Grierson poster

Grierson

7.3(3)197358m2

A portrait of John Grierson, the first Canadian Government Film Commissioner and founder of the National Film Board in 1939. Interweaving archival footage, interviews with people who knew him and footage of Grierson himself, this film is a sensitive and informative portrait of a dynamic man of vision. Grierson believed that the filmmaker had a social responsibility, and that film could help a society realize democratic ideals. His absolute faith in the value of capturing the drama of everyday life was to influence generations of filmmakers all over the world. In fact, he coined the term 'documentary film'.

Share WhatsApp Telegram
Status
Released
Budget
—
Box office
—
Language
English
  • government
  • portrait
  • television
  • biographical documentary

Top billed cast

Behind the camera

Director

Roger Blais

Produced in

Canada

Gallery

Still from Grierson

Videos

No extra videos are listed for this title yet.

Release dates

  • CanadaCA

    • Theatrical13 Sept 1973

Frequently asked questions

Grierson was released on 13 September 1973.

Audience reviews

1
  • C

    CinemaSerf

    6/7/2025

    7/10

    Born in Edinburgh, Jack Grierson grew into an activist on a Clydeside soapbox in his teens advocating improvements in the lives of the poverty stricken shipbuilders struggling to make ends meet in early 20th century Scotland. The Great War took him into the Royal Navy and thence to university where a degree in moral philosophy saw him move to Chicago. This was at a time when Capone and prohibition dominated the city …

Member reviews

Sign in to rate and review. Browsing stays free and open.

Sign in

Member comments

0

Sign in to post a comment. Browsing stays free and open.

Sign in

More like this