Biography

B.C. and Alberta screen industries are mourning the loss of a longtime local filmmaker who worked on some of Western Canada's most prominent films and TV series.

Finnish-born Arvi Liimatainen died from cancer in Vancouver on May 19 at the age of 68.

With a career spanning over four decades in screen industries, Liimatainen worked in numerous capacities, including as a studio technician, writer, film critic, story editor, actor, broadcaster, production manager, producer, executive producer, and director.

As a producer with Haddock Entertainment, he worked on Vancouver-shot TV series such as Da Vinci's Inquest, Da Vinci's City Hall, and Intelligence. He also produced several films directed by B.C.'s Anne Wheeler, including Marine Life, Bye Bye Blues, and Cowboys Don't Cry, and his more recent producing credits include the TV series Hiccups, Gracepoint, and The Romeo Section. As a director, he helmed episodes of The Beachcombers, Mentors, Jake and the Kid, and Breaker High.

Over his extensive career, he collected numerous awards, including a Canadian Screen Award, Gemini Awards, and Leo Awards.

Beyond B.C., he also contributed to the Albertan and national film industries. He served as chair of the Banff World Media Festival (then known as the Banff Television Festival) and became an honorary lifetime director; was on board of the Alberta Media Production Industries Association; and was the director of the National Screen Institute.

In the art world, he also produced Vancouver-based artist Stan Douglas' film-based art installations Inconsolable Memories and Klatsassin.