OTTAWA, June 16, 2009 - Our country has lost one of its greatest and most innovative independent filmmakers with the death of Allan King. His startlingly realistic documentaries brought new attention to this genre, which has since continued to grow in popularity. His extensive body of work has left an indelible mark on Canadian filmmakers past, present, and future.
Mr. King was born in 1930 in Vancouver, and after experiencing the Great Depression and a troubled family life, studied philosophy at the University of British Columbia. His resulting sympathy for the subjects of his films was evident in his work, making it accessible to audiences world-wide.
The many documentary and other films of Allan King garnered numerous awards, and he served as president of the Director's Guild of Canada from 1989 to 1999. In 2003, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.
On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I would like to express my condolences to family and friends of Allan King.
Information:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
