Toronto’s two largest film festivals have each launched projects to commemorate Canada’s 150th birthday.
The Hot Docs festival is commissioning a film of its own for the first time in its 23-year history. In the Name of All Canadians is a compilation of six short documentaries inspired by Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Participating filmmakers include Ariel Nasr (The Boxing Girls of Kabul) and Aisha Jamal; Patrick Reed (Guantanamo’s Child: Omar Khadr) and Andréa Schmidt; Karen Chapman (Walk Good); Jean-François Caissy (La marche à suivre); Janelle and Jérémie Wookey (A Right to Eat); Vivian Belik and Jennifer Bowen-Allen.
“It’s a groundbreaking step for Hot Docs as an organization to commission work from filmmakers from across the country,” said Elizabeth Radshaw, Hot Docs’ industry programs director.
“By celebrating documentary voices and stories inspired by the Charter, we hope this compilation will add a unique dimension to the commemoration of Canada’s 150th anniversary, while looking forward on our country’s courage and future.”
The film will be shown for the first time on June 28, just prior to Canada Day, at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema in Toronto. After that it will tour the country, stream online, and become part of the Docs for Schools educational program.
The Toronto International Film Festival has announced a partnership with REEL CANADA’S National Canadian Film Day. On April 19, TIFF’s national outreach program, Film Circuit, will partner with REEL CANADA’S National Canadian Film Day 150 (NCFD 150) to present over 150 free screenings across Canada. Film titles will be chosen from the Canada on Screen list, TIFF’s free yearlong program celebrating Canada 150.
“Our dream for Canada’s 150th birthday is to share the best of Canadian culture across the country, especially in communities that may not otherwise have access to our moving-image heritage,” said Piers Handling, director and CEO, TIFF. “Canadians should be proud of what their film artists have produced as we have led the world in many areas.”
Throughout 2017, TIFF’s Canada on Screen series presents free screenings, virtual reality, moving-image installations, special events, special guests, and an extensive online catalogue of essays and artifacts, all based on the Canada 150 list.
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