Jennifer Baichwal

One of Canada’s foremost documentarians, Baichwal credits her studies in philosophy and theology with getting her started in the genre: “I wanted to explore these questions of the human condition, but in a medium that was more lateral and more emotionally accessible than an academic paper.” The Holier It Gets was inspired by her father’s unanticipated request to have his ashes scattered in the Ganges, and Manufactured Landscapes, a collaboration with cinematographer Peter Mettler, integrates the monumental photography of Edward Burtynsky into a visually arresting reflection on 21st century industrialization. She appreciates the “elastic” quality of documentary, it “allows you to reflect on ... things that are happening in the real world in a way that is creative,” says Baichwal.

Selected Filmography

Manufactured Landscapes (2006)
Genie Award — Best Documentary, 2007
Toronto Film Critics — Best Feature Documentary & Best Canadian Film

The True Meaning of Pictures: Shelby Lee Adams' Appalachia (2002)
Gemini Award — Best Arts Documentary, 2003

The Holier it Gets
Hot Docs — Best Independent Canadian Film and Best Cultural Documentary.

Let It Come Down: The Life of Paul Bowles (1998)
International Emmy — Best Arts Documentary

Looking You in the Back of the Head (1997)