The CBMF/FMCR has established a fonds related to the career of noted documentarian Harry Rasky. The Foundation is currently finalizing the details of the donation with Mr. Rasky's widow, Arlene. The donation includes copies of his documentaries, awards, citations, original scripts, photographs, promotional material, unpublished manuscripts, and his personal sketches. The CBMF/FMCR is honoured to be the recipient of such a donation, and was fortunate to have conducted an oral history with Mr. Rasky almost a year before his unexpected death in 2007.

Mr. Rasky began his career at CKEY radio in Toronto, before co–founding the news documentary department at the CBC at the age of 24. From 1952 to 1955, he was the director, producer and writer of CBC Newsmagazine. In 1956 he moved to the United States, where he worked closely with Edward R. Murrow. In 1967, he returned to Canada and formed an independent production company, subsequently producing dozens of documentaries which aired on CBC and around the world.

Offering a distinctive style of documentary making, his programs were often referred to as “Raskymentaries.” His programs were frequently inspired by his fascination with art, books, and their creators, resulting in many films about artists and their creative process, such as writer Tennessee Williams, actor Christopher Plummer, photographer Yosuf Karsh and poet/singer Leonard Cohen.

During his career, he produced more than 50 feature length documentaries and was recognized by more than 200 international prizes and citations. His 1977 film Homage to Chagall: The Colours of Love received an Oscar nomination, as well as winning the Best Documentary Award from the Directors Guild of America. A copy of his Emmy Award winning film about Westminster Abbey, titled Hall of Kings, was buried in a time capsule at the Abbey.

A recipient of the Order of Canada in 2003, Harry Rasky died on April 9, 2007 from complications following surgery to repair a broken hip.