The immersive and insightful four-part documentary series debuts on October 12, 2021

Vancouver, BC (October 10, 2021) - Knowledge Network, British Columbia’s public broadcaster, is debuting the landmark documentary series British Columbia: An Untold History. Premiering on October 12, 2021 at 9:00 PM PST, the new docu-series takes an unflinching look at B.C.’s complex history while offering viewers a chance to learn about diverse stories from a more inclusive lens that they may not have known before.

With episodes releasing weekly, the thought-provoking series about the province will take viewers on a journey from the late 18th century and spanning 200 years. The project offers a more inclusive and diverse perspective as told from those who have lived and studied B.C.’s shared past and features the voices of authors, historians, Elders, and descendants of historical figures. Indigenous, Chinese, Japanese, Punjabi, Black, and European stories are woven together to present an astute look at the complicated past that shaped B.C. as we know it today. The first episode of the series, entitled Change +Resistance, screened at the Vancouver International Film Festival followed by a talk with the creative team.

“Much of our province’s history is learned in school, but there are so many more diverse and conflicting perspectives that have not reached the classroom,” said Rudy Buttignol, President & CEO of Knowledge Network. “We wanted to create a series that explores B.C.’s complicated history by telling the stories and amplifying the voices that were previously marginalized by mainstream interpretations.”

“We must acknowledge our past so we can create a future free from racism and move forward in the spirit of true and lasting reconciliation,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.  “This series shares stories that are well known within impacted communities but need to be shared more broadly with all British Columbians to strengthen our understanding, knowledge and empathy. I know these are not always easy stories to be told, but they must be heard. This is an opportunity for us all to learn more about the cultures and experiences that have shaped our province so we can build a brighter and, more equitable, just and inclusive future together.”

Executive Produced by Screen Siren Pictures’ Trish Dolman and produced by Leena Minifie from Stories First Productions, the series is commissioned by Knowledge Network, and written and directed by Kevin Eastwood. From set to screen, those involved in the development of the series emphasized inclusion and equity from the selection of commentators to hiring protocols ensuring a more diverse crew.  

"It was incredibly important to us that the series is as authentic as possible and in order to do so, we interviewed over 70 individuals and researched over 10,000 archives to put this project together, and have developed alongside the series an online history database that is incredibly impressive and in depth,” said Leena Minifie, Producer of British Columbia: An Untold History. “We want this series to be a platform for members of Indigenous, Chinese, Japanese, South Asian, and Black communities to share some of their stories with an audience who may not have heard them before, and through that allow viewers to take away their own understanding of the past and challenge how they think about our province’s diverse history today.”

British Columbia: An Untold History will air on Knowledge Network on Tuesdays from October 12 to November 2, 2021 at 9 PM PST . The series will also be available to stream for free across Canada at www.knowledge.ca and on the Knowledge Network app. The trailer is now available to view at: www.knowledge.ca/bchistory

About Knowledge Network:

British Columbia’s Knowledge Network is a viewer-supported public broadcaster exploring the world through its commercial-free television and streaming services. Knowledge Network works in partnership with independent producers in British Columbia and Canada to develop and commission children’s and documentary programs that educate, inform and inspire. For more information, visit www.knowledge.ca

About Screen Siren Pictures:

Founded in 1997 by president and producer Trish Dolman, Screen Siren Pictures has since established itself as a premier independent media production company in the Canadian landscape. In 2009, Dolman joined forces with feature film veteran Christine Haebler to form the dynamite producer duo that now spearheads the company. Producing some of the most successful feature films and documentaries in Canada, the company has amassed more than 30 credits in both scripted and unscripted television and film while specializing in international co-productions and partnerships. Screen Siren Pictures continues to build its operations and strengthen its reputation, and is committed to being a leader in the production of Canadian film, television and new media.