Mark Locki
@marklocki.bsky.social
Documentary Filmmaker with a side of cities and politics
Films: #MoCrazyStrong (2023), The Will to Change (2022), New Roots (2021)
In Progress: Los Sotoleros, Movement
Calgary, AB/Chihuahua, MX
Films: #MoCrazyStrong (2023), The Will to Change (2022), New Roots (2021)
In Progress: Los Sotoleros, Movement
Calgary, AB/Chihuahua, MX
There's so many nuggets in this podcast, from the fallacy of perfectionism in activism, how to work with those you disagree with (on some matters), the importance of your integrity and the blaming immigrants rather than the 1% for our societies issues.
music.youtube.com/watch?v=PxXz...
music.youtube.com/watch?v=PxXz...
‘They're Coming After All of Us. So You Might As Well Tell the Truth.’
YouTube video by New York Times Podcasts
music.youtube.com
April 11, 2025 at 8:52 PM
There's so many nuggets in this podcast, from the fallacy of perfectionism in activism, how to work with those you disagree with (on some matters), the importance of your integrity and the blaming immigrants rather than the 1% for our societies issues.
music.youtube.com/watch?v=PxXz...
music.youtube.com/watch?v=PxXz...
Great POV on the importance of building an audience for your documentary films - to let broadcasters know there's demand for your story.
realscreen.com/2025/04/08/v...
#documentaryfilmmaking #documentary #filmsky #documentaryfilm
realscreen.com/2025/04/08/v...
#documentaryfilmmaking #documentary #filmsky #documentaryfilm
Viewpoint: It’s time to explore new platforms to support our storytelling
If we thought the last couple of years were a rollercoaster when it came to the commissioning climate, the current economic chaos (or “uncertainty,” to put a gentler spin on ...
realscreen.com
April 8, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Great POV on the importance of building an audience for your documentary films - to let broadcasters know there's demand for your story.
realscreen.com/2025/04/08/v...
#documentaryfilmmaking #documentary #filmsky #documentaryfilm
realscreen.com/2025/04/08/v...
#documentaryfilmmaking #documentary #filmsky #documentaryfilm
Reposted by Mark Locki
The Premier is celebrating a “big win” while thousands of people are losing their jobs and energy prices are plummeting.
We need a plan to protect workers and strengthen our industries, but she is more interested in securing her next appearance on Fox News than in addressing Albertans' needs.
We need a plan to protect workers and strengthen our industries, but she is more interested in securing her next appearance on Fox News than in addressing Albertans' needs.
April 7, 2025 at 11:50 PM
The Premier is celebrating a “big win” while thousands of people are losing their jobs and energy prices are plummeting.
We need a plan to protect workers and strengthen our industries, but she is more interested in securing her next appearance on Fox News than in addressing Albertans' needs.
We need a plan to protect workers and strengthen our industries, but she is more interested in securing her next appearance on Fox News than in addressing Albertans' needs.
For many producers, making Sotol isn't just a trade — it’s their legacy they put into every bottle, their way of keeping the tradition alive.
Los Sotoleros, an upcoming documentary about Mexico's lesser known spirit, Sotol, and the legendary producers that have kept the tradition alive.
Los Sotoleros, an upcoming documentary about Mexico's lesser known spirit, Sotol, and the legendary producers that have kept the tradition alive.
March 28, 2025 at 9:11 PM
For many producers, making Sotol isn't just a trade — it’s their legacy they put into every bottle, their way of keeping the tradition alive.
Los Sotoleros, an upcoming documentary about Mexico's lesser known spirit, Sotol, and the legendary producers that have kept the tradition alive.
Los Sotoleros, an upcoming documentary about Mexico's lesser known spirit, Sotol, and the legendary producers that have kept the tradition alive.
"Consider that despite huge backing with 80% to 90% support across party lines in opinion polling, implementing a wealth tax on the super-rich is nowhere to be found on the federal policy agenda. "
Great article on wealth inequality in Canada
Great article on wealth inequality in Canada
Two facets of wealth inequality in Canada: billionaires and housing
Under threat from the US and Trump, to build a stronger Canada we need to rein in the power of the super-rich, share the wealth and build homes for all.
My latest @bcpolicy.bsky.social bcpolicy.ca/2025/03/27/w...
Under threat from the US and Trump, to build a stronger Canada we need to rein in the power of the super-rich, share the wealth and build homes for all.
My latest @bcpolicy.bsky.social bcpolicy.ca/2025/03/27/w...
Two facets of wealth inequality in Canada: billionaires and housing
The latest Statistics Canada data shed light on rising economic inequality in Canada as the federal election campaign gets underway.
bcpolicy.ca
March 28, 2025 at 2:32 PM
"Consider that despite huge backing with 80% to 90% support across party lines in opinion polling, implementing a wealth tax on the super-rich is nowhere to be found on the federal policy agenda. "
Great article on wealth inequality in Canada
Great article on wealth inequality in Canada
This is an interesting finding. I'd love to know the data for the Beltline neighbourhood in Calgary
Half of business owners on this Toronto street estimated that more than 25% of their customers arrived by car.
In fact, it was 4%.
And the % of customers who who walked or cycled? 72%.
Retailers routinely overestimate the # of “car customers.” Via @carltonreid.com www.forbes.com/sites/carlto...
In fact, it was 4%.
And the % of customers who who walked or cycled? 72%.
Retailers routinely overestimate the # of “car customers.” Via @carltonreid.com www.forbes.com/sites/carlto...
March 25, 2025 at 1:40 PM
This is an interesting finding. I'd love to know the data for the Beltline neighbourhood in Calgary
In Calgary and Chihuahua, i live in a similarily situated community, just inside the outer ring road of town.
In Chihuhaua, I counted 51 restaurants within a 15 minute walk from me. Not including food trucks, of which there's at least another 10.
In Calgary, there are 0.
In Chihuhaua, I counted 51 restaurants within a 15 minute walk from me. Not including food trucks, of which there's at least another 10.
In Calgary, there are 0.
March 25, 2025 at 12:51 PM
In Calgary and Chihuahua, i live in a similarily situated community, just inside the outer ring road of town.
In Chihuhaua, I counted 51 restaurants within a 15 minute walk from me. Not including food trucks, of which there's at least another 10.
In Calgary, there are 0.
In Chihuhaua, I counted 51 restaurants within a 15 minute walk from me. Not including food trucks, of which there's at least another 10.
In Calgary, there are 0.
This is absolutely terrible news
And, now..
BREAKING: No Other Land's Oscar-winning co-director Hamdan Ballal attacked and wounded by settlers in South Mt Hebron ….and then arrested/abducted by soldiers from within the ambulance taking him to hospital. His condition and whereabouts are currently unknown.
#NoOtherLand
BREAKING: No Other Land's Oscar-winning co-director Hamdan Ballal attacked and wounded by settlers in South Mt Hebron ….and then arrested/abducted by soldiers from within the ambulance taking him to hospital. His condition and whereabouts are currently unknown.
#NoOtherLand
March 24, 2025 at 10:00 PM
This is absolutely terrible news
And here I thought Participant Media's shuttering last year was due to the troubling financial uncertainty in the doc world. Nope, apparently it's because it's founder went MAGA.
variety.com/2025/film/ne...
variety.com/2025/film/ne...
Liberal Documentarians Panic as Industry Goes Trump-Friendly, but Conservatives Say ‘They’re Getting a Taste’ of Censorship and It’s ‘Satisfying’
The normally liberal documentary world is panicking over the MAGA-ification of the pro-Donald Trump gatekeepers
variety.com
March 24, 2025 at 9:45 PM
And here I thought Participant Media's shuttering last year was due to the troubling financial uncertainty in the doc world. Nope, apparently it's because it's founder went MAGA.
variety.com/2025/film/ne...
variety.com/2025/film/ne...
Reposted by Mark Locki
Let’s set the record straight on CBC executive pay.
Some critics want you to believe CBC execs are raking it in—but here’s the truth:
🔍 CBC salaries are public and modest.
Sources in the comments.
Some critics want you to believe CBC execs are raking it in—but here’s the truth:
🔍 CBC salaries are public and modest.
Sources in the comments.
March 24, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Let’s set the record straight on CBC executive pay.
Some critics want you to believe CBC execs are raking it in—but here’s the truth:
🔍 CBC salaries are public and modest.
Sources in the comments.
Some critics want you to believe CBC execs are raking it in—but here’s the truth:
🔍 CBC salaries are public and modest.
Sources in the comments.
Paco prepares locally caught fish while waiting for the distillation process to finish at their vinata in Chorreras, Mexico. The current drought throughout the State of Chihuahua has hit rural communities especially hard, and the local fishers have been especially impacted by low water levels.
March 24, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Paco prepares locally caught fish while waiting for the distillation process to finish at their vinata in Chorreras, Mexico. The current drought throughout the State of Chihuahua has hit rural communities especially hard, and the local fishers have been especially impacted by low water levels.
A great look at the impact of Congestion Pricing from the first month's in New York. Basically, congestion down, transit use up (big-time!), safety increased and business is booming.
bettercities.substack.com/p/congestion...
bettercities.substack.com/p/congestion...
Congestion Pricing is a Policy Miracle
Which is exactly why Trump wants to get rid of it
bettercities.substack.com
March 24, 2025 at 4:02 AM
A great look at the impact of Congestion Pricing from the first month's in New York. Basically, congestion down, transit use up (big-time!), safety increased and business is booming.
bettercities.substack.com/p/congestion...
bettercities.substack.com/p/congestion...
Reposted by Mark Locki
My semi-regular reminder of a really important reality about cities, density, services and taxes.
Any questions?
Graphic recently cleaned up by @kathrynmathias.bsky.social. #CityMakingMath
Any questions?
Graphic recently cleaned up by @kathrynmathias.bsky.social. #CityMakingMath
March 23, 2025 at 7:49 AM
My semi-regular reminder of a really important reality about cities, density, services and taxes.
Any questions?
Graphic recently cleaned up by @kathrynmathias.bsky.social. #CityMakingMath
Any questions?
Graphic recently cleaned up by @kathrynmathias.bsky.social. #CityMakingMath
City I like: Montreal
City I love: Vancouver
City I think is overrated: Toronto
City I think is underrated: Mexico City
City I feel most myself in: Vancouver
City I still need to visit: New York
City I dream of living in: Munich
Most inspiring city today: Paris
Favorite city of all time: Vancouver
City I love: Vancouver
City I think is overrated: Toronto
City I think is underrated: Mexico City
City I feel most myself in: Vancouver
City I still need to visit: New York
City I dream of living in: Munich
Most inspiring city today: Paris
Favorite city of all time: Vancouver
Versions of this have circulated on other sites in the past. Share YOUR answers.
City I like:
City I love:
City I think is overrated:
City I think is underrated:
City I feel most myself in:
City I still need to visit:
City I dream of living in:
Most inspiring city today:
Favorite city of all time:
City I like:
City I love:
City I think is overrated:
City I think is underrated:
City I feel most myself in:
City I still need to visit:
City I dream of living in:
Most inspiring city today:
Favorite city of all time:
March 22, 2025 at 3:19 AM
City I like: Montreal
City I love: Vancouver
City I think is overrated: Toronto
City I think is underrated: Mexico City
City I feel most myself in: Vancouver
City I still need to visit: New York
City I dream of living in: Munich
Most inspiring city today: Paris
Favorite city of all time: Vancouver
City I love: Vancouver
City I think is overrated: Toronto
City I think is underrated: Mexico City
City I feel most myself in: Vancouver
City I still need to visit: New York
City I dream of living in: Munich
Most inspiring city today: Paris
Favorite city of all time: Vancouver
Reposted by Mark Locki
“One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.20 loss.”
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs aren’t costs.
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs aren’t costs.
One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.20 loss
Copenhagen, the bicycle-friendliest place on the planet, publishes a biannual Bicycle Account, and buried in its pages is a rather astonishing fact.
grist.org
March 20, 2025 at 5:50 AM
“One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.20 loss.”
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs aren’t costs.
“Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath
Some costs aren’t costs.
Reposted by Mark Locki
Last year, US lawmakers argued that a social media platform owned by someone close to an autocratic leader can be used as propaganda.
They were talking about TikTok.
For Canada, these concerns apply equally to the app formerly known as Twitter.
“That’s why it’s time to ban Twitter/X in Canada.”
They were talking about TikTok.
For Canada, these concerns apply equally to the app formerly known as Twitter.
“That’s why it’s time to ban Twitter/X in Canada.”
X Threatens Our Democracy. Canada Should Ban It | The Tyee
The risks of election interference, misinformation and attempts to support a US takeover are too great.
thetyee.ca
March 15, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Last year, US lawmakers argued that a social media platform owned by someone close to an autocratic leader can be used as propaganda.
They were talking about TikTok.
For Canada, these concerns apply equally to the app formerly known as Twitter.
“That’s why it’s time to ban Twitter/X in Canada.”
They were talking about TikTok.
For Canada, these concerns apply equally to the app formerly known as Twitter.
“That’s why it’s time to ban Twitter/X in Canada.”
What makes a good Sotol? Sotolero Paco in Chorreras, Chihuahua gives his thoughts.
Scenes from my upcoming film, Los Sotoleros
#documentaryfilm #documental #lossotolerosfilm #sotol #Mezcal
Scenes from my upcoming film, Los Sotoleros
#documentaryfilm #documental #lossotolerosfilm #sotol #Mezcal
March 14, 2025 at 2:40 PM
What makes a good Sotol? Sotolero Paco in Chorreras, Chihuahua gives his thoughts.
Scenes from my upcoming film, Los Sotoleros
#documentaryfilm #documental #lossotolerosfilm #sotol #Mezcal
Scenes from my upcoming film, Los Sotoleros
#documentaryfilm #documental #lossotolerosfilm #sotol #Mezcal
As a Canadian who's been in Mexico for the last few years, I'd love for Canada and Mexico to develop closer relationships. We once again share a mutual "frenemy". I enjoyed this podcast on Mexico's views of the realignment of US trade policy.
youtu.be/cOaX5iREV0A?...
youtu.be/cOaX5iREV0A?...
Trade war: The view from Mexico | Front Burner
YouTube video by CBC News
youtu.be
March 11, 2025 at 3:39 PM
As a Canadian who's been in Mexico for the last few years, I'd love for Canada and Mexico to develop closer relationships. We once again share a mutual "frenemy". I enjoyed this podcast on Mexico's views of the realignment of US trade policy.
youtu.be/cOaX5iREV0A?...
youtu.be/cOaX5iREV0A?...
Reposted by Mark Locki
IMPORTANT: The Dutch invested €595 million annually on urban biking, resulting in €19 BILLION saved in public health care costs alone. That’s how smart govts do math on investing in better mobility.
Let’s be clear — it wastes public money to NOT do it.
#CityMakingMath HT @modacitylife.com
Let’s be clear — it wastes public money to NOT do it.
#CityMakingMath HT @modacitylife.com
March 9, 2025 at 4:44 PM
IMPORTANT: The Dutch invested €595 million annually on urban biking, resulting in €19 BILLION saved in public health care costs alone. That’s how smart govts do math on investing in better mobility.
Let’s be clear — it wastes public money to NOT do it.
#CityMakingMath HT @modacitylife.com
Let’s be clear — it wastes public money to NOT do it.
#CityMakingMath HT @modacitylife.com
"The apparent lesson here—heaping economic pressure on U.S. adversaries often fails but bullying allies can yield results—seems to animate Trump’s current push to rein in partners who are still tied to the U.S. market."
www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
The Paradox of Trump’s Economic Weapon
Why short-term success will hasten long-term decline.
www.foreignaffairs.com
March 9, 2025 at 8:33 PM
"The apparent lesson here—heaping economic pressure on U.S. adversaries often fails but bullying allies can yield results—seems to animate Trump’s current push to rein in partners who are still tied to the U.S. market."
www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
Congrats to the team behind No Other Land on the Documentary Feature Oscar win. Stunning film well deserving of the Oscar.
#documentaryfilm #documentaryfilmmaking #filmsky
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/ma...
#documentaryfilm #documentaryfilmmaking #filmsky
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/ma...
No Other Land directors criticise US as they accept documentary Oscar: ‘US foreign policy is helping block the path’ to peace
Self-distributed film about Israeli displacement of a Palestinian community beat out Porcelain War and Sugarcane
www.theguardian.com
March 3, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Congrats to the team behind No Other Land on the Documentary Feature Oscar win. Stunning film well deserving of the Oscar.
#documentaryfilm #documentaryfilmmaking #filmsky
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/ma...
#documentaryfilm #documentaryfilmmaking #filmsky
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/ma...
Inside Casa Sotol Fernandez, in the heart of Cuidad Madera, Chihuahua.
I'm hoping to make it out to Madera in the next few weeks for some more filming!
#lossotolerosfilm #sotol #mezcal #documentaryfilm #documentary #documental
I'm hoping to make it out to Madera in the next few weeks for some more filming!
#lossotolerosfilm #sotol #mezcal #documentaryfilm #documentary #documental
February 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Inside Casa Sotol Fernandez, in the heart of Cuidad Madera, Chihuahua.
I'm hoping to make it out to Madera in the next few weeks for some more filming!
#lossotolerosfilm #sotol #mezcal #documentaryfilm #documentary #documental
I'm hoping to make it out to Madera in the next few weeks for some more filming!
#lossotolerosfilm #sotol #mezcal #documentaryfilm #documentary #documental
"Releasing an early festival trailer—despite industry warnings—taught me that getting our film in front of audiences sooner helped build momentum, engage viewers, and ultimately helped shape a stronger, more impactful release strategy."
tedhope.substack.com/p/stand-behi...
tedhope.substack.com/p/stand-behi...
"Stand behind your art, nobody will represent it like you."
5 Questions for YOU ME & HER's Director, Dan Levy Dagerman
tedhope.substack.com
February 28, 2025 at 2:52 PM
"Releasing an early festival trailer—despite industry warnings—taught me that getting our film in front of audiences sooner helped build momentum, engage viewers, and ultimately helped shape a stronger, more impactful release strategy."
tedhope.substack.com/p/stand-behi...
tedhope.substack.com/p/stand-behi...
Reposted by Mark Locki
So far the hardest part about documentary filmmaking is just convincing people that they have something to say.
I think we go through life thinking nobody cares about our stories. I think it’s because they don’t know the story is there to care about.
People love to connect and relate, just be you
I think we go through life thinking nobody cares about our stories. I think it’s because they don’t know the story is there to care about.
People love to connect and relate, just be you
February 26, 2025 at 4:25 PM
So far the hardest part about documentary filmmaking is just convincing people that they have something to say.
I think we go through life thinking nobody cares about our stories. I think it’s because they don’t know the story is there to care about.
People love to connect and relate, just be you
I think we go through life thinking nobody cares about our stories. I think it’s because they don’t know the story is there to care about.
People love to connect and relate, just be you
Thom Powers, Programmer at TIFF and co-founder of DOC NYC, on programming docs for festivals:
"Thom thinks about programming in these buckets.
Audience: Will local audiences buy tickets to this film?
Context: Will a film fit into the overall vibe and goals of a festival?
"Thom thinks about programming in these buckets.
Audience: Will local audiences buy tickets to this film?
Context: Will a film fit into the overall vibe and goals of a festival?
February 26, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Thom Powers, Programmer at TIFF and co-founder of DOC NYC, on programming docs for festivals:
"Thom thinks about programming in these buckets.
Audience: Will local audiences buy tickets to this film?
Context: Will a film fit into the overall vibe and goals of a festival?
"Thom thinks about programming in these buckets.
Audience: Will local audiences buy tickets to this film?
Context: Will a film fit into the overall vibe and goals of a festival?