Critical Writing Index

Making Unsung and Other Tales

by Moze Mossanen

POV, Winter 2013, no. 92, pp. 26-30

Director Moze Mossanen explores the difficulties that documentary filmmakers and producers face in securing funding for their projects in the current climate. He recounts his own struggles in acquiring the necessary funds to make his own project (a film about two high school show choirs on the road to the 2013 championships) as well as including anecdotes from fellow artists.

Changes in television viewing patterns have shifted, and the majority of organizations commissioning documentaries are now private broadcasters less inclined to acquire personal or director-driven works. Changes to the rules for tax credits have further exacerbated the financial troubles facing the traditional documentary filmmaker in Canada. Mossanen's article examines not only the issues facing the filmmaker, but also presents potential avenues for relief and makes a call to Canadian broadcasters to up their game with regards to funding and scheduling documentaries.

ITEM 2013.020 – available for viewing in the Research Centre

Videos, Artworks and Artists Cited

General Idea: Art, AIDS, and the Fin de SiecleAnnette Mangaard

FlicKeRNik Sheehan

The Secret Disco RevolutionJamie Kastner

UnsungMoze Mossanen