Biografia
Francis Damberger is an award-winning filmmaker based on a ranch in Tofield, Alberta, where he serves as president of The Damberger Film and Cattle Co. He graduated from the University of Alberta’s BFA Acting program and has experience as an actor, writer, director, and producer across film, television, and theatre. Transitioning to filmmaking in 1985, his debut film, On the Edge, a drama addressing teenage suicide, received international accolades. His first feature, Solitaire, dominated the Alberta Film Awards, earned four Genie nominations, and won a Genie for Best Supporting Actor. Damberger himself was nominated for Best Original Screenplay. Solitaire was showcased at several festivals, including the prestigious Cannes TV Festival. Calgary Herald’s Louis B. Hobson praised it as “an exquisite film, so rich in detail and bursting with raw energy, it will stay with you long after the final credits.”
His second feature, Road to Saddle River, was well received, with the Toronto Star calling it “perhaps the best Canadian film of the year.” The third, Heart of the Sun, set against the scenic South Saskatchewan River valley, explored Alberta’s eugenics movement, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards. The Edmonton Journal described it as “an ugly story, told with skill and beauty.” Among his many credits, Damberger has directed episodes of Heartland, Due South, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Caution May Contain Nuts, Tiny Plastic Men, Tom Stone, Jake and the Kid, Mixed Blessings, So Weird, Mentors, AD 2030, and Caitlin’s Way. He also directed the CBC TV movie Trial By Fire, a North of 60 mystery.
He served as Producer, Associate Director, and 2nd Unit Director on the epic World War I feature Passchendaele, which won five Genie Awards including Best Picture at the 2009 Canadian Film Awards. The film also received the Golden Reel Award for top box office performance and became the highest-grossing English Canadian film in the past 25 years. Passchendaele garnered several Rosie Awards at the Alberta Film and Television Awards as well.
Damberger wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the Olympic documentary drama The Great Tournament, chronicling a father and son’s road trip to the 2010 Olympic hockey tournament. The film, filled with hockey passion, humor, and genuine emotion, resonated with Canadians, reaching an estimated audience of over fourteen million. Its impact was so profound that Team Canada management distributed the film to players before the games. Throughout the film, the father and son repeat the mantra, “We come from a long line of explorers, pioneers and hockey players. We can do anything!”—a spirit that was realized when Team Canada won gold on home ice.
Most recently, Damberger directed his 24th episode of the two-time CSA-nominated comedy series Tiny Plastic Men. He also wrote and directed the critically acclaimed biographical documentary Scout's Honor, focusing on legendary 87-year-old baseball scout Mel Didier. Currently, he is developing several new projects that he will write, produce, and direct. While he has collaborated with various production companies over the years, The Damberger Film and Cattle Company is now returning to its roots by focusing on developing and producing uniquely styled feature films, documentaries, and comedies.
