Helene Klodawsky has been writing and directing feature length documentary and narrative films for over 20 years. Her films have been screened and televised around the world, and have received more than 25 honours, including awards from the Academy of Canadian Cinema, Hot Docs, Les Rendez-vous du Cinema Quebecois, the Jerusalem International Film Festival, the San Francisco International Film Festival, and the Mannheim International Film Festival. Painted Landscapes of the Times (1986), Shoot and Cry (1988),Motherland (1994), What If (1998),Undying Love (2002),No More Tears Sister (2005), and Family Motel (2007) are some of her credits. Her latest feature documentary Malls R Us (2009) premiered at the Museum of Modern Art, New York.
Helene Klodawsky is currently writing and directing THE LAST DAYS OF VAUDEVILLE, a feature-length documentary about the internationally acclaimed Montreal-based post-punk band Silver Mt. Zion. Making a living has never been more difficult for musicians: a downloading generation has shattered the economics of the music industry and constant touring has become synonymous with economic survival, even if it means bringing Ezra, Jessica Moss and Efrim Menuck’s toddler son, along for the ride. Can Jessica and Efrim successfully blend family life and being on the road? What’s at stake for band mates Sophie Trudeau, Thierry Amar and Dave Payant as they travel weeks on end, with a two year old on a bus? As the band perseveres in making art and an honest living, Jessica sets out to explore the “unspoken motherhood dilemma” in rock and roll. Now in production with Katarina Soukup of Montreal’s Catbird Productions, the film is supported by Superchannel and The Canadian Media Fund.
Helene is also writing and directing Ground to Ground, a feature length documentary about a new breed of social worker making a difference in intractable conflict zones. Currently in development with Doc Channel, Ground to Ground is produced by Ravida Din (NFB) and Natalie Barton (InformAction).
Helene is a graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. Reviews and articles about Helene’s work have appeared in many periodicals, including The Globe and Mail, National Post, New York Times, Newsweek International, Variety, Hollywood Reporter, La Presse, Nouvelle Observateur, The Independent, BBC News Service, Hindu Times, Asian Tribune, Art In America, Art Forum and Chatelaine.
Helene Klodawsky is a member of Doc Organization, the Writer’s Guild of Canada, Réalisatrices Équitables, and the Quebec Executive of the Director’s Guild of Canada.
