Leonie Forbes & Peter Williams to be recognised in New York

Leonie Forbes to be honored by Consulate General of Jamaica in New York

Toronto – November 7, 2007

Actor and Broadcaster Leonie Forbes will be honored at a special reception being hosted by the Jamaican Consulate General in New York on Tuesday November 20, 2007, to recognize her work as a film artist who has achieved success in the Jamaican and international industries.

Also being recognized at the event will be Jamaican-Canadian film and television star Peter Williams.

Both actors will be in New York to attend the reception and screening of their award-winning feature film, A Winter Tale, which will have its US premiere as the Opening Night Gala at the New York African Diaspora Film Festival on November 23rd.

Known as Jamaica’s First Lady of Theatre and Film, Leonie Forbes began her career training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.

Her talent, drive, and dynamism established her as one of the Caribbean's most respected artists. She has received many awards including: the Order of Distinction from the Jamaican government; the silver and bronze Musgrave (top awards of the arts, culture and science in Jamaica); and the Institute of Jamaica's Centenary Medal. Forbes graced the silver screen in major Hollywood pictures, performed in dozens of theatrical productions, and has worked as a radio broadcaster and programmer in Jamaica. Her selected credits include: Old Story Time, Arawak Gold, Champagne and Sky Juice, and Smile Orange. Her film and television credits include: Shattered Image, Milk and Honey, Passion and Paradise, What My Mother Told Me, and Children of Babylon.

In 2003 Forbes starred in the ground-breaking Caribbean-Canadian sitcom Lord Have Mercy for which she was nominated for a Gemini Award - Canada's equivalent of the Emmys - in the category of Best Actress in a Comedy or Drama.

Forbes’ latest role is in Frances-Anne Solomon's powerful award-winning feature A Winter Tale, which has been selected to open the 15th African Diaspora Film Festival in Manhattan in November.

1995 Genie Nominee Peter Williams who stars in the film alongside Ms. Forbes, is one of Canada's finest actors. Williams has built his impressive career acting in Canadian films such as "Soul Survivor", directed by his brother acclaimed Hollywood director Steven Williams, and "Love Come Down" directed by Clement Virgo, as well as many Hollywood film & television programs like "The Chronicles Of Riddick" and "Stargate SG-1".

A Winter Tale tells the emotional story of a Black men's support group that begins to meet at a local Caribbean Takeaway restaurant after the shooting death of a young child. It features a talented ensemble cast, including Forbes and Williams, and took home the Outstanding Canadian Feature Film Award at the prestigious ReelWorld Film Festival, as well as Best Feature at the Trinidad Film Festival, among several other awards.

A Winter Tale will have its Gala premiere at the ADFF on November 23rd, with additional screenings on November 25th and Dec 1st.