Warrendale (film)

Warrendale FilmPoster

Warrendale is a 1967 Canadian documentary film directed by Allan King. The film is a significant work in the history of Canadian cinema and is known for its raw and unfiltered portrayal of the lives of emotionally disturbed children in a residential treatment center.

Plot

The film follows the daily lives of twelve children at the Warrendale facility in Ontario, Canada. The children, aged between 11 and 17, are under the care of a dedicated team of therapists and caregivers. The documentary captures the intense and often challenging interactions between the children and the staff, providing a candid look at the therapeutic processes used to help the children cope with their emotional and psychological issues.

Production

Warrendale was produced by Allan King Associates and was originally commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). However, due to the film's use of strong language and its unflinching depiction of the children's behavior, the CBC decided not to air it. The film was subsequently released theatrically and received critical acclaim for its honest and compassionate portrayal of its subjects.

Reception

The film won several awards, including the Prix d'art et d'essai at the Cannes Film Festival in 1967. It was also named Best Feature Length Documentary at the Canadian Film Awards (now known as the Genie Awards). Warrendale is often cited as one of the greatest Canadian films ever made and is considered a landmark in the direct cinema movement.

Legacy

Warrendale has had a lasting impact on the field of documentary filmmaking. It is frequently studied in film schools and is praised for its innovative approach to capturing real-life events. The film's influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary documentary filmmakers who strive to present their subjects with the same level of honesty and empathy.

See also

• Allan King
• Direct cinema
• Canadian cinema
• Documentary film

External links

Warrendale at IMDb