A celluloid helping of Canadiana isn’t any less palatable because it’s been dished up elsewhere, says VIFF’s Terry McEvoy.

Run Robot Run!

VIFF has this year uncovered a goldmine of docs that dig behind the daily headlines of terrorist acts and social injustices to come up with investigative or human stories that inform and inspire.

Since the Ottawa International Animation Festival first launched 30 years ago, the North American animation industry has shifted gears from producing for TV and film to creating customizable content for many screens, including broadband, iPods and mobile phones. And the 2006 OIAF looks to guide the delegates through this new media landscape.

OIAF artistic director Chris Robinson admits it’s difficult to narrow down the films in competition at this year’s fest, but points to a number of possible buzz-makers.

* CanWest Global has appointed Derek H. Burney as chairman of the board, taking over for interim chairman David Drybrough. Burney is an advisor to the law firm of Ogilvy Renault and was Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. from 1989-1993.

Of the many Canadian films at this year’s WFF, one of the most noteworthy was That Beautiful Somewhere, a neo-noir thriller starring Quebec bright light Roy Dupuis that made its debut on Aug. 26.

Tom Sizemore (Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down) poses with Grace Kosaka, director of the Rebelfest International Film Festival, upon winning the second annual Toronto fest’s Rebel Award on Sept. 10, recognizing his ‘outstanding contribution’ to independent film.

Recent fall seasons in Quebec have seen increasingly heated showdowns between its two big networks, market leader TVA and public broadcaster Radio-Canada.

This year’s domestic summer box office was up by around 7% over that of 2005, according to industry estimates, putting to rest fears that Canadians were fleeing the multiplex.

Long-gone legal drama This Is Wonderland has the edge going into the 21st annual Gemini Awards, with a total of 12 nominations, including nods for best dramatic series and best female lead for Cara Pifko. Science drama ReGenesis, from The Movie Network and Movie Central, follows with 10 noms.

Alliance Atlantis’ Motion Picture Distribution has blocked the expected launch of a rival company headed by Victor Loewy with a court injunction, stalling its departed chair until an arbitrator can determine whether his non-compete clause – reportedly binding until next July – should be upheld.