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Deepa Mehta at Beeba Boys WireImage/Getty for TIFF |
“The relationship between artists and critics can certainly
be fractious, but in a strange way we are inextricably connected – we all have
a passion for movies (well not all movies) and value it when they make a
contribution to increasing our understanding of each other and reveal the
foibles of human existence,” says Mehta. “I admit that I am sometimes strongly opposed
to the views expressed by some critics and perhaps am too vocal at times about
my disagreements. This makes this award even more precious to me.”
TFCA President Brian D. Johnson adds that Mehta's career extends across borders an styles, noting in a release, "In a career spanning 25 years, her films have crossed boundaries between continents and cultures, genres and genders. As a fiercely independent female director, with a canvas that ranges from brutal injustice to Bollywood delirium, she's shown there's no limit to where a Canadian movie can go."
Last year’s winner, TIFF CEO Piers Handling, selected
filmmaker Randall Okita (The Weatherman and the Shadowboxer) to receive the prize. Which filmmaker should Mehta
pick?