Just say Yes by MATTHEW HAYS Concordia University's film department, renamed the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema after a hefty private donation by the local film connoisseur, is holding its 26th annual anthology of its best and brightest. Known simply as the Year-End Screening (YES), the event runs this Tuesday, May 4 to Thursday, May 6. The films are always an uneven mishmash, for sure, but there are guaranteed moments of glory from one of Canada's best film schools. Among Concordia's alumni are an impressive list of Canuck film talent, including Daniel Cross (The Street), Arto Paragamian (Because Why, Cosmos), Pascale Bussières (Eldorado, August 32nd on Earth, When Night Is Falling), François Girard (32 Short Films About Glenn Gould, The Red Violin), Lynn Stopkewich (Kissed) and Claudia Morgado (Unbound), to name but a few. Screenings are held at 7 p.m. in the Hall Building (1455 de Maisonneuve W.). The suits from Famous Players were showing off their currently-under-construction project in the Simpson Building earlier this week. The six-story, 12-screen (plus one 3-D Imax screen) cinema complex features the now-obligatory cushy seats and will include a bar, an arcade and a bevy of restos and fast-food joints to chow down at. Called The Paramount, the cinema will open its doors on June 18; Famous spokespeople estimate the entire cost of the new complex at $25 million. There is no immediate plan to shut down other Famous downtown cinemas such as the Loews, Palace or Eaton Centre cinema (though they have put the Loews up for sale). Another feature at the new cinema will be infrared-operated headphones for the hearing impaired, allowing them to pump up the volume without disturbing neighbours. The new screens will undoubtedly heighten the competition for the city's cinema owners; what's most laudable about the project is its part in the rejuvenation of the beautiful old Simpson Building. The national film mag Take One has released its Essential Guide to Films & Filmmakers in Canada (currently available on newsstands). Edited by Wyndham Wise, the dictionary-style book offers an impressive range of well-written entries about hundreds of Canuck film types and their movies. Also listed are Genie and Oscar winners and a time line of major events in our nation's cinematic history. Geoff Pevere introduces the book with a witty and insightful essay about Canada's influences on Hollywood. The guide provides a welcome edition to any film buff's library. Montreal-born filmmaker (and total babe) John L'Ecuyer is now shooting Saint-Jude, his latest feature, in town. The film stars Liane Balaban and Nick Campbell and tells the story of a runaway who attempts to elude the dope dealer who's trailing her. L'Ecuyer has street experience in Montreal; he's an ex-junkie who's made exceptional films about characters involved with heroin, including Curtis's Charm and Confessions of a Rabid Dog. Also worth noting: the aforementioned Arto Paragamian is about to begin shooting his latest feature. Look for John Turturro about town, who has signed on to star in the film. COMMENTS: matt_hays@babylon.montreal.qc.ca