EXCLUSIVE: Toronto-based boutique distributor Game Theory Films has acquired Canadian rights to Captain Newfoundland, a feature documentary exploring the legacy of late idiosyncratic media mogul and mystic Geoff Stirling.
The feature, which has recently begun production, is directed by Jamie Miller and Mike Feehan and co-produced by St. John’s-based Seachange Films and Toronto-based 86 Media House.
Stirling was born in the Newfoundland and Labrador capital of St John’s in 2021 when it was still an independent province. He died in 2013.
After studies at the University of Tampa, he freelanced for Time and The Chicago Tribune, before returning home to set up the province’s first newspaper, The Newfoundland Herald, in 1946.
He went on to set up the independent TV station NTV (Newfoundland Television) in 1955, which punched above its weight as a broadcasting pioneer in terms of its resources, becoming the first Canadian station in 1972 to broadcast around the clock.
Alongside his corporate broadcasting achievements, Stirling also spearheaded the creation of original in-house content, topped by cult show Captain Newfoundland.
Revolving around a cosmic, interdimensional figure, the show was broadcast on late-night TV and merged sci-fi, spirituality, and counterculture in a way that shaped generations of Newfoundlanders. The film will explore how Stirling’s mythology extended beyond television, influencing a movement of creativity and rebellion in Newfoundland and beyond.
“This film has been shaped by a true spirit of collaboration. It’s been a collective effort from the start, with an incredible team including Sam Sutherland, Jono Hunter and Justin Taylor bringing their passion and creativity to every stage of the process,” said co-directors Miller and Feehan.
“Geoff Stirling’s vision was about embracing bold ideas, and it’s that same sense of curiosity and imagination that has guided us in telling this story.”
Other upcoming Game Theory releases include Naomi Jaye’s Darkest Miriam, starring Severance breakout Britt Lower, SXSW hit Boxcutter and Sacramento, starring Michael Cera and Kristen Stewart.
“Geoff Stirling was a true original, and the creation of Captain Newfoundland is one of the most fascinating, genre-blurring chapters in Canadian pop culture,” said Hilary Hart, Co-President of Game Theory Films.
“This documentary taps into the myth, mystery, and sheer creativity of Stirling’s vision, and we’re thrilled to help bring this story to audiences who may have never encountered it before.”
Captain newfoundland is supported by Telefilm Canada, PictureNL, and Rogers. The film is slated for a 2026 theatrical release.
