When John Kastner was 18 he read Fyodor Dostoevsky’s masterpiece Crime and Punishment. He’d found his lodestar.
If only, I thought, I could turn out a work of art like that, which forces people like me not to avert their eyes from the wretched of the earth. And while I do not have his genius, alas, I guess a little part of me has never given up the dream of becoming the Dostoevsky of the documentary.
John’s acclaimed films about the forgotten, the marginalized and the misunderstood won world-wide recognition. With courage and compassion, he illuminated hidden worlds, revealed complex human experiences and explored humanity within darkness.
From cancer patients to prisoners to the abandoned struggling to find community and humanity in nursing homes and in mental institutions, he gave voice to the voiceless. His films changed the way the world saw them, and in many cases changed their lives.
Over his 40 year career John won awards from Hot Docs documentary festival and the Canadian Academy of Film and Television, including Life Time Achievement. Among dozens of international honours, John won an unprecedented 4 Emmy Awards.
The impact his films have had for the communities he championed is extraordinary. For his exceptional work on mental illness he was named a CAMH Difference maker. Criminal justice professionals and medical organizations around the world screen his documentaries. Neglected and misunderstood groups have been helped by John’s ability - his rare and remarkable gift - to change people’s minds about them. John Kastner truly realized his dream.
Tragically, he died at 73 from glioblastoma, an incurable brain cancer.
This fund has been established so John’s work will continue to live on through others. At this time, this includes the establishment of an annual award for filmmakers who will continue in his footsteps. In addition, support will be given to projects that promote de-stigmatization and serve as catalysts for change in the communities he loved and believed in so much.
John Kastner gave dignity to the forgotten and stigmatized of our society. He opened closed minds. More than ever that work must continue to be done. Please help us make a difference.
This Fund’s granting purpose is subject to change at the request of the Donor Advisor. To enable the Donor Advisor to properly recognize donors for their contributions, Toronto Foundation will share your contact information and donation amount with the Donor Advisor unless you have checked the anonymous box on the donation form.