DOC Mourns the Loss of Tracey Friesen

DOC is extremely saddened by the news that we have lost our dear friend and colleague Tracey Friesen to a swift and vicious cancer.

Tracey had deep roots within the documentary community, dating back to her many years as Executive Producer of the NFB’s Pacific Region Studio where she was involved in nearly 40 films and digital projects, including “Scared Sacred” and “Mighty Jerome”.

In addition to her work as a producer, Tracey was foundational to growing the practice of facilitating social and political change through documentary films. In 2014, Tracey authored “Growing the Pie: Alternative Financing and Canadian Documentary” for DOC, and in 2016, Tracey wrote the book Story, Money, Impact: Funding Media for Social Change. Recognizing the need for an institution that could translate her research into action, Tracey then founded Story, Money, Impact to amplify documentary films’ messaging through impact strategy, education, and partnerships.

For the last five years, Tracey has been leading the documentary committee at the Canadian Media Producers Association within her role as Managing Vice President of the CMPA’s BC Branch. Tracey was at the heart of her community in Vancouver and she will be sorely missed by her friends and colleagues across the country.

“Tracey was not only a remarkable force in the BC doc community, but she was also a deeply caring, community-building individual,” said Baljit Sangra, Chair of DOC’s NorthWest Chapter. “Tracey’s light, passion, and dedication touched countless lives—whether as a mentor, advocate, or friend. Tracey’s unwavering belief in the power of film to ignite social change was at the heart of everything she did. She championed diversity and inclusivity, and her advocacy never faltered. We will miss her sparkle, her laugh, and her commitment to building connections. She lived her values every day, and her impact will continue to resonate in the many lives she touched.”

“Tracey’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to artists, social change and climate justice leaves those who knew her with a deep sense of absence,” said DOC’s Executive Director Sarah Spring. “Our thoughts are with Tracey’s family and loved ones.”