Janis Cole facts for kids

Janis Cole (born 1954) is a Canadian filmmaker, producer, writer, editor, and professor. She has directed many films throughout her career. Most of these films were made with her friend and professional partner, Holly Dale. Janis Cole is known for making documentaries that explore important social topics.

Early Filmmaking Career

Janis Cole started her long career while still in school, where she made short films with Holly Dale. Their first short film, made in 1976, explored social issues in the city of Toronto, Ontario.

They continued to make documentaries, exploring different topics. One film, made in 1977, looked at a special mental health center in Penetanguishene, Ontario. Cole and Dale interviewed people living there, showing their stories and encouraging understanding. Another film, from 1976, also explored social themes in Toronto. These early films helped Janis Cole become a documentary filmmaker who focused on themes related to women and society.

First Major Film Success

Cole and Dale's first full-length film, titled P4W: Prison for Women (1981), was a big success. It won them a Genie Award for Best Theatrical Documentary. This film is considered one of the most well-known works in Cole's career.

P4W followed the lives of people living in Canada's only women's correctional facility at the time. The film focused on their personal stories, their relationships, and how they felt isolated in the Kingston, Ontario facility. The film centered on five women, chosen from many who wanted to share their experiences.

Janis Cole explained in an interview that they met with about 100 people multiple times before filming. They got to know many of them and researched their backgrounds. About sixty women wanted to be in the film, and they chose a few to focus on.

This film was important for showing different kinds of relationships in documentaries. By focusing on the women's experiences, the film helped audiences understand the connections formed between people in challenging situations.

Later Creative Works

After P4W, Cole and Dale made another film in 1984, which explored social issues in Vancouver. This film was also well-received and helped the pair win a second Genie Award.

Janis Cole continued her work in the film industry, making films such as Calling the Shots (1988) and Bowie: One in a Million (2001).

Calling the Shots (1988) is a documentary where Cole and Dale interviewed women who work in the film business. These women shared their experiences and challenges throughout their careers.

Bowie: One in a Million (2001) was Cole's final film. It was a short, 10-minute tribute to Cathy Bowie, who was a friend of Cole's. The film remembered Cathy's life.

Janis Cole also worked as a professor at OCAD University in Toronto for thirty years. She is now a Professor Emerita, which means she is a retired professor who keeps her title as an honor.

Filmography

See also

• List of female film and television directors