Winners of the Theatrical Documentary Pilot Program begin Production

Telefilm Canada, The Rogers Group of Funds and the NFB have announced the winners of the Theatrical Documentary Pilot Program. This program provides production financing for Canadian documentaries in English and French that have cinematic potential for the big screen.

The five feature-length docs that have been chosen from across the country are:

L’Affaire Coca-Cola
Directors Carmen Garcia and German Gutierrez document the legal battle that took place when Terry Collingsworth from the International Labor Rights Fund in Washington, Dan Kovalik, legal counsel for the United Steelworkers Union in Pittsburgh, and Ray Rodgers took on the “king” of corporations, Coca-Cola, in court, accusing the company of irresponsibility against the environment, public health and its employees.

Produced by Argus Films Inc.; K-Films Distribution; Telefilm Canada and co-produced by the National Film Board of Canada.

Reel Injun
Director Neil Diamond follows the depiction of First Nations people in film, from the silent era to today. Featuring clips from classic movies, interviews with famous Native and non-Native directors, writers and actors, this entertaining documentary traces how the image of First Nations people in cinema has influenced the understanding and misunderstanding of their culture and history.

Produced by Rezolution Pictures International; Domino Films Distribution; Telefilm Canada and The Rogers Group of Funds and co-produced by the National Film Board of Canada.

Le Cœur d’Auschwitz
Directors Luc Cyr and Carl Leblanc journey to discover the original source of a book exhibited at the Holocaust Museum of Montreal. The book, in the shape of a heart, contains the voices of a dozen women who created it in secrecy, fearing for their lives as prisoners at Auschwitz.

Produced by Ad Hoc Films Inc.; Film Option Distribution; broadcaster: Société Radio-Canada; Telefilm Canada and The Rogers Group of Funds

Les Dames en bleu et Michel Louvain
Director Claude Demers creates an intimate portrait of pop culture icon Michel Louvain. Seemingly ageless, Louvain continues to attract women of all ages. Shot in the style of cinéma vérité, this film captures passions of true fans who continue to idolize an entertainer even after 50 years.

Produced by CD Films; Christal Films Distribution; broadcaster: ARTV; Telefilm Canada and The Rogers Group of Funds.

The Paradox of Hugh Hefner
Oscar-winning director Brigitte Berman (Artie Shaw: Time Is All You’ve Got) takes an in-depth look at the life of hedonistic public figure Hugh Hefner. “Hef” is a social issues champion and playboy, a respected businessman and beloved father, an icon and a target of mockery and scandal.

Produced by Bridge Film Productions, Victor Solnicki Productions and White Pine Pictures; broadcaster: Movie Central; Telefilm Canada and The Rogers Group of Funds.

In addition to co-producing L’Affaire Coca-Cola and Reel Injun, the NFB will team up with Films du Rapide-Blanc Inc. for Le mystère MacPherson. Director Serge Giguère follows animation director Martine Chartrand whose own work is influenced by singer/songwriter Felix Leclerc’s song “MacPherson.” Chartrand soon discovers that the MacPherson in the song is a real person.

Keep an eye out for these Canadian-made documentaries, and check here for more information on the Theatrical Documentary Pilot Program.