THE ARTISTS' SPECIALS

1999

REMBRANDT: FATHERS AND SONS
Directed by: David Devine
Written by: Ann MacNaughton
Produced by: David Devine, Richard Mozer
Co-produced by: Jan Opartny, Denise Robert & Daniel Louis
Starring: Tom McCamus, Mitchell David Rothpan, Kari Matchett, Paul Hecht, Sergio Di Zio, Ross Petty

At the height of his career, Rembrandt takes a young Jewish apprentice named Samuel under his wing. The boy struggles to break free from the rigid expectations of his family, which pushes the painter to confront his own complacency. Rembrandt decides to defy artistic conventions with his bold work The Night Watch, and throughout his life, he pursues his own artistic vision.

AWARD :

• Oppenheim Toy Portfolio (USA) :
  • Gold Award

GOYA: AWAKENED IN A DREAM
Directed by: Richard Mozer
Written by: Michael MacLennan
Produced by: David Devine, Richard Mozer
Co-produced by: Jan Opartny, Denise Robert & Daniel Louis
Starring: Cedric Smith, Jaclyn Blumas, Shannon Lawson, Robert Bockstael, David Reale, Jan Filips

At 73, the Spanish painter Goya leaves the royal court. Retiring to his country villa, he discovers that his governess’s daughter, Rosarita, has a gift for drawing. They become friends, and Goya teaches her to "see" like an artist. Rosarita witnesses the creation of Goya’s masterpiece, The Black Paintings, and together they outwit the Inquisition’s attempts to censor the work.

AWARD :

• Writers Guild of Canada (Canada) :
  • Top Ten Award

MARY CASSATT: AMERICAN IMPRESSIONIST
Directed by: Richard Mozer
Produced by: David Devine, Richard Mozer
Co-produced by: Jan Opartny, Denise Robert & Daniel Louis
Starring: Amy Brenneman, Jonathan Koensgen, Charles Powell, Thomas Jay Ryan, Noah Shebib, Charlotte Sullivan, Emma Taylor-Isherwood

Cassatt’s solitary life in Paris is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of her brother’s three children. Inspired, she uses the children as models for her works. At the same time, Cassatt’s teenage niece plays matchmaker between her and the great painter Degas. Though a romance doesn’t blossom, Degas invites Cassatt to join the Impressionists.

AWARD :

• 2000 – Emmy Awards (États-Unis) :
  • prix du Meilleur montage (Rik Morden)

MONET: SHADOW AND LIGHT
Directed by: David Devine
Written by: Susin Nielsen
Produced by: David Devine, Richard Mozer
Co-produced by: Denise Robert & Daniel Louis
Starring: Stuart Hughes, Trevor Blumas, Maggie Huculak, Richard Clarkin, Gordon Masten, Genevieve Cocke

Monet’s radiant summer devoted to painting ends abruptly when his father and the art world criticize him. He contemplates giving up, but a lively young artist named Daniel persuades him otherwise. Having been abandoned by his own father, Daniel refuses to let Monet abandon his own son. As Monet shows him a new way to see the world through art, Daniel helps Monet rediscover the importance of family.

AWARD :

• 2000 – Kids First! Coalition for Quality Children’s Media (USA) 
  • Top 5 Video of the Year

WINSLOW HOMER: AN AMERICAN ORIGINAL
Directed by: Graeme Lynch
Written by: Heather Conkie
Produced by: David Devine, Richard Mozer
Co-produced by: Denise Robert & Daniel Louis
Starring: Allan Aarons, Brenda Devine, Clyde Whitham, Jennifer Gould, Ron Payne, Ryan Beboer, Tamara Hope

American artist Winslow Homer leaves his job as a Civil War illustrator to seek peace at a friend’s farm. There, he meets two troubled teenagers who, like him, are haunted by memories of the war. By confronting these ghosts together, they find new hope, and Homer rediscovers his artistic inspiration.

AWARDS :

• American Library Association (USA) :
  • Notable Children’s Video Award
• Kids First! Coalition for Quality Children’s Media (USA) :
  • Top 5 video of the year

1998

DEGAS AND THE DANCER
Directed by: David Devine
Written by: Heather Conkie
Produced by: David Devine & Richard Mozer
Co-produced by: Denise Robert & Daniel Louis
Starring: Thomas Jay Ryan, Alison Pill, Kathryn Long, Steve Fretwell, Ian D. Clark, Arlene Mazerolle, Robin Duke

In the midst of doubt, Degas finds inspiration in Marie, a young ballerina. He helps Marie believe in her talent, while she encourages him to persevere despite the art world’s criticisms. The artist and model become true friends, pursuing their dreams together.

AWARDS :

• 2000 – American Library Association (États-Unis) :
  • Notable Children’s Video Award
• 2000 - Writers Guild of Canada Award (Canada):
  • Winner for writing (Heather Conkie)

• 2000 – Yorkton Film Festival – Golden Sheaf Awards (Canada):
  • Best Art Direction Award (Cameron Porteous)
  • Best Children's Production Award (David Devine & Richard Mozer)
• 1999 – Humanitas Prize USA) :
  • Winner – Children's Live-ACTION Category (Heather Conkie)
• 1999 – Booklist Magazine, American Library Association (USA) :
  •  Editors' choice as one of the ''Best Videos of the Year    

• 1999 – Kids First! Coalition for Quality Children's Media (USA):
  • Top 5 video of the year
• 1999 – Kids First! Coalition for Quality Children's Media (États-Unis):
  • Top 5 video of the year
• 1999 – Parents' Choice Award (USA) :
  • Best Children's Production Award (David Devine & Richard Mozer)