The mockumentary genre yields some amusing films that mirror reality at often hilarious or outrageous levels. There are several Candian mockumentaries that redefined the genre but mostly stayed under-the-radar.
Perhaps one prominent example was the Canadian production To Die For, chiefly for big-names being involved in its making from director Gus Van Sant to leading lady Nicole Kidman. Even though marketed as a black comedy/crime thriller, To Die For tells the story of an ambitious broadcast journalist, shot in the pseudo-documentary style. However, other than this 1995 film, there are a few notable mockumentaries from the country that turned out to be underrated gems.
10 Confessions Of A Porn Addict (2008)
The title might suggest socially-relevant content for a proper documentary but this 2008 comedy is what one would term a "serious mockumentary." Rather than relying on goofy antics and over-the-top themes, the film delves into "Porn Anonymous" meetings where porn addicts introspect on their toxic habits.
Confessions Of A Porn Addict can be unsettling in a few scenes to the point that it seems pretty realistic. Like many other films on this list, this was also made on a relatively lower budget and has an intentionally low-fidelity independent feel to it.
9 It's All Gone Pete Tong (2004)
A British-Canadian mockumentary, It's All Gone Pete Tong might resurge in present times, given its similarities with the highly-acclaimed Sound of Metal. The film revolves around an Ibiza-based DJ who starts losing his hearing. His eventual descent to gloom and adjustments with his new life are explored in a witty yet emotional manner.
It's one of those mockumentaries that starts off merrily but ends up getting thoughtfully serious as the story progresses. Another reason for watching it is Paul Kaye's lead performance. This was Kaye's most popular role before he went on to acquire future fame as Thoros of Myr in Game of Thrones.
8 Jimmywork (2004)
Existential themes are touched upon in Jimmywork as a man named Jimmy W (Jimmy Webber) plans to 'make it or break it' on his 50th birthday. Not willing to give up hope on his unsatisfactory life, Jimmy W plans to run a successful campaign for an ad agency only to be used for others' opportunistic means.
Tired of bowing down to everyone in his life, he decides to retaliate. The film explores familiar tropes of a mid-life crisis but with an arthouse touch to it and mockumentary style filmmaking.
7 The Life And Hard Times Of Guy Terrifico (2005)
The Life And Hard Times Of Guy Terrifico serves as a homage to several long-forgotten musical artists. Comparable to the music documentary Searching For Sugarman, this musical mockumentary serves as a fictional biography of a country singer known as Guy Terrifico, who's long thought to be dead.
The film then attempts to cover his attempts at a professional comeback, hoping to reappear in the public eye. Other artists like Kris Kristofferson and Ronnie Hawkins appear as themselves.
6 The Canadian Conspiracy (1985)
Imagine the Canadian government tries to impose its hegemony on the United States by taking control of the American entertainment industry! This political conspiracy is unearthed in The Canadian Conspiracy that was produced and distributed by CBC and HBO.
It features interviews with actors like Donald Sutherland, William Shatner, and Leslie Nielsen exposing how many Canadian artists make it big in America, revealing their "true motives." Although it's from the 80s, the mockumentary would be hilariously relevant even today with Canadian figures like Keanu Reeves, Dan Levy, and Drake having an expansive influence on the States.
5 FUBAR (2002)
Directed by Pete Tong's Michael Dowse, FUBAR is another music-themed mockumentary although of a less serious nature. The film was shot entirely on a digital camera with a shoestring budget. Even though FUBAR couldn't get the right distribution in its time, the film has been accorded the status of a cult hit in Western Canada, spawning a sequel.
The film is a must-watch for fans of dialogue-driven friendship comedy-dramas like Clerks. The two protagonists pretty much do nothing in life other than slacking. They often engage in drinking, plan to form a garage band, and experiment with their hairstyles while a documentarian accompanies them on their everyday journeys.
4 Hard Core Logo (1996)
Especially from the release of This Is Spinal Tap, rock music's subsequent exploration has become the subject of many a mockumentary. Based on the novel of the same name, Hard Core Logo metaphorically documents the downfall of punk rock in mainstream society by focusing on a fictional titular band.
The film starts from a band reunion that eventually exposes the insecurities and dark secrets of the band members, as they deal with fame and their inner demons. A darkly funny parody at its core, Hard Core Logo also featured cameos by rockers like Joey Ramone and Art Bergmann.
3 The Great Martian War 1913-1917 (2013)
A TV docudrama, The Great Martian War 1913-1917 is presented as a no-nonsense factual film of historical importance. It takes inspiration from World War history and classic science-fiction-like War of the Worlds by HG Wells to create an alternate historical narrative.
The so-called Martian War was fought between the Allied Forces and extraterrestrial Martians (instead of the Central/Axis powers). Featuring narration by Mark Strong, the film actually doubles as a fascinating history buff's dream, despite its ridiculous storyline.
2 Radiant City (2006)
A biting satire on the suburban sprawl in towns and cities, Radiant City plays out very much like an actual documentary, only to reveal its true nature towards the end credits.
It's a mix of both real and fictional elements as the actors are actual suburban inhabitants who have had their own share of issues with urban modernity. The film sets up several fictional situations where they can rant about the flaws of suburban life, while occasionally touching upon the advantages.
1 My Winnipeg (2007)
Guy Maddin, one of Canada's most venerated filmmakers and screenwriters, helmed this deeply personal project that can be described as a 'docu-fantasia'. My Winnipeg finds the director revisiting his hometown, blending personal memories with elements of surrealism and even psychotherapy!
Darcy Fehr stars as Maddin himself, doubling as a filmmaker who wishes to know more about his city and its inhabitants. This leads him down a rabbit hole of bizarre incidents and anecdotes by the townsfolk. While serving as many things at once, My Winnipeg is definitely a highly unconventional mockumentary and an artist's love letter to the city that made him who he is.
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