Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1997-1999 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
Located in downtown Toronto, Cogent/Benger Productions was founded in 1998 and has produced a large variety of documentaries and specials. The focus on many of their documentaries are major social issues, thus creating a large appeal to their work. Robin Benger and Christopher Sumpton are the founding partners of the company. Benger had experience in Canadian journalism and documentary filmmaking, and Sumpton had worked at CBC editing and working on documentaries. Together they made In Security (Hot Docs 1998 nominee best political/social issue documentary) and Eastside Showdown (Gemini Awards 1999 nominee best social/political documentary) before finally teaming up to make Cogent/Benger Productions.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
One hour documentary. First aired in 1998. Produced by Cogent/Benger personnel.
In downtown Toronto, the corners of Dundas and Sherbourne become the site where the wealthy middle class fight for poor and drug-addicted. The documentary follows a sex-worker, a bed and breakfast owner, community advocate, and a Reverend at the local drop-in center. Their stories and struggles against each other are told, examining the many facets to the issues each party faces.