Art of Documentary
presents
His Name Is Ray
a film by Michael Del Monte
Global Online Launch
October 17, 2024
Art Of Documentary YouTube Channel
PRESS RELEASE
Art of Documentary (AOD) will present the global online launch of His Name Is Ray, a film by Michael Del Monte, on October 17, 2024, on the Art Of Documentary YouTube Channel.
In a remarkable testament to its enduring impact, this poignant documentary has continued to gain momentum after its initial launch in 2021, recently winning Best International Documentary and a Special Jury Prize at the Melbourne Film Festival in July 2024.
The film tells the story of Ray, a homeless man struggling with addiction on Toronto’s Lakeshore Blvd, but there’s more to Ray than meets the eye – a seafaring past, a story of survival, and a journey that spans eight months.
Director Michael Del Monte’s curiosity and compassion drove him to document Ray’s struggle to leave the streets and return to the sea, a journey that provides an unflinching look at Ray’s life, from his time with the Coast Guard to his battles with addiction, all while maintaining a hopeful dream of sailing away from his troubles.
Sadly, Ray passed away this summer of 2024, making this film an even more crucial testament to his story and legacy.
“We’re excited to share this powerful and timely story with a global audience,” said Michael Del Monte, director and co-founder of Art of Documentary. “With Ray and many other characters from the film no longer with us, I hope this film shifts the way we think about the fentanyl and houses crises.”
With over 6000 filmmakers, the AOD YouTube channel has successfully launched several films in the last year. This popular platform aims to reach an even wider global audience for His Name Is Ray, continuing the film’s mission to raise awareness and foster empathy for those battling homelessness and addiction.
His Name Is Ray Festival Circuit
- World Premiere: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 2021
- Special Presentations:
- TIFF Lightbox Cinema, 2022
- Official Selections + Accolades:
- Durham Region International Film Festival, 2022
- Palm Beach International Film Festival, 2023
- Desertscape International Film Festival, 2024
- Seattle Film Festival, 2024
- Chain NYC Film Festival, 2024
- Echelon Studios International Film Festival, 2024 (Awarded: Best Documentary)
- Montelupo Fiorentino International Independent Film Festival, 2024 (Awarded: Cultural Value)
- Royal Star Film Festival, 2024
- Buenos Aires International Film Festival, 2024
- Melbourne Documentary Film Festival, 2024 (Awarded: Best International Documentary; and, Special Jury Prize)
- Syracuse International Film Festival, 2024
- Oberursel Filmfest, 2024 (Awarded: Best Feature)
- Twin Cities Film Festival, 2024
- Buffalo International Film Festival, 2024
ABOUT Art of Documentary
Art of Documentary (AOD) is an online film academy founded by Michael Del Monte and Mark Bone. With a diverse and global community of over 6000+ filmmakers, AOD provides comprehensive courses and a supportive network to help filmmakers build successful careers and tell real, impactful stories.
ABOUT Michael Del Monte
Michael Del Monte is an acclaimed filmmaker whose works include Transformer, and Village of the Missing. He received the Canadian Emerging Filmmaker Award at Hot Docs 2018 and continues to create impactful documentaries through his production company, MFilms.