Interest: Biography
Out Standing
Director
Mélanie Charbonneau
Quebec-based director Charbonneau started her career directing commercials. Her first short film, Seule (Single), played at several international festivals, including Cannes, and her short film Lunar-Orbit Rendezvous collected over 30 prizes at festivals internationally. Fabuleuses (Fabulous) was her first feature. She has also directed episodes of Je ne suis pas un robot (I am Not a Robot).
Writers
Mélanie Charbonneau, Martine Pagé, Sandra Perron
Cast
Antoine Olivier Pilon, Nina Kiri, Vincent Leclerc
Producers
Marcel Giroux, Julia Rosenberg
Genre
Drama
Interests
Biography, Discrimination, Female Filmmaker, History, Social Justice & Politics, Strong Female Leads
Original Language
English
Language Versions
EN CC, FR Subtitles
The Apprentice
Featuring Academy Award nominated performances by Stan and Strong, and winner of the Canadian Screen Award for Best Picture, this revelatory film is truly a biopic unlike any other.
“Thoughtful and inspired in its direction, engaging in its visual textures and featuring fully committed performances from its primary cast.” — John Serba, Decider
Director
Ali Abbasi
Writer
Gabriel Sherman
Cast
Jeremy Strong, Sebastian Stan, Martin Donovan
Producers
Ali Abbasi, Ruth Treacy, Louis Tisné
Genre
Drama
Interests
Biography, History
Original Language
English
Language Versions
EN CC, EN Subtitles, FR Dub, FR Subtitles, Other Dub, Other Subtitles
- Own Voice
Tomson Highway: kipimâtisinaw tapâhpeyahk
Director
Barry Bilinsky (Métis/Cree)
Writer
Barry Bilinsky (Métis/Cree)
Cast
Tompson Highway (Cree)
Producer
Chehala Leonard (Aseniwuche Winewak)
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Arts and Culture, Biography, BIPOC Stories, Indigenous Filmmaker
Original Language
Cree
Language Versions
EN Subtitles, FR Subtitles
Canadian Distributor
National Film Board (NFB)
- Own Voice
Hebron Relocation
Director
Holly Anderson (Labrador Inuit)
Writer
Holly Anderson (Labrador Inuit)
Producers
Latonia Hartery, Katherine Baulu
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Biography, BIPOC Stories, Discrimination, Female Filmmaker, History, Indigenous Filmmaker, Social Justice & Politics
Original Language
English
Language Versions
EN CC, FR Subtitles
Canadian Distributor
National Film Board (NFB)
Billy Bishop Goes to War
This film was inspired by the life of the legendary WWI flying ace from Owen Sound. Canadian acting legend Eric Peterson and award-winning writer/composer John Gray reprise their iconic two-man stage play that has captivated audiences for over three decades. Nearing the end of his life, an aged Bishop (Peterson) recounts the triumphs and horrors of World War One, “the war to end all wars”. Through raucous stories, haunting memories, and vibrant song, Bishop traces his journey from Royal Military College troublemaker to the top flying ace of the British Empire.
A story of the human cost of war on a scale the world had never seen before, this is an intimate and powerful portrait of a man who continues to capture the imagination.
Director
Barbara Willis Sweete
Cast
John Gray, Eric Peterson
Producer
Sandra Cunningham
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Interests
Biography, Female Filmmaker, History
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
Union Pictures
- Own Voice
Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story
A moving portrait that shines a light on the career of a trailblazer who was ahead of her time, this incredible story won the Special Jury Prize for Best Canadian Feature at Hot Docs 2024.
“A compelling investigation of an elusive life, as well as a talent so striking you’ll be amazed it remained forgotten for so long.” – Dennis Harvey, Variety
Directors
Michael Mabbott
Writer/director Mabbott made his debut with 2005’s Life and Hard Times of Guy Terrifico, winning Best Canadian First Feature Film at the Toronto International Film Festival. He followed with Citizen Duane and television shows like Baxter and The Yard. His short documentary Music Lessons premiered at Hot Docs 2015. He also wrote, produced, and co-directed Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, which was named to the TIFF 2024 Top Ten List.
Lucah Rosenberg-Lee
Lucah Rosenberg-Lee is an independent filmmaker, speaker and entrepreneur. He is passionate about telling the stories of marginalized voices through film and he specializes in documentary and LGBTQ+ content. He produced For Nonna Anna, which won the Best Narrative Short Award at the Atlanta Film Festival, and he co-directed the 2024 films Passing and Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, which won the DGC Special Jury Prize at Hot Docs 2024.
Writers
Alison Duke, Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, Michael Mabbott
Cast
Rob Bowman, James Baley, Bobby Dean Blackburn
Producers
Janet Bradey, Justine Pimlott, Michael Mabbott
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Arts and Culture, Biography, BIPOC Stories, Black Filmmaker, Discrimination, History, LGBTQ2S+, Social Justice & Politics, Strong Female Leads
Original Language
English
Language Version
FR Subtitles
Canadian Distributor
National Film Board (NFB)
- Own Voice
Ice Queens
A terrific showcase of the Black players and coaches that continue to make huge contributions to the sport, this documentary is an absolute must-watch for hockey fans.
Director
Damon Kwame Mason
Former TV and radio host Damon Kwame Mason transitioned to filmmaker when he wrote, directed and produced Soul on Ice: Past, Present and Future, a documentary about the contributions of black athletes to the sport of ice hockey. He went on to produce The Cannons in 2022, and directed Ice Queens, which was released in 2023.
Cast
Cassie Campbell-Pascal, Angela James, Sarah Nurse
Producer
Tom Cohen
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Biography, BIPOC Stories, Black Filmmaker, Discrimination, History, Social Justice & Politics, Sports, Strong Female Leads
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
Filmmaker
- Own Voice
Johanne, tout simplement (Simply Johanne)
A touching portrait of Johanne Harelle, a Canadian model who achieved international success as one of the first Black models in North America. Winner of the award for Outstanding Feature Film at the Reelworld Film Festival in 2024.
Director
Nadine Valcin
Writer
Nadine Valcin
Cast
Hamani Harrell, Alain Cadieux, Pauline Bernatchez
Producers
Ania Jamila, Josiane Blanc
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Arts and Culture, Biography, BIPOC Stories, Black Filmmaker, Female Filmmaker, History, Strong Female Leads
Original Language
French
Language Version
EN Subtitles
Canadian Distributor
Films du 3 Mars
Artie Shaw: Time is All You’ve Got
Director
Brigitte Berman
Writer
Brigitte Berman
Cast
Artie Shaw
Producers
Brigitte Berman, Don Haig
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Arts and Culture, Biography, History
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
Rialto Pictures
Lovable
Love: Why is it so difficult? That’s the question at the heart of Alan Zweig’s poignant and personal meditation about heartache and the inability to find ‘the one’. But rather than focusing solely on himself, he turns the camera outwards, getting a range of perspectives from single female friends that show the highs and lows of their relationships, and why they think it’s never worked out for them.
Using his distinctive style and wit, Zweig manages to make a film that anyone, no matter their relationship status, can relate to, and resonate with.
Director
Alan Zweig
Writer
Alan Zweig
Cast
Alan Zweig
Genre
Documentary
Interest
Biography
Original Language
English
Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe
For so many Canadians, Ernie Coombs and his character Mr. Dressup was an enduring childhood fixture, promoting the power of creativity, play and imagination. This heartwarming documentary traces the roots of the tv series Mr. Dressup, a universally celebrated and uniquely Canadian children’s programme, exploring its enduring legacy, and how it stayed true to its aim throughout its run of almost 30 years.
Winner of the People’s Choice Award for Best Documentary at TIFF, Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that is sure to bring a tear to your eye.
“The Magic of Make-Believe not only serves as a reminder of the joy Coombs brought to our young lives, but it also emphasizes the need for Mr. Dressup's patience and kindness today more than ever.” – Rachel Ho, Exclaim!
Director
Robert McCallum
Rob McCallum is an award-winning filmmaker whose work focuses on subjects such as video games, heavy metal, fanboy fanatics, and more. His feature documentary credits include Nintendo Quest, Missing Mom, Power of Grayskull: The Definitive History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, The Art of Protest, and Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make Believe, which won several awards, including the CSAs for best writing and best direction in a documentary, and the TIFF documentary People’s Choice Award.
Writers
Robert McCallum, Jordan Christopher Morris
Producers
Nina Keogh, Matthew Hornburg, Mark J.W. Bishop, Jordan Christopher Morris, Aeschylus Poulos
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Arts and Culture, Biography, ESL, History, Newcomer Stories
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
Amazon
- Own Voice
Short Film Programme
If you’d like to show several short films together as a programme, please feel free to get in touch for advice and tips on selecting the perfect combination for your needs.
Director
Shorts Programme
Genres
Action/Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Experimental, Family, Horror, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Thriller
Interests
Arts and Culture, Biography, BIPOC Stories, Bullying, Classics, Cult & Offbeat Cinema, Discrimination, Environment, ESL, Family Relationships, Female Filmmaker, Global Experiences, History, Indigenous Filmmaker, LGBTQ2S+, Literary Adaptation, Newcomer Stories, Social Justice & Politics, Sports, Strong Female Leads
Original Languages
English, French
- Own Voice
Foster Child
At 35 years old, filmmaker Gil Cardinal makes the decision to seek out his biological family, sending him on a journey into his own roots, uncovering an ancestry he knew nothing about. As Cardinal discovers that he was forcibly taken from his Métis mother, the film shifts into addressing the ongoing systematic oppression of Indigenous peoples.
This incredibly personal documentary was a landmark in Indigenous storytelling on film, and received many accolades including the Gemini award for directing.
Director
Gil Cardinal (Métis)
Cardinal was a groundbreaking filmmaker whose work embodied the complex history of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. His body of work includes NFB documentaries such as Foster Child and The Spirit Within alongside television series such as North of 60, Big Bear, Chiefs, and Indian Summer: The Oka Crisis. In 1997, he received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Film and Television, and in 2003, he won the Alanis Obomsawin Best Documentary Award at the ImagineNATIVE Film Festival for Totem: the Return of the G’psgolox Pole.
Cast
Gil Cardinal (Métis), Don Cardinal (Métis)
Producer
Jerry Krepakevich
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Biography, BIPOC Stories, Classics, History, Indigenous Filmmaker, Social Justice & Politics
Original Language
English
- Own Voice
Joe
Director
Jill Haras
Genre
Animation
Interests
Biography, BIPOC Stories, Discrimination, Female Filmmaker, Global Experiences, History, Social Justice & Politics
Original Language
English
- Own Voice
Jordan Gordon’s Guide to Kuujjuaq
Director
Jordan Gordon (Inuk)
Writer
Jordan Gordon (Inuk)
Genres
Comedy, Documentary
Interests
Biography, BIPOC Stories, Environment, Indigenous Filmmaker
Original Language
English
- Own Voice
Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair
As the Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Senator Murray Sinclair is a key figure in raising global awareness of the atrocities of Canada’s residential school system. Master documentarian Alanis Obomsawin blends Senator Sinclair’s thought-provoking acceptance speech from his WFM-Canada World Peace Award with powerful testimonies of survivors of the residential school system.
With determination, wisdom and kindness, Senator Sinclair provides a clear and nuanced explanation of the residential school system and its profound ongoing impacts, and asserts that actual reconciliation requires accepting these difficult truths about Canada’s past and present. The film reminds us to honour the lives and legacies of those affected, lays out avenues for real change, and ultimately leaves us with a profound feeling of hope for a better future.
Director
Alanis Obomsawin (Abenaki)
Legendary Abenaki filmmaker Obomsawin has made over 50 documentaries on issues affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada, including Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance, Trick or Treaty?, Is the Crown at War with Us?, Our People Will Be Healed and Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger. Her most recent film is the short documentary Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair. Next, she is set to appear in an episode of Marie Clements' Bones of Crows: The Series.
Writer
Alanis Obomsawin (Abenaki)
Cast
Murray Sinclair
Producer
Alanis Obomsawin (Abenaki)
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Biography, BIPOC Stories, Female Filmmaker, History, Indigenous Filmmaker, Social Justice & Politics
Original Language
English
Alias Grace
Adapted from Margaret Atwood’s Giller prize-winning novel of the same name, this miniseries has received universal acclaim, earning 5 Canadian Screen Awards including best limited series.
Director
Mary Harron
Harron is an award-winning Canadian filmmaker and screenwriter, and former entertainment critic. She gained recognition for her role in writing and directing several independent films, including writing I Shot Andy Warhol, and co-writing as well as directing American Psycho. Her most recent film, Daliland starring Sir Ben Kingsley, premiered at TIFF 2022.
Writer
Sarah Polley
Cast
Edward Holcroft, Rebeccah Liddiard, Sarah Gadon
Producers
Sarah Polley, D.J. Carson
Genre
Drama
Interests
Biography, Female Filmmaker, History, Literary Adaptation
Original Language
English
- Own Voice
Cree Code Talker
Director
Alexandra Lazarowich (Cree)
Producers
Alexandra Lazarowich (Cree), Cowboy Smithx (Blackfoot)
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Biography, BIPOC Stories, Female Filmmaker, History, Indigenous Filmmaker
Original Language
English
Radical
Director
Deanne Foley
Writer
Mary Walsh
Cast
Mary Walsh
Producer
Annette Clarke
Genre
Comedy
Interests
Arts and Culture, Biography, Female Filmmaker, Strong Female Leads
Original Language
English
McLaren’s Negatives
Director
Marie-Josée Saint-Pierre
Writer
Marie-Josée Saint-Pierre
Cast
Patrick Coutu
Genre
Animation
Interests
Arts and Culture, Biography, Female Filmmaker
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
National Film Board (NFB)