Hot Docs is commissioning its first film as part of its Canada 150 celebrations.

In the Name of All Canadians features six short documentaries packaged into one feature-length film. In each short, filmmakers from across the country, will explore an aspect of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Topics explored include Indigenous rights, multiculturalism and the Charter’s “notwithstanding clause,” which allows the provincial and federal governments to override certain rights provided in the Charter.  Each short film will follow its own narrative, but all will be stylistically linked to present a cohesive experience for viewers, stated a release announcing the commission.

The film will bow on June 28 at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema in Toronto. It will then tour the country for special event screenings with partner festivals and film organizations, as well as be available online through the Hot Docs Collection on iTunes.

In the fall, the doc and accompanying educational resources will be made available to teachers as part of Hot Docs’ educational program, Docs For Schools, which offers free access to films.

Participating filmmakers include Ariel Nasr (The Boxing Girls of Kabul) and Aisha Jamal; Patrick Reed (Guantanamo’s Child: Omar Khadr) and Andréa Schmidt; Karen Chapman (Walk Good); Jean-François Caissy (La marche à suivre ); Janelle and Jérémie Wookey (A Right to Eat); Vivian Belik (Underdog) and Jennifer Bowen-Allen (Released). Production is currently underway on the six shorts.

The project is supported by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Image: Paul Galipeau/lechampiondumonde.com