Canada Rewards David Cronenberg's Loyalty, Contributes $2.7 Million to Cosmopolis

Canadian filmmakers take note: If you spend 40+ years making movies in the True North, the government may repay you for your loyalty by helping fund one of your projects. At least that is what the government's film financier Telefilm Canada is doing for David Cronenberg by covering $2.7 million of his budget for Cosmopolis, his adaptation of Don DeLillo's novel starring Robert Pattinson.

In a statement from Telefilm Canada, executive director Carolle Brabant praised the decorated director/screenwriter for never abandoning his homeland.

"David Cronenberg is the definitive Canadian artist, who despite receiving many tempting offers to move to Hollywood, has remained in Canada to practice his craft."

Ouch, James Cameron and Ivan Reitman.

The director responded in kind with his own statement, "Telefilm has made my career in Canada possible. Their continuous support of my work since my early days as a filmmaker has allowed me to remain and work at home."

The Canadian lovefest will likely continue at least until Cosmopolis wraps production in July.

· Canada Rewards David Cronenberg For Not Moving To Hollywood [THR]