John Bolton
Writing
Biography
John Bolton, a Vancouver filmmaker and founder of Opus 59 Films, specializes in adapting extraordinary literary and musical works for unique film experiences. His feature "musical docudrama," Aim for the Roses (2016), earned acclaim at Hot Docs and DOXA. Bolton directed That Higher Level (2018) for the National Film Board of Canada, examining the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. He also produced The Rankin File: Legacy of a Radical (2018), spotlighting Harry Rankin, showcased at DOXA and broadcasted in Canada and the USA. Currently, Bolton is involved in various captivating projects: THE LAKE / N'-HA-A-ITK, a documentary on cross-cultural collaboration; DOUG AND THE SLUGS AND ME, exploring the legacy of a Canadian band; and BACK HOME, an executive-produced documentary. He's also developing KING ARTHUR'S NIGHT, SNOWMAN, and STANLEY PARK, each with unique and compelling narratives.
Known For
When a change of circumstances leaves Miriam unable to pay her college tuition, she makes a surprising decision: to start performing in adult films, using the pseudonym Belle Knox. Miriam lies to her family and her friends at school, keeping her double life a secret. But soon rumours spread and Miriam becomes the subject of vicious online attacks and unwanted attention. Miriam fights back: she talks to the media, saying her new line of work empowers her as a feminist. But her confident stand has unintended consequences. Miriam is shunned by her conservative family and her colleagues in the adult film world. One impulsive decision has quickly spiralled out of control - and Miriam's problems are just beginning.
From Straight A's to XXX
The life and times of a cat and a dog with a unique twist: they're connected, literally. They share one body with a Dog's head at one end and Cat's head on the other. Adding to their dilemma is Cat's annoyance with Dog, mainly caused by Dog's stupidity and Cat's up-tight personality. Characters: Cat - Cat is the smarter one of the two brothers, and is always hatching some kind of plot to get his brother to calm down, so that Cat doesn't get beat around and hurt. Even though most of these plots involve messing with Dog's feeble mind, they often backfire on Cat, much to his dismay. It may not show all the time but, he deeply loves, and cares for his brother Dog. Dog - Dog is the more lovable of the two brothers, Dog loves to play and party and play some more, he loves baseball and playing fetch with frisbees, balls, sticks, etc, He is very friendly, and happy, but does have a breaking point. He's very sensitive, and if he fails at something he feels horrible, and worthless
CatDog
In May 2006, filmmakers John Bolton and Errin Clutton were given eight days and eight hundred dollars to produce the made-for-television disaster film "Breakdown". Unfortunately, they spent the first seven days in casting. On the eighth day, they cut together "Breakdown" with the only footage they had - the video from the casting session. This is that film.
Breakdown
In 1976, Canadian stuntman Ken Carter declared his intention to jump a mile over the St. Lawrence Seaway in a rocket powered car. In 2008, Canadian musician Mark Haney declared his intention to pay tribute to Ken Carter in the form of a concept album for solo double bass. In 2011, Canadian filmmaker John Bolton declared his intention to make a "musical docudrama" about both men. Aim for the Roses is a one-of-a-kind film, about a one-of-a-kind album, about a one-of-a-kind stunt, all three of which could only happen in Canada.
Aim for the Roses
A POV documentary following filmmaker Teresa Alfeld's journey uncovering the story of her childhood best friend's dad, Doug Bennett, leader of the legendary 1980s Canadian party band Doug and the Slugs.
Doug and the Slugs and Me
A feature documentary investigation into the colourful and sometimes controversial life of Vancouver lawyer, city councillor and socialist icon Harry Rankin.
The Rankin File: Legacy of a Radical
No description available.
The Water Game
No description available.
The Lake / nx̌aʔx̌aʔitk
A genre-defying music documentary inspired by a medieval musical play created by an amazing company of artists living with and without Down Syndrome, including award-winning playwrights Niall McNeil and Marcus Youssef and iconic musician Veda Hille. Think "The Green Knight" meets "Crip Camp", but with songs.
King Arthur’s Night
This short film is a portrait of Tofino, BC intertidal artist Pete Clarkson as he crafts his most ambitious and personal project to date: a memorial to the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami. He, like so many of us around the world, was deeply affected by the disaster. Years later, as splintered and mangled timber and other objects started to wash ashore, the disaster hit home again for Clarkson, and the inspiration for his memorial was born. In Clarkson’s caring hands, the remnants from the Tohoku region take on a life of their own as he shapes them into a unique public sculpture. The result is an evocative memorial that is a site of remembrance and contemplation, and an emotional bridge connecting an artist, his community and a people an ocean away.
Debris
Follows the 100 musicians who make up the National Youth Orchestra of Canada over the course of two months of training and touring across the country.