Grierson (film)

Grierson is a 1973 documentary directed by Roger Blais for the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). It won, among other awards, the 1974 BAFTA Award for Best Documentary.

John Grierson, who is known as the father of documentary film and coined the term 'documentary', became the first Canadian Government Film Commissioner, and founded the NFB, in 1939. He believed that filmmakers have a social responsibility, and that film should help society realize democratic ideals. His faith in the value of capturing everyday life influenced generations of filmmakers all over the world.

Grierson, which cost $242,725 to make, includes archival footage and interviews with Grierson and people who knew him. It was released in English and French, with commentary by Donald Brittain; the English version was narrated by Michael Kane, the French version by Monique Miller.

Awards

 * 27th British Academy Film Awards, London: BAFTA Award for Best Documentary, 1974
 * 25th Canadian Film Awards, Montreal: Best Documentary (tied), 1973
 * Festival of World Television, Los Angeles: Best Profile Documentary, 1973
 * Golden Gate International Film Festival, San Francisco: First Prize, Personality, 1973
 * Golden Gate International Film Festival, San Francisco: Bronze Reel Award for Third Best Film, 1973
 * Melbourne Film Festival, Melbourne: Diploma of Merit, 1974