So Close to the State/s: The Emergence of Canadian Feature Film Policy, 1952-1976 (Heritage) - Softcover

Dorland, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 080208043X ISBN 13: 9780802080431

Publisher: University of Toronto Press, 1998

Synopsis

This book examines in detail the formation of Canadian feature film policy from the 1950s to the present. It pays special attention to the role played by producers, filmmakers, and government agencies, in relation to the changing production practices brought about by Canadian television.

For Canadian policy-makers, the feature film was considered to be a signifier of cultural modernity. Filmmakers' desire to experiment with a new format was subverted by a political-economic agenda intent on using the format to create cultural authenticity for a nation lagging behind its neighbour to the South. Dorland crafts a careful historical analysis based on primary sources, including government records and in-depth personal interviews with key participants. Employing Foucault's concept of governmentality, Dorland analyses the state's interest in influencing and shaping feature film production.

A major contribution to scholarship on Canadian cinema, So Close to the State/s provides a revealing look at the relationship between culture and the state.

About this title

About the Author

Michael Dorland is Professor in the School of Journalism and Communication at Carleton University.

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Toronto Press
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 080208043X
• ISBN 13: 9780802080431
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 222