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On November 21, 2019, we lost John Kastner, one of Canada’s most beloved documentary filmmakers, and a cherished member of the Hot Docs family. Running the gamut from hilarious to sentimental to visceral, his singular body of work overflowed with unparalleled empathy for his subjects—and left a lasting impression on our audiences over the decades. Join us in remembering one of the greats as we screen Kastner’s multiple award-winning Life With Murder (Hot Docs 2010), a riveting—and heartbreaking—mystery that examines the boundaries of parental forgiveness in the wake of tragedy.
Followed by a discussion of John Kastner's life and work featuring longtime friends and collaborators.
“(Kastner) understands how to reveal human drama… it's nothing short of masterful.” – Exclaim!
"Kastner produced a stunning repertoire of bold, thought-provoking documentaries... he sought out and portrayed those who had fallen between the gaps of society." - The National Post