World Premiere
Since his death in 2007, the renown of Canadian painter E.J. Hughes has only continued to grow. For decades, his extraordinary works highlighting the landscapes of British Columbia have captivated the public, but his personal life is less well known. A solitary man dedicated to his art, Hughes led a fascinating life, struggling to make ends meet until a discovery of his work led to its acclaim. Having attempted to work as a fisherman during the Depression, he became a war artist during the Second World War and never gave up his passion for painting, even when devotedly caring for his ailing wife.
Drawing from recorded tape interviews and painstaking work from biographer Robert Amos, director Jenn Strom focuses her documentary on Hughes’s personal story while integrating critical receptions to his artwork. Through absorbing explorations into Canadian history and a look at Hughes’s legacy not only as an artist but as a person, a beautiful portrait emerges of a gentle soul who helped to reshape the artistic landscape of British Columbia.
Supported by
E.J. Hughes, Robert Amos, Ian Thom, Charlie Hill
Canada
2025
English
Indigenous & Community Access
Indigenous Access Tickets Community Access Tickets Ticket Donation Requests
Credits & Director
Executive Producer
Kevin Eastwood, Patrice Ramsay
Producer
Kevin Eastwood, Jenn Strom
Screenwriter
Jenn Strom
Cinematography
Vince Arvidson, Chad Galloway, Emily Robertson, Milena Salazar, Naim Sutherland, Laurel K. Brown
Editor
Jenn Strom
Original Music
Mark Lazeski
Jenn Strom
Jenn Strom is a filmmaker, editor, and animator based in Vancouver. Her previous credits as director include the hand-painted NFB animation Assembly (2012), A Golden Voice (2020; co-directed with Patrick Shannon), and the Nick Bantock artist-profile featured in the Gemini Award–nominated series 12 Takes (2010). Her feature editing credits include back home (VIFF, 2022), Stuffed (SXSW and VIFF, 2019), and the musical NFB documentary The Road Forward (2017), which won the Leo Award for Best Editing.
Filmography: Nick Bantock (2010); Assembly (2012); Bill Reid: A Golden Voice (2020)
Portraits
See more films in this series
La Salsa Vive
An exuberant celebration of salsa that traces the genre's evolution from New York City in the 1960s and 70s to Cali, Colombia — the salsa capital of the world. Carvajal’s documentary highlights the rich legacy of this musical form and the joy it inspires.
Assembly
This vibrant documentary explores interdisciplinary artist Rashaad Newsome’s visionary 2022 exhibition Assembly, a multimedia extravaganza of artists collaborating to create an immersive, empowering space exploring the joy of Black and Queer culture.
I Want It All. Hildegard Knef
A glamorous icon full of poise and style, Hildegard Knef was one of the 20th century’s true film stars. This documentary reveals the multi-faceted layers beneath her larger-than-life persona, exploring her rise to fame while piercing the masks she hid behind.
Caravaggio
In the latest from Exhibition on Screen, co-directors David Bickerstaff and Phil Grabsky shed light on not only on Caravaggio’s paintings, but his life, often kept half-hidden in the same chiaroscuro tones he shaded his masterpieces with.
Sun Ra: Do the Impossible
Whether he was a man, a musician, or an emissary from Saturn (as he claimed), Sun Ra was one of the unique visionaries of the 20th century. Christine Turner’s documentary explores the legacy of this iconoclastic who turned his life into a work of art.
John Candy: I Like Me
A Canadian icon who defined a generation of comedy, John Candy’s presence still looms large in the hearts of fans decades after his tragic death. This documentary is a hilarious, heartwarming celebration of Candy’s generous spirit and singular talent.
The Art of Adventure
The unbelievable adventure story of how painter Robert Bateman and ecologist Bristol Foster drove a Land Rover from Africa to Australia in 1957, developing a love of nature to last a lifetime. An inspirational love letter to the adventure of life itself.
The Painted Life of E.J. Hughes
A beautiful portrait of E.J. Hughes, who quietly helped reshape the artistic landscape of British Columbia in the 20th century. This extraordinary documentary explores Hughes’s legacy not only as an artist, but as a devoted, humble human being.
Half Moon: Kinan Azmeh
Syrian musician Kinan Azmeh questions how art and music can adequately confront the tragedy of war in this introspective documentary. A profound and celebratory meditation on art’s ability to build solidarity, community, and hope in the world.
The Essence of Eva
Tragically dying years before she’d rise to global fame, Eva Cassidy was an uncompromising artist whose transcendent voice still resonates. With never-before-heard recordings and footage, this intimate portrait captures the person behind the legend.
particle dance
A poetic tribute to the artistic innovations of Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. particle dance captures the humility and beauty of Kuma’s balancing act between tradition and experimentation, as he seeks to reconnect humans with their natural environment.
Are We Good?
Affable curmudgeon Marc Maron jokes his way through grief, trying to make sense of the world and his comedy following the death of his partner. A cantankerously poignant, wryly funny cri de coeur from one of the most genuine comedians in the business.