Rogers Video Press Release: First Rites Gives Exposure to First Time and Emerging Independent Canadian Filmmakers Richmond, BC (July 30, 2000): Hitting Rogers Video stores nationwide September 5, a selection of independent Canadian feature films will take their spot next to the latest box office smash hits. With 600,000 customers visiting the video specialty retailer every week, this phenomenal exposure could prove to be the big break filmmakers hope for. Under the exclusive First Rites banner, Tribe Entertainment, The Asylum and Rogers Video will work together to introduce independent Canadian films in all 235 Rogers Video stores across the country. First Rites is a unique program highlighting emerging filmmakers and their films. Dedicated to finding films that too often slip under the radar, First Rites showcases the up-and-coming talent of independent filmmakers. Built into the program is the First Rites Film Development Fund where a portion of each rental will go to finance grants in order to help aspiring filmmakers get their projects made. As part of the initial launch, Rogers Video will release four First Rites films in September, with two titles following every month. A highlight of the first month's releases is THE VIGIL, the intense story of a group of twentysomethings who leave Alberta to join the vigil for Kurt Cobain in Seattle after his suicide. A story about a displaced generation, the film's director, Justin MacGregor, was a finalist for Shavick Entertainment's Best Emerging Director Award after the Vancouver International Film Festival. Also featured will be Toronto International Film Festival favorite PITCH, a behind-the-scenes exposé starring filmmakers Kenny Hotz and Spencer Rice (aka Kenny and Spenny) and their hilarious but futile attempts to sell their script to the Hollywood elite. The First Rites program was pioneered in October 1999 in Australia by Tribe. Tribe CEO and Chair Milt Barlow explains that "young directors the world over face the same problems – a lack of distribution and promotion. Attendance at film festivals clearly shows that the viewing public is looking for new, fresh films, and through this program, we can give them what they're looking for." Greg Wolchyn, Rogers Video's Category Manager, believes that one of the best ways to support the Canadian film industry is to make Canadian films available to the general public. "With this program, we are able to build upon our existing commitment to the industry by making Canadian films accessible." "We are looking for the best new Canadian talent – young filmmakers who have a vision," says Asylum partner David Rimawi. "The world is tuned more to indie films, and our audience cares about fresh stories and characters more than big stars and high budgets." With 235 stores across the country, Rogers Video is the largest Canadian-owned and operated specialty video retailer in Canada. Tribe is a multi-faceted entertainment company developing and distributing unique cutting-edge properties in film, video, television, music and interactive software partnered with a substantial on-line presence. The Asylum was founded in 1998 by former Village Roadshow Pictures executives Sherri Strain and David Rimawi, and award-winning filmmaker David Michael Latt to produce and distribute films for the "MTV generation" – young, hip and stylish, regardless of budget or cast.