The Canadian film-maker, journalist and documentary advocate has died in Montreal following a battle with cancer. He was 60.

Industry members tweeted tributes to Wintonick and have got behind an effort to raise funds to pay for his medical treatment.

Wintonick was diagnosed recently with a rare form of liver cancer and was admitted to hospital on Friday (Nov 15).

EyeSteelFilm has stepped in to provide finishing funds on Wintonick’s last film, Be Here Now.

His directing credits include pilgrIMAGE, A Case Study: Cambodia And East Timor and Cinéma Vérité: Defining The Moment. He won the Canadian Governor General’s Award in 2006 for Visual and Media Arts.

Wintonick’s daughter Mira Burt-Wintonick told an audience at the Montreal International Documentary Film Festival at the weekend that her father had married his longtime partner Christine the day before his death.

The Toronto International Film Festival leadership issued a statement on November 19: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the sudden passing of legendary documentary filmmaker and Renaissance man Peter Wintonick. Peter was not only a pioneering voice in the Canadian documentary community but also a tireless, inspiring and passionate advocate for and mentor to documentary film-makers around the world. His unique energy and integrity will be terribly missed. Our sympathy and condolences go to his wife Christine and daughter Mira, and to their family and friends during this difficult time.”

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