The National Screen Institute Canada – (NSI) is proud to announce the world premiere of All-in Madonna at the 2020 Whistler Film Festival (WFF) on December 9. The film, directed by Korean-Canadian Arnold Lim and written by Susie Winters, was developed through the NSI Features First program.

NSI Features First is a renowned development training launch pad for producer/writer teams looking to produce their first or second feature film with strong commercial appeal. All-in Madonna was selected for the NSI Features First program in 2017. Arnold and Susie’s script was then in its early stages. Through the program, they worked with industry experts and mentors to prepare it for production.

All-in Madonna is nominated for the Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature at WFF. The film will stream online from December 9 to 31.

“The National Screen Institute was a key part of the journey for our feature film All-in Madonna,” said Arnold. “I truly believe the All-in Madonna feature film would not have been made if it weren’t for the support of NSI. They are truly one of the great supporters, not only for filmmakers, but for independent artists in Canada.”

After successfully completing the 10-month training program, NSI recommended All-in Madonna for the Telefilm Talent to Watch program. Through this program, Arnold and Susie received support for film production and distribution. The film began production in early 2019.

“We have seen first-hand the impact that NSI Features First has had on our alumni,” said NSI CEO Joy Loewen. “All-in Madonna will be the 24th fully produced feature to come from this program. We are beyond proud to see Arnold and Susie’s dedication and hard work pay off.”

All-in Madonna is a coming-of-age story about Maddie (Melanie Rose Wilson) – a homeschooled teen living in a rural rainforest community. When Maddie insists on attending public school for the first time, she begins to hear rumours her father is involved in a murder. Maddie is forced to look at her father in a whole new way, and must reconcile the man she thought she knew with the man he might be.

The film also stars Adam Lolacher, Celine Stubel, Jacki Gunn, James Dean, Arabella Costello, James Hutson, Shaughnessy Redden.

NSI Features First 2017 was funded by Presenting Sponsor Telefilm Canada; Program Partner Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation; Supporting Sponsors Entertainment One, Super Channel, Corus Entertainment and Breakthrough Entertainment; NSI Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council.