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Canadian Documentary Premiere on OMNI.1

The “R” Word

English language version – Sunday, April 5th at 7PM ET on OMNI.1
Portuguese Language Version: COMING SOON!

 

March 26, 2009 - Toronto, ON - Rogers OMNI Television is proud to present the world television premiere of The “R” Word as part of its Signature Series. The 60 minute independently produced documentary launches to English speaking audiences on OMNI.1, Sunday, April 5th at 7:00 p.m.

An emotionally charged new project from Pierre Tétrault, Writer/Director/Executive Producer and Doris Rajan, Writer/Producer, The “R” Word tells the story of people with intellectual disabilities and their families in Canada.

Previously known as “mentally retarded,” Canadians with what is now termed “intellectual disabilities” have been institutionalized for decades. They have been abused, feared and misunderstood for centuries -- denied even basic human rights, including the right to live in the community.

“Intellectual disability touches the lives of a wide diversity of Canadians, regardless of heritage, income level, gender or age,” says Pierre Tétrault.  “The “R” Word takes us across many regions of Canada -- an apt metaphor as intellectual disability has no boundaries -- and profiles the lives of diverse individuals.  We thank for OMNI leading the way and setting an example for other mainstream Canadian broadcasters by bringing these stories to a diversity of viewers.”

The “R” Word tells the stories of three generations of families and individuals: stories of struggle, against judgmental attitudes and lack of support, and of incredible strength, courage and love in the face of challenge.

“An ongoing theme among documentaries funded by OMNI is the triumph of the human spirit over hardship, an experience with which we all can identify,” says Madeline Ziniak, National Vice President of OMNI.  “Among the criteria for OMNI’s Independent Producers Initiative is that the project will resonate across culture and generation and The “R” Word is just such a project.”

Viewers of The “R” Word will be left with a renewed sense of urgency for us to create an environment where all people can maximize their potential without fear of discrimination and degradation – and how that process, in turn, makes us all feel more fully human.

The Portuguese language (subtitled) version of The “R” Word will air on OMNI.1 at a date and time to be announced.

The “R” Word was exclusively funded through OMNI's Independent Producers Initiative, a $32.5 million independent production fund that to date has supported over 200 new documentary programmes.  Interested producers can access funding criteria at OMNI Television’s web site http://www.omnitv.ca/ontario/info/funds .

About Rogers OMNI Television
Rogers OMNI is a free, over-the-air multilingual/multicultural television system made up of five regional broadcasters: in BC; in Alberta (Calgary and Edmonton) and in Ontario, via stations OMNI.1 and OMNI.2.  All Rogers OMNI stations share the collective mandate to reflect Canada’s diversity through the airing of inclusive and accessible programming, and are part of Rogers Media Inc., a division of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI and NYSE: RCI) which is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. In addition to specializing in Canadian multilingual/multicultural programming, OMNI carries well-known American and International series and films – including a station-wide schedule of East Asian Super Cinema and South Asian Bollywood Freetime Movies.

About the Producers
Pierre Tétraultand Doris Rajan have collaborated on a number of projects since 1997.  Mr. Tétrault has a long history of creating art around social justice issues in various media; documentary, theatre and film. Doris Rajan has worked on a number of documentaries and educational videos that deal with the issues of marginalization and human rights. Their collaborative work includes the award-winning documentary, the National Film Board’s This Beggar’s Description and presently a new play entitled Gandhi High to be staged in Toronto later in 2009.

To secure a screening copy of The “R” Word,photos for print or to interview anyone associated with its production please contact:

OMNI Media Contact:
Sandy Zwyer – Programme Information Coordinator, 416-260-3590 sandy.zwyer@rci.rogers.com
Koreen Ott – Director, Marketing and Public Relations, 416-764-3250 koreen.ott@rci.rogers.com

Pierre Tétrault Media Inc,  Contact:
Doris Rajan - Producer, 416- 409-7025 d.rajan@rogers.com