Fresh from its world premiere at the TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2010, The Man of a Thousand Songs is set for its first national broadcast Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. ET in crystal clear HD on Super Channel, Canada’s only national English pay television network.
Exploring the bitter irony of being an immensely talented but little known “legend”, this stylish and innovative documentary presents a startling, tender and emotionally satisfying journey through the mind and music of one of Canada’s most influential songwriters, Ron Hynes, a.k.a. The Man of a Thousand Songs.
Brandishing words and music like weapons, Ron directly confronts his 35 years on the road, his failed relationships, battles with his alter ego (ominously called, “The Man”), his near death from drug overdose and finally, his stirring and triumphant recovery through song. He also explores the sources of his music and, living the legend, he brilliantly performs many of his most beloved songs in powerful performances recorded live especially for this film.
Hynes’ intense and articulate young nephew, novelist Joel Thomas Hynes, also appears, chain-smoking his way through the film, providing wry and insightful comments on his brilliant uncle’s turbulent life and their complex relationship.
“Super Channel is proud to have supported the production and now the broadcast world premiere of The Man of a Thousand Songs,” said Justin Rebelo, Director of Canadian Programming, Super Channel. “Ron is a national treasure, as is the director William MacGillivray. We’re so happy they launched at the Toronto International Film Festival and now to our audience on Super Channel.”
The Man of a Thousand Songs is presented by Picture Plant (Lunenburg, NS) and Get Set Films (St John’s, NL). It is directed by William D. MacGillivray – preeminent figure in the history and development of independent filmmaking in Canada – most notably known for Life Classes – Canada’s Official Entry in Competition at the 1988 Berlin International Film Festival and named a Masterwork of Canadian Cinema.
The Producers are Terry Greenlaw and Jordan Canning. Produced in association with Super Channel, with the participation of the Canada Media Fund and the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation, with the assistance of the Canwest-Hot Docs Completion Fund and the Canadian, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland Film Industry Tax Credits, in association with the CBC.
