DGC PRESIDENT MARKS PASSING OF JEAN-MARC VALLÉE 

Toronto – Directors Guild of Canada President Warren P. Sonoda issued the following statement on the life and death of DGC Member Jean-Marc Vallée: 

“Yesterday the world learned of the passing of a giant in Canadian cinema: Director and DGC Member, Jean-Marc Vallée. 

“Jean-Marc was a tireless supporter of Canadian film and of his fellow DGC Members. Always willing to host a screening, present an award, lead a masterclass or even share his love of music, DJing at a TIFF party, Jean-Marc’s joy and dedication felt inexhaustible. 

“Jean-Marc will be forever immortalized through his profound and soulful work that touched at the most vulnerable corners of our common humanity with one of the most unique cinematic eyes of his generation. Those who knew him will remember him both as a passionate, committed creator and also a gracious, generous man, quick with a smile and a kind word, supportive of cast, crew and peers alike.

“A singular voice, his work cut across the boundaries of language and media – including shorts, features, music videos and television. He brought a diverse, multifaceted mix of creative energies to his projects, not only his love of music that courses through his storytelling, but as a devoted master of his craft in directing, writing, producing and his ‘first love’ of editing. 

“The loss of Jean-Marc Vallée is felt deeply for those close to him and by all in our community.”