By Mr. Will Wong
It’s so hard to believe 25 years have passed since Canadian icon BIF NAKED was allover our airwaves including MuchMusic. Her album I, BIFICUS becoming a major touchstone in the country’s musical identity. The fearless Alt-Rock showwoman known for hits “Spaceman”, “Lucky“, and “Moment of Weakness“, is profiled in Director Pollyanna Hardwicke-Brown‘s riveting and candid Documentary, BIF NAKED.
While a generation recognizes her for her infectious bravado, many don’t know about the troubles in the journey to being a national icon. While her story ultimately is an inspiring, uplifting one, BIF NAKED candidly recounts her trauma being gang-raped in her youth, almost getting caught in a life of prostitution but not, thanks to a guardian angel who literally dodges bullets for her. Then there is the time she was inches away from possible global stardom, as a Sony Music imprint 550 Music (Céline‘s label) circles her. And then there’s her multiple health battles, including a Breast Cancer diagnosis. A prevailing theme through all the setbacks is her undying empathy and optimism. She isn’t angry, she is grateful in ways and if there is anger, she saves it for the stage. And instead of revenge where it is rightful, she looks back with sympathy to those who hurt her.
In addition to Hardwicke-Brown being a huge fan of BIF NAKED, the anecdotes and tributes pour-in through an esteemed yet adoring panel that includes MuchMusic personalities George Stroumboulopoulous, Denise Donlon, Actress/Singer Jordan Alexander, plus her manager of 27+ years, Peter Karroll, and more. And while the Film ultimately is a whole and authentic portrait of a trailblazer, it also is a look at the unbreakable bond Karroll and the Film’s subject possess, him being her biggest advocate and rock, their friendship still playful as he fixes her hair and they jam together on the couch.
Admittedly, we were neither here nor there when we first caught word of a BIF NAKED Documentary, but we can say definitively now that telling uniquely Canadian stories as this is of great importance and value. Clocking-in at under two hours, as could easily have sat through another two with this fascinating and magnetic subject. Well done!
BIF NAKED airs now on Super Channel Fuse, and also is available on-demand.
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com