New Ukrainian television program is launched in Montreal (11/05/06)

New Ukrainian television program is launched in Montreal

MONTREAL - CH Television has launched a new, much-anticipated, weekly Ukrainian half-hour program called "Suziria," that reflects the activity of the Ukrainian community in Montreal and the province of Quebec.

The program features interviews, primarily in the Ukrainian-language, on various topics with such guests as Canadian opera singer Taras Kulish, Montreal artist Serhij Burtovyy, lawyer Evhen Czolij on the fourth World Forum of Ukrainians and Prof. Roman Serbyn on his recent research in Kyiv.

A special CH television film crew in September covered the annual Ukrainian Festival in Rosemount, in which over 10,000 Montrealers participated.

With the unveiling of a commemorative internment plaque in Beauport and Valcartier, Quebec, in October, a special program focused on the internment of Ukrainians in Quebec. Interviews were conducted with Peter Pawliw from Sherbrooke, whose mother was interned at Spirit Lake; with Kim Pawliw, his daughter, whose poem on the internment won a Quebec competition; and with Zorianna Hrycenko-Luhova, a researcher on the internment documentary "Freedom Had A Price."

Every week, the television program highlights the newest top three popular songs from Ukraine, instructs viewers how to find specific Ukrainian sites on the computer, introduces viewers to works of young, up and coming Ukrainian filmmakers in Montreal, focuses on the presidents and activities of the many Montreal organizations, and airs weekly announcements about various community events.

The television program is geared to both young and old, and is especially appreciated by the elderly who are unable to attend the various functions but still want to have a connection with the community.

The Ukrainian program fulfills the mandate of the station, a division of CanWest MediaWorks, to reflect the various communities in Canada. The Montreal program was initiated in large part by Isabella Federigi, the CH Television station manager - who recognized that the Ukrainian community in Montreal and Quebec is over 100 years old - and by Istan Rozumny, filmmaker and a CH TV program director.

The duration of the program is guaranteed for six months. However, as Ms. Federigi stated, "The station could bring it back if the show proves to be a good investment and serves the community properly. CH tries to give a chance to communities, to have a local show by using a rotation process." Many of the 18 Montreal ethno-cultural communities have continuous programming by financially supporting their community TV program.

The weekly hosts of "Suziria" are Oksana Zhovtulia and Anastasia Kyva. The production line-up and researcher is Valentyna Golash, and the program director is Istan Rozumny. "Suziria" can be viewed on CH Channel 14 four times a week every Saturday at 9:30 p.m., Sunday at 9 p.m., Tuesday at 11 p.m. and Friday at 5 p.m.

The Montreal Ukrainian television program welcomes comments and program suggestions; readers may call 514-522-4150 or e-mail [email protected].

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