Guy Maddin’s critically acclaimed Dracula: Pages from a Virgin’s Diary adds the International Emmy for best arts programming to its growing list of awards. It was one of only seven programming awards presented at the 30th annual gala held in New York City Nov. 25.

This prestigious award marks the fifth in a string of national and international awards for Maddin’s interpretation of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s performance of Dracula.

During Dracula’s development, producer Vonnie Von Helmolt’s vision was to make a performing arts film that played like a feature, which required the visual and storytelling skills of one of Canada’s top film directors. ‘This little ballet film,’ as Von Helmolt calls it, has managed to turn heads all over the world.

In addition to its recent International Emmy, the $1.6-million, made-for-TV presentation won for best film at the Sitges International Festival of Cinema in Spain in October, beating out big features like David Cronenberg’s Spider and Dino De Laurentiis’ Red Dragon.

Last month, Dracula won two Gemini awards: best director in a performing arts program for Maddin and best performing arts program. It also won the Grand Prix at the Prague International Television Festival.

And after debuting on CBC’s Opening Night in February, the film was transferred to 35mm, when distributors requested a theatrical release. In July, Dracula’s theatrical premiere in New York sold out and the film has been released theatrically in the U.S., France, U.K. and Canada so far. Dracula is distributed theatrically by E.D. in France, Zeitgeist in the U.S. and Domino Film and Television International in Canada. Rhombus International has worldwide television rights.

-www.iemmys.tv