Screenwriter Karen Walton's weekend watch list
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Today's guest curator is Karen Walton, one of Canada's most risk-taking screenwriters and producers, whose work often champions society's underdogs and outliers. She first broke through in 2000 with the Canadian horror cult classic Ginger Snaps, and her extensive television credits since include Orphan Black, Flashpoint and Queer As Folk. Karen also founded the online community inkcanada, which connects storytellers from across the country. Here are Karen's recommended Canadian-made programs to watch this weekend.
Hot Docs is my favourite fact-based film festival in the whole world. This year’s festival has been postponed, but they’ve shared a curated collection of some of the best documentaries from past Hot Docs festivals, which are available for home viewing on a number of platforms including CBC Gem, Crave and more. These are all incredible and inspiring stories for true story lovers. I would absolutely recommend Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind, which I saw on the big screen at Hot Docs 2019. But any of these documentaries are going to be great — it’s Hot Docs! — Karen Walton
You can watch Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind for free on CBC Gem.
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This series from the early 2000s is a great, mad romp behind the scenes of a fictional Canadian Shakespeare festival. If you love watching artists be both ridiculous and brilliant, this is the show for you. Some of the best television writing to come out of Canada is right here in this classic series. The finale is a show-stopper — and a reboot is in the works! — KW
You can watch all episodes of Slings and Arrows* for free on CBC Gem.
CBC Arts is my go-to for getting out of my head and my own art practice. I’m constantly blown away by other Canadian talents out there. My favourite shows include CBC Arts: Exhibitionists and The Filmmakers. Browsing CBC Arts will give you a full selection of joy on tap. — KW
You can watch Exhibitionists and The Filmmakers for free on CBC Gem.