Despite the perception of a 'Golden Age of Documentary,' the documentary industry in Canada faces significant challenges due to funding cuts. The National Film Board of Canada, CBC, and Telefilm have all experienced budget reductions, impacting documentary production and jobs. Conversely, documentary film festivals like Hot Docs in Toronto are seeing increased attendance. The Documentary Organization of Canada is advocating for changes in funding models, while filmmakers remain determined to continue their work. The article also highlights several documentaries, including 'Big Boys Gone Bananas!*' and 'Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry,' and their significance in the cultural landscape.

Vanessa Vakharia, a math tutor and lead singer of the band Goodnight, Sunrise, challenges stereotypes about intelligence and math education. She runs The Math Guru, a unique tutoring service in Toronto, and recently appeared on CBC's 'Canada's Smartest Person' to showcase diverse forms of intelligence. Vakharia's approach to tutoring emphasizes a relaxed, personalized environment and addresses emotional barriers to learning math. Her career shift from marketing to education was driven by a passion for one-on-one teaching and helping students overcome math anxiety. Her participation in the TV show also highlighted her own struggles with math anxiety and her non-competitive nature.

A letter signed by 68 organizations and numerous individuals urges Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to immediately ban asbestos in Canada. Despite a commitment from Trudeau and the introduction of a private member’s bill by NDP MP Sheri Benson, the government has yet to take definitive action. Asbestos remains the leading cause of work-related deaths in Canada, with 367 claims in 2015 alone. The article highlights the personal connection of Benson to the issue and the ongoing advocacy efforts to push the government towards a ban, emphasizing the availability of asbestos-free alternatives and the lack of economic justification for its continued use.

A study from Simon Fraser University reveals that sexism is the primary barrier for women entering municipal politics in Canada. Despite a slow increase in female representation at the local level, women still face significant challenges such as poor treatment and lack of respect. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is actively working to change this through various programs aimed at increasing women's participation in local government, with a goal of achieving 30% female representation by 2026. The FCM's initiatives include mentorship programs, workshops, and advocacy efforts, supported by organizations like the Status of Women. Key figures such as Chris Fonseca and Patty Hajdu are optimistic about exceeding this target.

Romanian photographer Mihaela Noroc embarked on a global journey to capture the diverse beauty of women, resulting in her photo book 'The Atlas of Beauty.' The project began in Ethiopia in 2013 and expanded to over 30 countries, featuring 500 portraits of women from various backgrounds. Noroc's work challenges narrow beauty standards and emphasizes natural beauty without artifice. The book includes stories of women from different cultures, highlighting their unique beauty and life experiences.

Romanian photographer Mihaela Noroc embarked on a global journey to capture the diverse beauty of women, resulting in her photo book 'The Atlas of Beauty.' The project began in Ethiopia in 2013 and expanded to 30 countries over four years. Noroc's work challenges narrow beauty standards by featuring 500 portraits of women from various backgrounds and cultures. Her photographs emphasize natural beauty without artifice, showcasing women in their everyday environments. The book aims to present a more inclusive and diverse representation of female beauty.

Sandy Cove, N.S., a small village with a population of 65, gained international attention after holding a Women's March organized by Gwen Quigley Wilson and Melissa Merritt. The march, which saw 15 women participate, was filmed by Kadijah Photiades and went viral on social media, garnering over 160,000 views. The event highlighted the power of modern technology in amplifying small-scale actions and fostering global connections. The organizers are now planning further community activities through the Digby Neck Collective, focusing on issues like racism and women's rights.

Fans of Bud Spencer, the late Italian actor, are advocating for the Bud Spencer Museum in Berlin to remain open beyond its planned closure in October 2023. The museum, which opened in June 2021, has attracted thousands of visitors and features exhibits on Spencer's diverse career and personal life. The museum's management is hopeful for an extension, while fans cherish the cultural and generational impact of Spencer's work. The museum also faces financial challenges due to the pandemic but remains a significant tribute to European pop culture.

Moni Zhang, a comedian originally from Wuhan, has found success in Berlin, using her experiences with depression and cultural identity as material for her stand-up shows. Her one-woman show, 'Child From Wuhan', blends humor with poignant storytelling about her childhood and life in Europe. Zhang's performances have resonated with audiences, particularly those who relate to her experiences of cultural displacement and mental health struggles. Her work has led to the creation of the Berlin Mental Health Festival and a podcast discussing depression, highlighting her commitment to addressing mental health issues through comedy.

Dante Buu, a gay Muslim artist from Montenegro, is set to represent his country at the 2022 Venice Biennale with his unique and colorful embroideries. Buu, who grew up in Rožaje, has faced challenges due to his sexuality and faith but has found support in his family. His art, which includes video, performance, photography, text, and textiles, explores themes of alienation, sexuality, intimacy, and identity. Buu has received fellowships and awards, including an artist-at-risk scholarship, and has been an artist-in-residence at various institutions. His work challenges the norms of the art world and societal expectations, and he is known for his durational performances and embroidered pieces that reflect on time and labor.