This space is too small to do justice to Charles Officer. Even if we had the whole programme to work with, it’d still be too small — that’s how big of a space he took up, and how much of a hole he leaves. A hockey player turned actor turned especially empathetic filmmaker, Officer’s influence extends well beyond his own work. He mentored, advised, taught and generally improved the lives of just about everyone he met. After Unarmed Voices and The Skin We’re In and Akilla’s Escape and CBC’s The Porter, it seemed the second act of his career was just beginning; there were decades ahead of him before he’d be considered for a Luminary award. Instead, this is the way we honour his untimely passing, mourning his loss – and the loss of all the work he still had left to give. Rest easy, Charles.

— Norm Wilner