New York -
Canadians have left an impression at Robert De Niro's Tribeca Film Festival in New York.
"Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage", which was screened Sunday night, won the audience appreciation award presented by Heineken.
The directors Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn also receive a cash prize of $25,000.
The film which traces the band's colourful history starting at a Toronto high school also goes a long way to accomplish the goals set out by the directors - to give the Canadian band the attention they deserve.
McFadyen has said the film is essentially about how underappreciated Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart are outside of their rabid fanbase.
Rush is ranked third for having the most consecutive gold or platinum studio albums, behind only the Beatles and Rolling Stones, but seems to get little attention outside its fanbase.
The directors recruited members of the Foo Fighters, Kiss, Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against the Machine, Smashing Pumpkins, Tool and comedian Jack Black to push home the point.
Nancy Schafer, executive director of the Tribeca Film Festival, said, "The best documentary films are just great stories with characters who jump off the screen, and that is certainly the case with 'Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage.'"
"Scot and Sam have told a great story with their film, which is insightful and entertaining to audiences whether or not they are part of the band's formidable fan base."
"An intimate but energetic portrayal of one of the most prolific rock bands, 'Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage' highlights the juxtaposition of music and film as an art form and we hope that Rush fans and audiences around the world embrace the film the way Tribeca audiences have."
"What wonderful recognition for the hard and diligent work Sam and Scot did to bring this film to the public.
"We are so thrilled that they have received such a prestigious honour from the Tribeca Film Festival," said Lee, Lifeson and Peart.
It was also shown at Toronto's Hot Docs documentary festival.
The other Canadian film that left an impression was an unlikely one.
"The Trotsky" stars Jay Baruchel ("Undeclared," "Tropic Thunder") as a Canadian high schooler, Leon, who believes he's the reincarnation of Bolshevik revolutionary Leon Trotsky.
The film is directed by Montrealer Jacob Tierney and the cast also includes Canadians Emily Hampshire, Liane Balaban, Genevieve Bujold and Colm Feore.
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
