DGC National President Warren P. Sonoda mourns the passing of Canadian film icon and pioneer Donald Shebib whose contributions to the film & television landscape shaped the industry.

“Donald was a mentor and inspiration for countless filmmakers during a legendary career that spans over 60 years – 45 of which he spent as a DGC Member. In 2017, in a room full of his friends and peers, he was presented the DGC Lifetime Achievement Award at the 16^th Annual DGC Awards.

“Donald was a Toronto native with roots in the Maritimes who attended film school at UCLA, studying alongside Francis Ford Coppola. Upon his return to his hometown, he focused on creating a series of documentaries including Satan’s Choice (1967), which gave a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a Toronto motorcycle club.

“His first feature length film, Goin' Down the Road (1970), inspired by real Canadian stories, was one of the first ever depictions of Toronto on screen. It is known for its authenticity in depicting struggles that resonated with many Canadians. It took home the top prize at the Canadian Film Awards, which is now the Canadian Screen Awards. It is widely recognized as one of the best films to come out of Canada and received critical acclaim internationally. His other credits span both film and television, including Between Friends (1973), Night Heat (1986-88), Down the Road Again (2011) and Nightalk (2022), his final feature which premiered at TIFF.

“We extend our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him and his groundbreaking body of work. He leaves behind a legacy that will forever be part of the fabric of Canadian cinema.”