Lives. Histories.
Perspectives.
A selection of documentary films and factual television from Penny Wheelwright’s career.
Under Wraps
Across eight North American cities, this documentary examines the customs, silences, and popular culture surrounding menstruation. With contributions from Judy Blume, Judy Chicago, and Museum of Menstruation curator Harry Finley, it opens a conversation about a subject too often left unspoken.
Director — Teresa MacInnes
A Rough
Crossing
In 1940, British children crossed the Atlantic to find safety with Canadian families. Decades later, eight former evacuees revisit the departures, unfamiliar homes, and long separations that shaped their childhoods. A story of hospitality and belonging, told through the people who lived it.
Director — Teresa MacInnes
Captive:
The Story of Esther
The life of Esther Wheelwright unfolds across the boundaries of colonial North America. Taken from an English settlement as a child and adopted into an Abenaki family, her story moves between communities, languages, and faiths. The film follows a woman whose life resists a simple account of identity and belonging.
Co-writer — Julie Wheelwright
Life.Kitty Harris / 2004
A Spy’s Life:
Kitty Harris
A documentary portrait of Kitty Harris, whose life became entangled with the secret world of espionage. Written with Julie Wheelwright and directed by Tim Southam, the film is part of Penny’s body of work exploring women’s lives within larger historical forces.
Co-writer — Julie Wheelwright · Director — Tim Southam
Lad.The Story of Isabel Gunn / 2001
The Orkney Lad:
The Story of Isabel Gunn
Isabel Gunn left Orkney for the Canadian fur trade, working for the Hudson’s Bay Company while presenting herself as a man. Directed by Anne Wheeler, the documentary revisits a remarkable life at the intersection of work, migration, and the restrictions placed on women.
Co-writer — Julie Wheelwright · Director — Anne Wheeler
Me.A different perspective on ability.
Employable Me
What happens when employers look beyond first impressions? This documentary series follows job seekers with disabilities and neurological conditions as they identify their strengths and pursue meaningful work. The stories centre on ambition, ability, and the chance to contribute.
Canadian series — Thomas Howe Associates Inc.
More from the archive.
The Other Side of the Picture
A documentary directed by Teresa MacInnes examining women’s place in the art world, with artists including Doris McCarthy, Mary Pratt, Joyce Wieland, and Judy Chicago. Listed among Penny’s documentary projects in her published industry biography. Film details ↗
Hair, There and Everywhere
A Wheelwright Ink Ltd. documentary directed by Penny Wheelwright and produced for CBC Newsworld. Production reference ↗
Teen Rebel/Teen Mom
One of the documentary projects Penny brought to television through Starry Night Productions. Directed by Teresa MacInnes. Industry biography ↗