Made-in-Alberta Brokeback Mountain takes home three Oscars

Award profile a boost to Alberta film industry

March 6, 2006, Calgary... Not much could be heard above the cheering Brokeback Mountain crew members who were gathered to watch the Academy Awards on the big screen in Calgary. The Alberta Brokeback Mountain crew were happy to win three awards, although the film did not bring home the coveted award for Best Picture.

“I am pleased,” says Minister of Economic Development Clint Dunford, “Winning at the Oscars provides a credential booster for the both the local crew and for the province. Boosting Alberta’s image like this means more film business in the future and the imagery captured by Alberta’s inspiring mountain scenery will have a lasting effect on Alberta’s tourism for years to come.”

Damien Petti, president of IATSE Local 212, the union representing most of the 600 crew who worked on the film, was also among the cheering crowd watching the Academy Awards. “Credibility. Alberta crews have even more of that after tonight. Our crews have had an amazing year, and we’ve proven to the world that we can produce high-quality films right here in Alberta.”

Brokeback Mountain, filmed in southern Alberta in summer 2004, was nominated for eight awards and won three including awards for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score.

Contact Information

Shelby J. MacLeod

Minister’s Office

Alberta Economic Development

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