Renny Bartlett, a renowned individual, embarked on a life-changing journey that would ultimately shape his artistic trajectory. Born and raised in the vibrant cities of Ottawa and Montreal, Canada, he was destined for greatness. The year 1978 marked a pivotal moment in his life, as he received the esteemed Elizabeth Greenshield Sculpture Award, which granted him the opportunity to venture to the culturally rich city of London, England.
This life-altering experience not only marked the beginning of his involvement with experimental film but also served as a catalyst for his artistic growth. Bartlett's academic pursuits soon led him to achieve a remarkable feat, becoming the first individual to be awarded a 1st Class Honours Degree in Film from the prestigious St. Martin's School of Art.
Bartlett's groundbreaking and visionary approach to the art of filmmaking led to the conception and creation of a series of remarkable short films, including the critically acclaimed Dula, released in 1984, and the equally impressive Between Heaven and Earth, which premiered in 1981. As his career progressed, Bartlett's work continued to evolve, gradually transitioning from the realm of shorts to the production of longer, more complex films. One notable example of this evolution is Arktikos, a hybrid essay film that masterfully blended archive footage, narrative techniques, and documentary elements, ultimately resulting in a cinematic experience that was both thought-provoking and visually stunning.
Notable figure Bartlett's stint in Britain was marked by a pair of prestigious nominations for the British Film Institute's esteemed Grierson Award, bestowed upon outstanding works of writing, directing, and producing for documentary series on British television. Two notable documentary series, Moving Stills (1989) and The Cold War Game (1988),garnered widespread acclaim and were produced in tandem with renowned intellectual Noam Chomsky.
Bartlett's extensive sojourn in the USSR, coupled with his numerous visits to the country, had a profound impact on his professional trajectory, ultimately leading to a collaborative partnership with acclaimed director Sally Potter on the critically acclaimed and Academy Award-nominated cinematic masterpiece, Orlando, which premiered in 1992.
As a result of his immersion in the world of Soviet cinema, Bartlett became deeply fascinated with the life and work of Sergei Eisenstein, a pioneering Russian filmmaker who played a significant role in the development of montage theory. This intellectual curiosity subsequently inspired Bartlett to embark on a feature film project, Eisenstein (2000),which delved into the life and artistic endeavors of the renowned filmmaker.
Bartlett's meticulous and ambitious endeavour to author a comprehensive work of Eisenstein's research, a monumental task that spanned a duration of eight years, traversed diverse geographical territories, transporting him from the vibrant cultural landscape of Mexico to the vast expanses of Kazakhstan. Throughout this odyssey, he simultaneously held the esteemed position of director at the esteemed Praxis screen-writing centre in Vancouver, where he collaborated with the centre's esteemed faculty and staff to hone his craft, refine his vision, and cultivate his artistic sensibilities.
Simon McBurney portrayed the renowned Russian filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein in a critically acclaimed biographical drama that was meticulously crafted by writer and director Bartlett. This ambitious project was a collaborative effort between Canada and Germany, showcasing the artistic prowess of both nations.
The film's production was a logistical feat, with shooting taking place in multiple locations across Russia, Ukraine, and Mexico in the year 2000. This cinematic masterpiece was initially released in Canada in September 2001, garnering widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
As the year progressed, the film made its way to the prestigious New York Film Forum, where it premiered on January 2nd, 2002. This esteemed venue provided the perfect platform for Eisenstein's remarkable story to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.
Bartlett, having finished working on Eisenstein, went on to create a comprehensive, hour-long documentary that delved into the renowned film director's iconic work, The Battleship Potemkin. This documentary was a significant component of a prestigious BBC2 Arts series, aptly titled Art That Shook The World.
The series premiered in Britain on April 28th, 2001, and received widespread acclaim, including a glowing review from the Sunday Times, which praised the documentary as a "minor masterpiece in its own right."
Bartlett, a renowned figure in the world of cinema, received the esteemed Prize of the City at the 2001 St. Petersburg International Film Festival, a prestigious honor bestowed for his remarkable creative contributions to global cinematic endeavors and his dedication to fostering international cultural exchange and cooperation.
Additionally, Bartlett's outstanding work was recognized with five nominations for the coveted 'Genies' (the Canadian equivalent of the Academy Awards),including a nod for Best Picture. Furthermore, he was personally nominated for the highly regarded awards for Best Director and Best Screenplay, a testament to his exceptional skill and artistry behind the camera.
Notable television personality Bartlett has created a diverse array of five hour-long productions for The Discovery Channel Europe, a testament to his versatility and talent as a documentarian.
These productions, which have been broadcast to a wide audience, include Zero Hour: Chernobyl, a gripping exploration of the infamous nuclear disaster that unfolded in 1986.
Additionally, Bartlett has also explored the realms of history and mythology through his documentaries Warrior Women: Joan Of Arc and Boudica, which delve into the lives and exploits of these two legendary female figures.
Furthermore, his True Horror: Demons and Zombies series has delved into the darker aspects of human experience, examining the cultural and historical significance of these supernatural entities.
As a result of his impressive body of work, Bartlett has attracted the attention of both British and Canadian producers, who are currently collaborating with him on the development of two feature films.
These upcoming cinematic projects, which are expected to be highly anticipated and widely received, are a testament to Bartlett's continued growth and success as a filmmaker.
