New Fund Backs 7 Films
by Staff
(November 12, 2020 – Toronto, ON) Hot Docs has announced that seven Canadian documentary projects focusing on music will share in $127,500 in the first round of funding thanks to a new Hot Docs – Slaight Family Fund.
Selected from 97 applications, the films that received funding include four from Ontario, two from British Columbia and one from Québec. Described as a “first of its kind” in Canada, the fund is committed to filmmakers “telling engaging, high quality stories that embrace muysical forms and artists and demonstrate Canadian music’s role in the world.”
“We’re so glad to support these incredible Canadian music docs through this first round of funding,” said Gary Slaight, President & CEO of the Slaight Family Foundation.
“This year’s grantees showcase a wide range of musical talents,” said Heidi Tao Yang, acting industry program director at Hot Docs. “From Canadian legends and chart-toppers to lesser-known gems…we’re so excited for international audiences to discover these artists and the worlds they open us up to.”
Films receiving development funds include:
The Isley Brothers: Fight The Power (pictured above) from Storyline Entertainment’s Producer Ed Barreveld, who said “Despite The Isleys’ long and storied career and their seminal importance in American music, the band has been for the most part overlooked, and with Fight the Power we aim to give them the recognition they so richly deserve.” Based in Toronto, Storyline Entertainment is a documentary film and television production company that has been creating award-winning films since 2000 with more than 30 titles in their catalogue. Co-producers include former Fox Music president and Oscar nominee Robert Kraft and former BBC exec Nick Ware. The project will be directed by three time Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Sam Pollard.
I Never Follow The Rules looks at the now 46-year-old Canadian singer and composer Rufus Wainwright. Born into a musical family, his heartfelt songs most often deal with love, loss, relationships and politics. This doc from Intuitive Pictures is produced by Ina Fichman and directed by Stephen Dunn promises a profile of a “master showman as he enters a new phase in his life and career.”
Visitor Media has received funding for An Untitled Margaret O’Hara Project. Producers are Sean O’Neill and Christina Carvalho with O’Neill also directing. The project is described as “a surreal cinematic riff, weaving together the real and unreal to create a portrait of an artists whose work eludes classification and always drifts toward life.”
Films receiving production funds include:
Anne Murray Full Circle from Network Entertainment Inc will be produced by Lynn Fuhr and directed by Morgan Elliot. It is a profile film that explores the life of one of Canada’s most famous performers and international superstar.
The Beautiful Scars of Tom Wilson from Cream Productions will tell the story of a rock star who spent most of his life trying to find himself only to discover that his entire life was a lie. Shane Belcourt directs with Corey Russell producing.
One of the more intriguing titles is The Concert that Broke Up The Beatles. Ron Chapman directs this doc and coproduces with Trish Dolman. Set in Toronto in 1969. It includes a Beatle in crisis and a concert promoter with a crazy idea and a renowned documentary filmmaker fighting for access. These stories collide as one of the greatest rock concerts ever staged changes the music world.
For Nash the Slash Rises Again, Kevan Byrne and Tim Kowalski co-direct and Colin Brunton and Leanne Davis co-produce for Side Three Media Inc. The project is described as an “artistic celebration of integrity and courage, and the price tag that comes with it.” The film promises to explore the lost art of mystique and provide a compelling look into the fine line between public image and private identity.
The Slaight Family Foundation was founded in 2008 by John Allan Slaight.
