A driving force in the province’s film industry has passed away.
Paul Pope of Pope Productions passed away Thursday morning according to his family. The producer is known across Canada for his film making work as a founding member and former President of NIFCO (the Newfoundland Filmmakers Cooperative) and for working on hundreds of films.
Pope was instrumental in helping to develop CNA’s new Film and Media Production Centre announced on Wednesday. He was unable to attend Wednesday’s announcement.
Some of his best known work includes Rare Birds which starred the late William Hurt, My Left Breast about Gerry Rogers diagnosis with breast cancer, and the television production Hudson & Rex which airs across Canada and a long list of countries in both Europe and South America.
Pope’s work has been recognized with a number of awards including ArtsNL’s Arts Achievement Award, the Douglas James Dales Industry Builder Award, he was recognized by the City of St. John’s with a Tourism Award in 2021, and he received an honorary Doctorate from Memorial University.
(Photo via City of St. John’s.)
Tributes Pour In
Reaction is starting to pour in on the unexpected passing of Paul Pope.
Premier Andrew Furey tweeted out that he’s devastated by the news. He calls Pope a pioneer, and a driving force the province’s film and television industry.
The city of St. John’s is also expressing deep sadness on Pope’s passing, calling him a dynamic force in the province’s film and television industry and a friend of the city of St. John’s. In a statement issued Thursday afternoon, the city says Pope was a key contributor to the city’s 10-year economic plan, Roadmap 2021, and recently brought his perspective to the creation of the city’s economic development framework.
The city says Pope was a frequent collaborator on a number of projects and gave freely of his time.
I am absolutely devastated by news of #PaulPope‘s sudden passing.
Paul was a pioneer, a driving force in our film and TV industry. With passion and energy, his work was inspiring and his legacy will live on.
My deepest condolences to Lisa and their family at this tragic time. pic.twitter.com/lRk2SNZ2TY
— Andrew Furey (@FureyAndrew) April 14, 2022
