Writing
John Bolton
John Bolton, a Vancouver filmmaker and founder of Opus 59 Films, specializes in adapting extraordinary literary and musical works for unique film experiences. His feature "musical docudrama," Aim for the Roses (2016), earned acclaim at Hot Docs and DOXA. Bolton directed That Higher Level (2018) for the National Film Board of Canada, examining the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. He also produce…
Known For
From Straight A's to XXX · 2017From Straight A's to XXX
★ 5.92017
MovieDramaTV Movie
When a change of circumstances leaves Miriam unable to pay her college tuition, she makes a surprising decision: to start performing in adult films, using the pseudonym Belle Knox. Miriam lies to her family and her friends at school, keeping her double life a secret. But soon rumours spread and Miriam becomes the subject of vicious online attacks and unwanted attention. Miriam fights back: she talks to the media, saying her new line of work empowers her as a feminist. But her confident stand has unintended consequences. Miriam is shunned by her conservative family and her colleagues in the adult film world. One impulsive decision has quickly spiralled out of control - and Miriam's problems are just beginning.
Breakdown · 2006Breakdown
★ 3.02006
MovieComedy
In May 2006, filmmakers John Bolton and Errin Clutton were given eight days and eight hundred dollars to produce the made-for-television disaster film "Breakdown". Unfortunately, they spent the first seven days in casting. On the eighth day, they cut together "Breakdown" with the only footage they had - the video from the casting session. This is that film.
Aim for the Roses · 2017Aim for the Roses
2017
MovieDocumentaryMusic
In 1976, Canadian stuntman Ken Carter declared his intention to jump a mile over the St. Lawrence Seaway in a rocket powered car. In 2008, Canadian musician Mark Haney declared his intention to pay tribute to Ken Carter in the form of a concept album for solo double bass. In 2011, Canadian filmmaker John Bolton declared his intention to make a "musical docudrama" about both men. Aim for the Roses is a one-of-a-kind film, about a one-of-a-kind album, about a one-of-a-kind stunt, all three of which could only happen in Canada.
Doug and the Slugs and Me · 2022Doug and the Slugs and Me
★ 8.02022
MovieDocumentary
A POV documentary following filmmaker Teresa Alfeld's journey uncovering the story of her childhood best friend's dad, Doug Bennett, leader of the legendary 1980s Canadian party band Doug and the Slugs.
The Rankin File: Legacy of a Radical · 2018The Rankin File: Legacy of a Radical
2018
MovieDocumentary
A feature documentary investigation into the colourful and sometimes controversial life of Vancouver lawyer, city councillor and socialist icon Harry Rankin.
King Arthur’s Night · 2025King Arthur’s Night
2025
Movie
A genre-defying music documentary inspired by a medieval musical play created by an amazing company of artists living with and without Down Syndrome, including award-winning playwrights Niall McNeil and Marcus Youssef and iconic musician Veda Hille. Think "The Green Knight" meets "Crip Camp", but with songs.
Debris · 2015Debris
2015
Movie
This short film is a portrait of Tofino, BC intertidal artist Pete Clarkson as he crafts his most ambitious and personal project to date: a memorial to the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami. He, like so many of us around the world, was deeply affected by the disaster. Years later, as splintered and mangled timber and other objects started to wash ashore, the disaster hit home again for Clarkson, and the inspiration for his memorial was born. In Clarkson’s caring hands, the remnants from the Tohoku region take on a life of their own as he shapes them into a unique public sculpture. The result is an evocative memorial that is a site of remembrance and contemplation, and an emotional bridge connecting an artist, his community and a people an ocean away.
That Higher Level · 2018That Higher Level
2018
MovieDocumentary
Follows the 100 musicians who make up the National Youth Orchestra of Canada over the course of two months of training and touring across the country.
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