Burnaby, B.C.-based public broadcaster Knowledge Network has commissioned a short, animated documentary on Burnaby-born soccer player Christine Sinclair.

The currently untitled documentary is produced by Vancouver’s Studio Belly Animation and directed by Ireland-born, Vancouver-based Eoin Duffy (pictured). It was greenlit in April following development earlier in the year. It will premiere on Knowledge’s TV and streaming platforms in spring 2026.

The documentary is financed by Knowledge Network and Creative BC, marking the first time the organizations have partnered on an animated project, a Knowledge Network spokesperson told Playback Daily.

Sinclair retired from international soccer in 2023, and currently holds the all-time record for international goals across men and women’s soccer with 190 in 331 appearances.

Two Canadian projects win at France’s Sunny Side of the Doc

Two Canadian projects have claimed three awards at this year’s Sunny Side of the Doc in La Rochelle, France.

Leonard Cohen: Behind the Iron Curtain, set to be directed by Canadian director Eric Bednarski, won both the Best Arts & Entertainment Pitch and the IMZ Award in the int’l doc and factual content marketplace and competition. It is produced by Toronto’s Nomad Films, Germany’s Fireglory Pictures and Poland’s Silver Frame.

The documentary uses archival footage to follow the Montreal-born artist’s 1985 Poland tour. Cohen died in 2016 at the age of 82.

Sefar, directed by Sara Nacer and Colas Wohlfahrt won the The XRoam Immersive Award. The 30-minute VR project is produced by Nacer and Julie Lapointe for Montreal’s L’equipage. It allows participants to explore an ancient cave-city buried deep under the Sahara.

Eleanor Noble re-elected for third ACTRA national president term

The National Council of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) has re-elected Eleanor Noble for a third two-year term as the organization’s national president.

Since beginning her term as national president in 2021, Noble has led negotiations to increase wages, improve set safety and increase diversity, according to the release. She also lobbies the government in support of Cancon and for increased AI regulation. Previously, Noble served as VP of ACTRA Montreal, ACTRA national councillor and chair of the ACTRA National Women’s Committee.

Noble is also an actor, primarily focused on voice acting, heard in projects such as Interstellar Ella, Trulli Tales and Alice in Borderland.

The election took place on June 25 at one of the National Council’s two yearly meetings.

Pink Awards form inaugural Gala Advisory Committee

For the second edition of its Pink Awards, Toronto-based media organization Pink Triangle Press has formed an inaugural Gala Advisory Committee.

The new committee is comprised of Canadian film and TV professionals, including Heaton Dyer, who retired as executive director, strategy and international relations at CBC/Radio-Canada in 2022; Justin Stockman, Bell Media VP, content development and programming; and Julie Bristow, founder of Catalyst, a development and investment vehicle focused on female stories.

The final inaugural members are Pink Media president Mark Skallerud and Mark S. Bonham, executive director of the non-profit Veritas Foundation.

The second Pink Awards take place at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto on Nov. 6, hosted by Montreal-born actor Emily Hampshire and Canada’s Drag Race choreographer Hollywood Jade.

With files from Nicholas Sokic

Image courtesy of Knowledge Network