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Fat Chance

1994 1 h 12 min
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This documentary follows Rick Zakowich as he faces his lifelong struggles with his weight and body image. Child therapist by day and blues singer by night, Rick's charisma and talent are undeniable, yet he remains fixed within the definition of a narrow label. The film takes on appearance-based oppression and fat-shaming by examining the ways in which society treats people whose bodies don’t necessarily match a narrow, unrealistic ideal of attractiveness. Instead of losing weight, Rick gains valuable insight, transformative new friendships, and a profound sense of self-confidence.

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This work contains scenes of nudity and/or sexuality. Viewer discretion is advised.
Fat Chance

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This documentary follows Rick Zakowich as he faces his lifelong struggles with his weight and body image. Child therapist by day and blues singer by night, Rick's charisma and talent are undeniable, yet he remains fixed within the definition of a narrow label. The film takes on appearance-based oppression and fat-shaming by examining the ways in which society treats people whose bodies don’t necessarily match a narrow, unrealistic ideal of attractiveness. Instead of losing weight, Rick gains valuable insight, transformative new friendships, and a profound sense of self-confidence.
This work contains scenes of nudity and/or sexuality. Viewer discretion is advised.
Social Issues Psychology and Psychiatry Health and Medicine All subjects
Hot Topics Human Rights All channels
  • director
    Jeff McKay
  • editor
    Jeff McKay
  • producer
    Charles Konowal
    Joe MacDonald
  • executive producer
    Ches Yetman
  • original concept
    Rick Zakowich
  • writer
    Bonnie Dickie
  • additional writing
    Jeff McKay
    Rick Zakowich
  • story consultant
    Amanda McConnell
    Bonnie Dickie
  • cinematography
    Charles Konowal
  • music composer
    Ian Hodges
  • music producer
    Norman Dugas
  • camera assistant
    Linda Danchak
    Bryan Sanders
    Dean Naday
    Jay Kohne
  • sound recordist
    Norman Dugas
    Leon Johnson
  • gaffer
    Michael Drabot
    Tim Bewcyk
    David Setter
    Carter Alsop Kesler
    Chris Bogiden
  • grip
    Michael Drabot
    Tim Bewcyk
    David Setter
    Carter Alsop Kesler
    Chris Bogiden
  • assistant picture editor
    Jerry Turchyn
    Ruth DeGraves
  • rushes synchro
    Neila Benson
    Patrick Lowe
  • production stills
    Robert Barrow
    Alyson Smith
  • sound editor
    Russ Dyck
    Ken Gregory
  • foley
    Andy Malcolm
    Terry Burke
  • re-recording
    Clive Perry
  • production manager
    Shelagh Carter
  • production assistant
    Kenny Hahlweg
    Terance Lambert
    Kevin Rooney
    James Massenburg
  • driver
    Allan Levine
  • transcriptionist
    Nathan Friesen
  • researcher
    Karen Riediger
  • research consultant
    Manly Spigelman
    Linda Omichinski
    Shirley Tervo
  • studio administrator
    Cyndi Forcand
  • marketing
    Anna Marie Boquist
  • publicity
    Ann Farnham
  • post-production co-ordinator
    Scott Collins

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