Burnaby, B.C. (April 14, 2025) – Seven B.C. documentaries commissioned by Knowledge Network in 2023/24 will be premiering on the public broadcaster over the course of the next few months. Knowledge Network plays an important role in strengthening B.C.’s domestic production sector through the commissioning of original B.C. documentaries and helping ensure B.C. filmmakers can access their fair share of federally regulated production funds. Of all the B.C. documentaries that received funding from the Canada Media Fund in 2023/24, 21% were triggered by first window licence fees from Knowledge Network – an astounding figure given the very modest size of B.C.’s public broadcaster.

“B.C. documentaries hold pride of place in Knowledge Network’s programming and Knowledge plays a significant role in supporting the local doc sector,” said Michelle van Beusekom, President and CEO of Knowledge Network. “Our original commissions help B.C. producers unlock access to leveraged funds; support quality jobs in the domestic production sector and ensure that stories ‘by us and for us’ are shared with audiences in B.C. and across Canada. The new docs premiering in the coming year are bold and insightful and underscore the incredible talent of B.C.’s filmmaking sector.”

Wildfire, a five-part documentary series with unprecedented access to and footage from B.C.’s deadliest wildfire season on record, premieres Tuesday April 29. The series was created by Optic Nerve Films’ Kevin Eastwood and CK9 Studios’ Simon Shave and Clayton Mitchell. 

The Salmon’s Call, a one-hour documentary exploring the intricate, multifaceted relationship between wild salmon and Indigenous communities on the West Coast and Interior of B.C., premieres June 17. The film is produced and directed by Joy Haskell.

Other titles slated to premiere later this fiscal year include:

Have You Heard Judi Singh? – Producers Baljit Sangra and Brishkay Ahmed/Director Baljit Sangra
Clan of the Painted Lady - Producer/Director Jennifer Chiu
Up in the Clouds, Down in the Valley - Producer Jenny Rustemeyer, Director Carmen Pollard
Treasures of the Rice Terraces - Producer Jacob Crawford, Director Kent Donguines 
Wədzih Nəne - Producer/Director Luke Gleeson

About Knowledge Network:
Knowledge Network is British Columbia’s viewer-supported public educational broadcaster. Available on television throughout the province and on streaming platforms across Canada, it features Knowledge Original documentaries commissioned from B.C.-based producers, curated dramas, premium factual series and documentaries from around the globe, and quality programming for preschoolers and parents. Knowledge Network is free and commercial-free.

For more information, visit: www.knowledge.ca