GREETINGS FROM OUR FUNDERS A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF CANADIAN HERITAGE
A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR OF VANCOUVER
Welcome to the 16th DOXA Documentary Film Festival. This year marks the 150th anniversary of Confederation. It is a time to share what makes our country unique, to appreciate the road we have travelled, and to look to the future with optimism. Canada has a long history of documentary filmmaking, and the genre continues to play a starring role in our cultural landscape, reflecting diverse perspectives and realities. Over the next 11 days, Vancouver plays host to some of the best independent documentary productions from across Canada and around the world. The wide selection of juried screenings, along with public forums, panels and workshops, promises to challenge and engage audiences, as well as inspire the next generation of Canadian documentary filmmakers. As Minister of Canadian Heritage, I want to thank The Documentary Media Society and its volunteers and organizers for making DOXA such a success. Enjoy the festival!
The Honourable Mélanie Joly MINISTER OF CANADIAN HERITAGE
A MESSAGE FROM TELEFILM CANADA
Several decades ago, our country’s filmmakers dreamed of offering Canadians more stories based on Canadian experiences. In 1967, the development of an original model for funding films in Canada led to the creation of Telefilm Canada. 2017 marks our 50th anniversary! What a great opportunity this gives us to celebrate 50 years of talent—to honour those who helped build this industry, including our partners at DOXA Documentary Film Festival. And, of course, thank you to you the audience—you drive the success of Canada’s cinema. Thank you for watching Canadian movies for the last five decades, for talking about them, for sharing them—for allowing them to live and breathe. Looking to the next 50 years, the future is bright for Canadian cinema with a diverse generation of emerging talent who create works for screens of all sizes. Play it forward… On behalf of Telefilm, I wish you all a wonderful festival full of discovery and delight.
Michel Roy CHAIR OF THE BOARD, TELEFILM CANADA
On behalf of the citizens of Vancouver and my colleagues on Vancouver City Council, I want to extend my warmest greetings to all those attending the 16th Annual DOXA Documentary Film Festival. Documentary film plays an indispensable role in bringing new issues, concerns and human experiences to public attention. This year’s festival, like those that have gone before, brings a remarkable new series of films, both local and international. Vancouver’s film and television production industry is one of the strongest in North America and programs like DOXA offer an important showcase for documentary productions. Best wishes for the best festival ever!
Gregor Robertson MAYOR, CITY OF VANCOUVER
A MESSAGE FROM THE CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS
Art and culture are intrinsic elements of our sense of belonging — to a community, a nation, a country, a society, to humanity itself. With their creative visions, expressions of hope and questioning of the status quo, artists play a vital role in helping us to better understand and address the complex challenges of our times. They provoke new ways of thinking and transformations that enrich the lives of their fellow Canadians. The Canada Council for the Arts is proud to support DOXA Documentary Film Festival because for us, art is essential in pointing us, together, toward a brighter future.
Simon Brault, O.C., O.Q. DIRECTOR AND CEO OF THE CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS
A MESSAGE FROM THE BC ARTS COUNCIL
Documentary filmmaking is constantly evolving, exploring new ways to challenge, inform, and entertain by seeking truths, sharing untold stories or sparking thought-provoking ideas. DOXA Documentary Film Festival provides an important forum for this essential art form to connect audiences with voices and visions from home and around the world. Through public screenings, panel discussions and educational programming, DOXA has garnered national acclaim over the past 17 years. With funding provided by the Province of British Columbia, the BC Arts Council is pleased to support this outstanding festival that adds to both Vancouver’s vibrant arts scene and the region’s creative economy. Best wishes to all the artists showcasing their talents over this 11-day festival and thanks to the organizers and volunteers who help produce such an important platform for this innovative genre.
Merla Beckerman CHAIR, BC ARTS COUNCIL
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