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Guy Maddin

Alumnus, Filmmaker, Author, Artist


Guy Maddin

Guy Maddin

Telling stories with a twist

When Guy Maddin walked the halls of The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ in the 1970s, he had no idea he was going to become one of Canada's most well-known and celebrated filmmakers.

He was studying Economics and graduated in 1977 to take on odd jobs as a bank manager, house painter, and photo archivist. Maddin took some film classes and then joined the Â鶹´«Ã½ Film Group, allowing him to experiment and develop his distinct style which recreates the look and feel of silent or early-sound-era films.

His feature film debut, Tales from the Gimli Hospital (1988), about a lonely fisherman who contracts smallpox, became a cult success and established Maddin's reputation in independent film circles. He received a Genie nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Maddin has directed 11 feature films and numerous short films, in addition to publishing three books and creating a host of installation art projects. He has received many international film awards, was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2012 and has been a Visiting Lecturer at Harvard University.

For his artistic energy, his passionate urge to create, his willingness to share his vision with others, and for his mentorship of a generation of aspiring Â鶹´«Ã½ filmmakers and artists, Maddin received the 2001 UÂ鶹´«Ã½ Distinguished Alumni Award.


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