirming its reputation as a world-class film centre and cosmopolitan destination,” said the Honourable Charles Lapointe, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. “Thanks to its diverse components, the Festival succeeds in satsifying film buffs, piquing the curiosity of the general public and showcasing a talented pool of seasoned and new director and actors. The result is an exciting cinematic get-together that Montréal can be extremely proud of,” added Charles Lapointe.

Undeniably one of Montréal’s greatest cultural happenings, the World Film Festival promises to surprise, stimulate and challenge all film lovers with this 34th edition.

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