Lisa Rideout is Toronto based, award-winning documentary filmmaker. Her innovative approach to storytelling and striking visuals have garnered her multiple awards and nominations. Her films Take a Walk on the Wildside and One Leg In, One Leg Out both won Oscar qualifying awards, including a Canadian Screen Award and LA Film Festival award for best short documentary. Lisa looks to create work that humanizes complex social issues and pushes creative boundaries.
Lisa works as a director for hire and is currently directing documentary content alongside Banger Films, Clique Pictures and 90th Parallel. Lisa has her MFA in Documentary Media from Ryerson University and her MA in Critical Media and Cultural Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
questionnaire:
Where were you born, where did you grow up, where do you live now?
Ottawa- well Kanata (home of the Ottawa Sens), but I’ve lived in Toronto for over 15 years.
First film you made, and where and when?
The first film I made was as a student at Ryerson. It was my thesis film titled While We Wait, which looked at three peoples’ experiences with end of life. A very light first film.
Latest film you made, and where and when?
I’m directing an episode of TV for a series about pop music
Describe your current living space
I live in part of a house with my new puppy Henry.
What Canadian would you challenge to make an isolation movie?
Corinne Dunphy, Serene Husni
Worst thing about being in isolation?
Lack of hugs, no differentiation between work/home, I’m not a work from home type of person.
Best thing about being in isolation?
My new puppy! Also, I was able to spend two months in Ottawa with my mom, her partner and my sister. I’m so grateful for that time, that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
Favourite book to read in isolation?
Are people reading books in isolation? I’m slowly re-reading Purple Hibiscus (I like re-reading books that I love, my long-term memory is pretty bad so it’s like reading a whole new book), and Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime, which I randomly picked up from my mom’s bookshelf.
Favourite music to listen to in isolation?
Hmmm I’d say podcasts over music, currently listening to Coronavirus in the Delta and am always listening to Ester Perel.
Favourite movies to watch in isolation?
I’m watching more TV than films, I like watching films in the theatre. Currently watching Mrs. America and Insecure. Also, loved Unorthodox and of course Love Is Blind.
Favourite meal in isolation?
Sushi, Jerk Chicken.
What’s the last best thing you cooked?
I don’t really cook or its nothing worth mentioning but proud of all you making bread.
What was it like making a film alone?
I’m all about collaboration. In documentary, some filmmakers like doing it all themselves. I’m not one of them, I know there are people far better than me at cinematography and editing etc. But it was nice to pick up a camera again and edit myself – good practice to make an idea come to life by myself. It was also a pleasant reminder of why I love directing – being involved in every step of the process.
