
Person
John Bolton
Writing
Biography
John Bolton, a Vancouver filmmaker and founder of Opus 59 Films, specializes in adapting extraordinary literary and musical works for unique film experiences. His feature "musical docudrama," Aim for the Roses (2016), earned acclaim at Hot Docs and DOXA. Bolton directed That Higher Level (2018) for the National Film Board of Canada, examining the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. He also produced The Rankin File: Legacy of a Radical (2018), spotlighting Harry Rankin, showcased at DOXA and broadcasted in Canada and the USA. Currently, Bolton is involved in various captivating projects: THE LAKE / N'-HA-A-ITK, a documentary on cross-cultural collaboration; DOUG AND THE SLUGS AND ME, exploring the legacy of a Canadian band; and BACK HOME, an executive-produced documentary. He's also developing KING ARTHUR'S NIGHT, SNOWMAN, and STANLEY PARK, each with unique and compelling narratives.
Known for

CatDog
Writer

From Straight A's to XXX
Associate Producer

Breakdown
Director

Doug and the Slugs and Me
Producer

Aim for the Roses
The Bartender

King Arthur’s Night
Director
The Water Game
Writer

The Rankin File: Legacy of a Radical
Producer

Debris
Director

That Higher Level
Director
Filmography
- 2025King Arthur’s NightDirector
- 2022Doug and the Slugs and MeProducer
- 2018That Higher LevelDirector
- 2018The Rankin File: Legacy of a RadicalProducer
- 2017Aim for the RosesThe Bartender
- 2017From Straight A's to XXXAssociate Producer
- 2015DebrisDirector
- 2006BreakdownDirector
- 2002The Water GameWriter
- 1998CatDogWriter
- —The Lake / nx̌aʔx̌aʔitkWriter
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