Skip to main content

Watch List: Blackberry Inspirations

With the release of Toronto-based filmmaker Matt Johnson's latest film Blackberry, we present this series of films curated by Johnson and his collaborator, writer and producer Matt Miller, that served as inspiration for the duo when making the film.  

From suicidal TV execs to hothouse behind-the-scenes exposés to Johnson's own conspiratorial blending of documentary and fiction, see the films that laid the groundwork for the biggest Canadian theatrical release of the year.  

Each film will have a pre-recorded intro by Matt Johnson. 

Join Matt Johnson and Matt Miller for a post-screening Q&A following the June 9 screening of Blackberry.  

Series runs June 10 - 17

Saturday, June 10, 1:30 PM

a woman on the phone

Network

Elevated by strong direction, powerful acting and a brilliant script, this searing satire of ratings-driven news remains sadly relevant more than four decades later.
  • D: Sidney Lumet
  • USA
  • 1976
  • 123 min
More details

Monday, June 12, 7:15 PM

a man in a suit

The War Room

The curtain lifts on Bill Clinton's 1992 political game-changing presidential campaign in this iconic documentary from Chris Hegedus and D. A. Pennebaker.
  • D: Chris Hegedus & D.A. Pennebaker
  • USA
  • 1993
  • 96 min
More details

Thursday, June 15, 6:45 PM

two men talking

Startup.com

“Distilled from over 400 hours of filmed material, Startup.com offers continued evidence of the essential nature of the documentary format” (BBC).
  • D: Chris Hegedus & Jehane Noujaim
  • USA
  • 2001
  • 107 min
More details

Friday, June 16, 9:45 PM

a man with a map and a man in a spacesuit

Operation Avalanche

Matt Johnson’s second feature blends mockumentray, black comedy and action-adventure into an engrossing undercover adventure at NASA.
  • D: Matt Johnson
  • Canada & USA
  • 2016
  • 94 min
More details

Saturday, June 17, 1:00 PM

a group of people standing together

Original Cast Album: Company

This classic title for documentary and theatre aficionados offers a tantalizingly rare glimpse behind the Broadway curtain at Stephen Sondhein’s Company
  • D: D.A. Pennebaker
  • USA
  • 1970
  • 53 min
More details

Get the latest from Hot Docs

Sign up for e-news and keep up to date with the latest from Hot Docs and Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema.
  • Advance notices about upcoming films
  • The latest on festival dates and tickets
  • Customize your preferences
  • Unsubscribe at any time
Sign up