Docs: January 2012 Archives

This historical documentary explores Rider mania, on the 100th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Tragedy and triumph follow the team on the field as well as off.

40 Years of One Night Stands is the extraordinary account of two British adventurers who, in 1939, moved to the prairie town of Winnipeg to teach ballet. In this unlikely setting of wild winters and sweltering summers, they start an amateur dance club that will one day be known internationally, as The Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company.

The story, told through the inspired voices of past company members is one of passion, sensitivity and wry humour. It takes you into the "heart of the RWB and reveals a story bigger than dancing and bigger than the film itself."

This is the story of Canada's iconic schooner Bluenose. The ship is Canada's most famous sailing vessel and this documentary traces its proud racing career and its enduring spirit.

Bluenose Legacy sails into maritime history and the year 1750 when the first schooner was launched. It was the beginning of the vessel's contribution to the east coast economy, to conflict and ultimately the growth of the country. Life at sea was harsh and treacherous for the fishermen who toiled on the North Atlantic and they sacrificed much to survive.

Bluenose Legacy has rare film footage of the glory days of Bluenose. It was in the 1920s when Canadians competed with the Americans in the great North Atlantic Fishermen's International Trophy Races - a prestigious event in which Bluenose remained unbeaten. But in the twentieth century the great days of schooners began to fade as they fell victim to war, mechanization and the oceans they nearly conquered. But then through the efforts of those who value the preservation of Canadian heritage, the magic of these magnificent vessels lives on as Bluenose is rebuilt to once again sail the waters of Nova Scotia.