The filmmaker Richard Martin discusses his new documentary which screens this week at DOXA: The Documentary Film Festival, BackBone: Vancouver Experimental Cinema from 1967-1981, with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver at TheCommentary.ca.

Richard Martin joins me now. The award-winning filmmaker has a new movie that’s having its world premiere at the DOXA Documentary Film Festival. The movie is called BackBone: Vancouver Experimental Cinema from 1967-1981. It’s a fascinating look at the creative community of artists who made films here in Vancouver; the challenges they encountered from viewers, government, and each other. You get glimpses through the diverse, challenging, and groundbreaking work, of Vancouver as it once was. I wanted to see the movie for its depiction of Vancouver as it was, having a bit of an interest in the history of this city. I found it terribly engaging, learning about what the scene was like then, the colourful men and women populating the filmmaking class, how they experimented with film and drugs, and the artistic legacy they were inspired by, that they too inspired and encouraged. I’ll get Mr. Martin to tell us about this movie, why he made it, the works and their filmmakers, and the incredible legacy that’s showcased in this film. Filmmakers featured and interviewed in this documentary include Al Razutis, David Rimmer, Sturla Gunnarsson, Patricia Gruben, and many others. Richard Martin has won a Leo Award, was nominated for a Genie Award, and has directed several films including North of Pittsburgh, Air Bud: Golden Receiver, episodes of Highlander, DaVinci’s Inquest, The Chris Isaak Show, and more. He wrote, directed and produced this movie. It screens twice during DOXA: Saturday, 04 May 2013 at 8.30pm, and Sunday, 12 May 2013 at 4.45pm. Both screenings are at the Cinematheque at 1131 Howe Street. A selection of shorts will follow these screenings. Visit www.doxafestival.ca for tickets and more information. The website for more on the film is at www.backbonefilm.ca. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Richard Martin; Mr. Martin, good morning.

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