The Life and Times of Terry Fox
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Terry Fox never expected to be a hero. A sports fanatic, he was neither big nor talented. But what he lacked in these areas he made up for in determination and perseverance – qualities that would serve him well when he launched his legendary “Marathon of Hope.” This 1998 documentary, originally produced for the acclaimed Life and Times series, reveals the Terry Fox only family and friends knew. The hour-long documentary features interviews with the people who were closest to him, and includes never-before-seen footage from his unforgettable cross-country odyssey. What emerges is the portrait of a complex, driven and ultimately inspirational young man with a larger-than-life dream.

China's Leap of Faith
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Part of VisionTV’s week-long “God in China” programming event, China’s Leap of Faith, a two-part documentary for VisionTV, examines both the impact of the spiritual rebirth, and the government’s continued efforts to control religious faith. Part One - “The Gods Come Home” (July 22), probes the Chinese government’s scramble to contain the explosive re-awakening of Buddhism, Taoism and traditional folk faiths across China. Part Two - “The Bamboo Cross” (July 23), charts the rapid growth of Christianity in China and tells the stories of clergy and believers who must choose between worshipping openly or in the shadows. [more]

God's Red Poet: The Life of Kenneth Leslie
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He waged a public war against fascism and anti-Semitism, published critically acclaimed poetry, dined with movie stars and was watched by the FBI. Not bad for a guy from Pictou, Nova Scotia. Though barely remembered today, Kenneth Leslie was one of the most remarkable Canadians of the 20th century. This hour long documentary is the first in VisionTV’s “Unsung Heroes” summer series of documentary presentations. [more]

The most prodigiously gifted singer of his generation, Sinatra transformed popular music, infusing his performances with unmatched depth and intimacy. Exuding effortless cool and confident sexuality, he defined what it means to be a pop star for every generation that followed. On May 14, in honour of his passing, VisionTV will showcase two, hour-long special documentaries, Frank Sinatra's Memorial at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT and Frank Sinatra Singing with Friends at 11 pm ET/8 pm PT. [more]

Inside the Holy Land. Ralph Benmergui: My Israel explores the Jewish state in all its complexity. “Use your judgment. And don’t take sides.” - Ralph Benmergui’s mother offers advice on the eve of his trip to Israel. It is a thoroughly modern country with roots reaching back more than three thousand years. A wealthy and powerful nation that nevertheless fears for its very existence. In Ralph Benmergui: My Israel, a world premiere documentary series produced for VisionTV, one of Canada’s most renowned broadcast journalists immerses himself in the fascinating complexities and contradictions of present-day Israel. The five-part series, filmed on location in the Holy Land, airs on May 5, 6 and 7 at 9 p.m. and Midnight ET / 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. PT as part of a week-long VisionTV programming event to honour the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel. [more]

Angels and demons. Martyrs and miracles. Crucifixion and resurrection. Every person raised in the Western world has some knowledge of Christianity’s symbols and rituals. But what lies behind them? How did they come into being, and what do they represent? This new six-part program offers insight into the meaning of Christianity’s signs, symbols, myths, miracles and icons. Hosted by Christy Kenneally. [more]

Alma Rumball was a reclusive woman who spent most of her years living in a small cabin in rural Ontario. As she neared the age of 50, Alma had a vision in which Christ told her to bring a message to the world. Soon after, she began to produce hundreds of mystical drawings, full of vivid detail. She claimed no authorship of these works, explaining that her hand produced them automatically, without conscious guidance. Was she in the grip of madness? Or did Alma possess unique access to a world beyond our own? In this visually stunning documentary, Alma's nephew, filmmaker Jeremiah Munce, tries to unravel the abiding mystery of her life and art.

A scientific genius plunges into the shadow world of the occult. A group of paranormal researchers conjure up the restless ghost of a 17th century nobleman. Two little girls reveal the terrifying power to speak with dead. Classic episodes of The X-Files? A collection of novellas by Stephen King? Nope. These are true-life stories about “the spiritual unexplained.”
›› Visit Video on Demand to watch clips of Enigma

Citizen King
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VisionTV commemorates the 40th anniversary of King’s assassination with this feature-length documentary presentation that goes beyond the mythology to reclaim the history of a people’s leader, bringing fresh insight into King’s difficult journey, his charismatic -- if flawed -- leadership, and his incalculable social and political impact.
» watch clips on VisionTV Video on Demand Documentaries

St. Patrick, The Myth, The Man And His Legacy
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Who was St. Patrick, and why have the Irish turned the day of his death in 461 A.D. into an annual celebration? This documentary examines the life of the man credited with converting the Irish to Christianity, the many legends associated with him, and his far-reaching impact on Western civilization.

VisionTV celebrates the 50th anniversary of the emergence of Buddy Holly - one of the most admired and influential performers in Rock ‘n’ Roll. This definitive story takes an in-depth look at how Holly became an icon of rock’s first generation through a succession of classic hits. Along with rarely seen archive footage, live TV performances and interviews from many of the individuals who played key roles in the development of Holly’s career.

This feature-length documentary, co-produced by Oscar winning filmmaker Jonathan Demme (The Silence of the Lambs), tells the story of Mandela's remarkable life: from his tribal origins, through his years of political activism, revolutionary leadership and imprisonment, and on to his ultimate triumph as leader of a racially united South Africa.

Barbara Ann Scott was Canada’s “sweetheart of the ice” - a graceful but strong-willed 19-year old who, in one short year, claimed every major figure skating title in the world. VisionTV celebrates the 60th anniversary of Scott’s gold medal win at the 1948 Olympics - a Canadian first - with this documentary tracing her remarkable rise to glory.

How did our traditional New Year's festivity come to be? The answer, as this informative documentary reveals, is closely linked to our practice of organizing and counting time. The film traces the history of calendar making from the dawn of civilization to the modern world, and sheds light on the connection between ancient pagan winter feasts and the extravagant New Year's Eve bashes of today.

This hour-long documentary chronicles Marilyn Monroe's flight from Hollywood in search of freedom, with seldom-seen photographs and archival film footage, as well as interviews with the likes of Ellen Burstyn, Ben Gazzara and Susan Strasberg.
» Watch clip on VisionTV Video on Demand Archives

My Sikh Wedding
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My Sikh Wedding follows a young couple - bride Dishee and her groom Bunty - through a whirlwind 24 hours: from preparations the night before their wedding to the ceremony at the Gurdwara (temple), and on to the grand reception afterward. Along the way, viewers will also get the perspective of matchmakers Ranjit and Grubax, a Sikh couple now in their 63rd year of marriage. The documentary airs in honour of the birthday of Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh faith, which falls on Nov. 24. [more]

Charging the Rhino
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This documentary by Simcha Jacobovici – the acclaimed filmmaker behind The Lost Tomb of Jesus – is a deeply personal project: a journey into the past that intertwines family history and historic tragedy. Returning to Romania, the land of his forefathers, Jacobivici delves deep into a subject the country’s present-day inhabitants would sooner forget: the extermination of the Romanian Jewish community. [more]

The Protestant Revolution created our modern world. This four-part series examines how Martin Luther's attempt to reform the Catholic Church in the 16th century led to sweeping changes in religion and politics, as well as in art and science, family life and the world of work. A VisionTV/BBC4 co-production hosted by author Tristram Hunt. [more]

From the dawn of civilization, human beings have used art and architecture to express faith. This documentary series examines the many different forms in which cultures through the centuries have embodied their beliefs.

This hour-long documentary is a portrait of the group and its music, featuring full-length performances of Samba Squad’s most thrilling numbers. And it’s a biography of Lazar, a musical prodigy from Thunder Bay, Ont. who grew up to work with artists as diverse as Barry White and Bruce Cockburn.

Who was Confucius, and why do his writings continue to inspire men and women today? In this hour-long documentary, award-winning Canadian novelist Wayson Choy (All That Matters) voyages to China on a quest to understand the great philosopher’s life and legacy.

This documentary tells the remarkable story of Esther Wheelwright, an 18th-century English Puritan settler who was abducted as a child by Abenakis warriors and went on to become Mother Superior of Quebec’s famous Ursuline Convent. Produced and directed by Penny Wheelwright, one of Esther’s present-day descendants.

Social Gospel and the Public Good
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This hour-long documentary reveals how Christian thought – in the form of the “social gospel” movement – influenced political leaders such as Tommy Douglas, and helped to shape the face of present-day Canada.