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S.J. Finlay

Documentary Filmmaker

S.J. Finlay is an award winning documentary filmmaker from B.C., Canada, known for directing the All In  (Crossfit) series and Our Game  (Hockey) series for Telus, which have together accumulated millions of views.

He has also directed the recent award-winning documentary Pride of Katanga about Uganda’s first female boxer (Best Documentary, Toronto Shorts), as well as a docu-drama feature film about child soldiers in the Philippines, Boy From Nowhere  (Audience Award Winner, Lonely Wolf Film Festival 2021 // Official Selection & Award of Exceptional Merit, Docs Without Borders, 2021).

He likes to produce international documentaries that spotlight  stories of inspiration and human rights, usually as a one-man-band. He has worked on these for CBC, Vice, World Vision and various non-profits in countries like Liberia, the Philippines, Thailand, Greenland, Nepal and Uganda.

He has also directed music videos over the years for bands like Son Lux, Said the Whale, Snowmine, Andrew Judah, Icelandia and more.

He also shoots stock footage available for licensing through Film Supply here.

 

Recent Work

Pride of Katanga

Pride of Katanga is the story of Hellen Balekeh, Uganda’s first female boxer. Provider, protector, and inspiration to her community. Winner of Best Documentary at Toronto Shorts (2020).

Watch the teaser here. 

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All In (Crossfit Series)

All In beings in 2018 with Canadian Crossfit athlete Brent Fikowski, who had just been named the 2nd fittest man alive. Come along for some humour, hi-jinx and fitness as Brent tries to finish on the podium at the Crossfit games. 

Watch Episode One here. 

Three seasons have now been produced.

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Boy From Nowhere

Shot guerrilla style in dangerous parts of the southern Philippines, Boy From Nowhere is S.J. Finlay’s feature film debut , called by Steve Gravestock, chief programmer for the Toronto International Film Festival, “a strong debut.” It features a cast of non-actors whose lives closely mimic the tale of a boy caught up in chain of events beyond his control. In April 2021, it won the Audience Award after debuting at the Lonely Wolf International Film Festival

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Our Game

Our Game (Season Two) features Team Canada’s quest for Gold at the World Junior Championship in 2019. Directed by S.J. Finlay. Watch Episode One here. 

Film Festivals and Awards

Pride of Katanga (Short Documentary)

Best Documentary – Toronto Shorts International Film Festival

Award of Excellence – Canada Shorts

Official Selection – Berlin Independent Film Festival

Official Selection – NorthwestFest (Edmonton)

Nominee, Best Short Documentary – Leo Awards (B.C. Film) 

Boy From Nowhere (Feature Film) 

Audience Award Winner – Lonely Wolf: London International Film Festival (April, 2021)

Official Selection – DocsWithoutBorders, (May 2021)

All In 3 (Web Series)

Toronto Independent Film Awards – Best Web Series (Nominated)

Nominee, Best Web Series – Leo Awards (B.C. Film) 

Los Angeles Film Awards – Best Web Series (Dec 2020)

Top Shorts – Best Web Series (Qualifying, Dec 2020)

Official Selection – Jaipur International Film Festival

Official Selection – Sunscreen Film Festival 

 

Boy Soldier (Short Film)

Official Selection – Toronto Shorts

Award of Commendation – Canada Shorts

Official Selection – Assurado Film Festival

 

 

More Films

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