(Montreal) Nicknamed “the builder” in the Quebec film industry, Mel Hoppenheim died Wednesday at the age of 84.
Posted yesterday at 9:32 p.m.
Founder of Panavision (Canada) in Montreal in 1965, Mel Hoppenheim then launched the construction of facilities in Toronto and Vancouver. In 1988, he acquired the Expo Theater of the Cité du Havre. This will give birth to the MELS film studios of Montreal.
“A pioneer of our industry in Canada and a great visionary, the list of his achievements is impressive, particularly with the construction of the MELS film studios in Montreal, shared MELS on the social network Facebook. On behalf of the entire large MELS family, we would like to offer our most sincere condolences to his loved ones. »
In 1997, Mr. Hoppenheim donated $1 million to Concordia University to support the development of film students in the Faculty of Fine Arts. The department was subsequently renamed the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema.
He also co-founded the National Institute of Image and Sound (Inis). The director general of Inis, Jean Hamel, also underlined in a publication on Facebook that the institute and the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television paid tribute to him in June 2009 to thank him for his exceptional contribution. to training the next generation.
Mr. Hoppenheim also received the Special Grand Prix of the Americas to highlight his entire career at the World Film Festival in 2012.
“With the death of Mel Hoppenheim, an important page in Quebec cinematographic and television history is turned. I have known Mel for many years in various capacities, notably at Inis or as a faithful contributor to Cinemania. I would like to salute the passionate man and the builder that he was,” said Pierre Roy, Chairman of Cinemania’s Board of Directors.
Each year, the Mel Hoppenheim Audience Award celebrates the most popular feature film in the festival’s selection.
He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Schirmer, and many loved ones.
The funeral will be held Friday noon at Paperman et fils in Montreal. They will also be webcast by the funeral home.