1) Canadian coproduction The Breadwinner is nominated for Best Animated Feature Film at the 90th Academy Awards! (And hey, by the way, just in case you needed another reason to coproduce with Canada, here are eight of ’em).

The fact that it’s a Canadian coproduction (with Ireland and Luxembourg) is just one of the many Canadian connections of this inspiring animated flick…

2) Canadian talent! The Breadwinner’s main voice actor is Canadian! Saara Chaudry plays the lead role of Parvana. The actress recently earned an ACTRA Award for Outstanding Performance – Voice for her work in The Breadwinner. The film’s other Canadian talent includes Soma Chhaya, Laara Sadiq, Ali Badshah, Shaista Latif, and Ali Kazmi. Two of its producers are also Canadian: Anthony Leo and Andrew Rosen, both of Toronto’s Aircraft Pictures.

3) Canadian scribes! Two Canadian women are the writers behind The Breadwinner screenplay: Anita Doron and Deborah Ellis. The feature is based on the acclaimed young adult novel of the same name, penned by Ellis. According to her website bio, Ellis has written more than thirty books; was named to the Order of Canada; and has won many awards including the Governor General’s Literary Award.

4) Through the non-profit organization Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, Parvana’s Fund supports the education of women and children in Afghanistan. Ellis donated royalties from The Breadwinner book series to Parvana’s Fund.

5) Movie with a message. Directed by Nora Twomey and set in Afghanistan, Parvana is a young girl who takes on the responsibility of helping support her family after her dad is arrested by the Taliban, and to be able to work, she must therefore dress up as a boy.

6) Angelina Jolie is The Breadwinner‘s executive producer, and of course she has also done a vast amount of work as a UNHCR Special Envoy and Goodwill Ambassador, including helping to build a school in Afghanistan.

7) Even more awards: In addition to its Oscar nomination, the film was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Animated; and right here at home, The Breadwinner is nominated for–count ’em–six Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Picture, Best Animated Feature, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The 90th Academy Awards are March 4, 2018 and the Canadian Screen Awards are March 11, 2018.

Bonus reason: Not to brag, but we’re glad to say this film was supported by Telefilm Canada and The Talent Fund.