OMNI.1 Premieres "Georgi Danevski: Confessions of the Heart" - Macedonian language version
English language version: COMING SOON!
March 8, 2010 - Toronto, ON - OMNI Television is proud to present the world television premiere of Georgi Danevski: Confessions of the Heart, as part of its Language Documentary Specials series. The 60 minute documentary launches its Macedonian language version on OMNI.1, Saturday, March 13th at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Georgi Danevski: Confessions of the Heart, produced and directed by Vasil (Bill) Yancoff, traces the life and career of Toronto artist Georgi Danevski from his childhood in Macedonia to his current status as one of North America’s most renowned mural artists.
“Bill Yancoff’s documentary showcases a remarkably dedicated individual whose work is widely esteemed and in steady demand,” says Madeline Ziniak, National Vice President of OMNI Television. “We were happy to support the production of Georgi Danevski: Confessions of the Heart for its cross-over appeal to spiritual and aesthetic audiences alike.”
Growing up in Macedonia, Georgi Danevski was literally surrounded by inspiration. Danevski and his friends would play games among the terracotta icons in what was actually an archaeological site. He often accompanied his grandmother when she attended a local Macedonian Orthodox church, and he became enthralled with its magnificent icons and frescoes.
But it wasn’t until years later, when two Canadian Macedonians came to Vinica, Macedonia in search of an artist to adorn the Toronto church of North America’s largest Macedonian Orthodox congregation that Danevski and his family’s life would change dramatically.
“The trials and tribulations Georgi and his family faced during their first years in Canada, were similar to those met by many newcomers,” says Vasil Yancoff, who also wrote and researched Georgi Danevski: Confessions of the Heart. “However, there is only one Georgi Danevski; he is a genuine national treasure. I thank OMNI Television for helping me bring his story forward.”
In addition to church art, Georgi Danevski also specializes in the painting of horses and counts among his fans, legendary jockey Sandy Hawley.
Georgi Danevski: Confessions of the Heart was exclusively funded through OMNI's Independent Producers Initiative, a $32.5 million independent production fund that to date has supported over 400 new documentary programmes. Interested producers can access funding criteria at OMNI Television’s web site www.OMNItv.ca .
About OMNI Television
OMNI™ is a free, over-the-air multilingual/multicultural television system committed to positive portrayal and broadcast reflection of Canada’s diversity through the airing of inclusive and accessible programming. With five television stations -- in BC; Alberta (Calgary and Edmonton) and Ontario (OMNI.1 and OMNI.2) – OMNI reaches more than 23 million people in major market areas. As well as specializing in Canadian multilingual/ multicultural programming, OMNI carries well-known International series and films – including East Asian Super Cinema and South Asian Bollywood Freetime Movies. OMNI Television is a part of Rogers Broadcasting Limited., a division of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI and NYSE: RCI) which is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. For more information visit www.OMNItv.ca
About the producer
Vasil (Bill) Yancoff was born in Toronto to parents of Macedonian origin. He is a graduate of Toronto’s Centennial College and holds a diploma in Radio and Television Arts. Yancoff’s career spans print and broadcast journalism; he has worked as a news and sports reporter for CJCL Radio in Toronto and as a junior hockey reporter for The Globe and Mail. Vasil Yancoff then went on to produce Citytv’s Macedonian Mosaic programme and later established his current, long-time association with OMNI Television as producer of Macedonian Heritage Hour. Under his supervision, the programme has featured interviews with many prominent Canadians, including superstar hockey players of Macedonian descent, Ed Jovanovski and Jose Theodore, and has also become known among the local community as a “lifeline to their heritage.” Over and above his work as an independent producer, Vasil Yancoff participates in journalistic, industry and community related events, and is the 2nd Vice-President of the Canadian Ethnic Media Association.
OMNI Media Contact:
Veronica Logue – Publicity Manager, 416-764-3195 veronica.logue@rci.rogers.com
Sandy Zwyer – Programme Information Coordinator, 416-764-3085 sandy.zwyer@rci.rogers.com
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