Without Precedent: The Supreme Life of Rosalie Abella

---

Guest: Producer and Executive Producer, Mark Selby

---

Without Precedent is a compelling documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Barry Avrich that chronicles the remarkable career of Rosalie Abella, a trailblazing figure in Canadian legal history. At just 29 years old, Abella became the youngest judge in Canadian history and went on to become Canada’s first Jewish female Supreme Court Justice. Often hailed as a human rights hero and compared to the iconic Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Abella has dedicated her career to advocating for marginalized communities.

In Without Precedent, viewers are granted intimate access to Abella’s reflections on her groundbreaking career, as well as insights into her marriage to renowned historian Irving Abella, who also features prominently in the film. The documentary features interviews with a diverse array of individuals, including friends, colleagues, and admirers from across the political and ideological spectrum, such as Margaret Atwood, Brian Mulroney, Charles Bronfman, Paul Martin, and Adam Gopnik

With its well-paced narrative and insightful commentary, Without Precedent offers a captivating exploration of Rosalie Abella’s enduring legacy and her profound impact on Canadian jurisprudence. It is a must-watch for all audiences interested in the intersection of law, human rights, and social justice.

Sponsored by:
David Batist and Gilda Rayburn
Ethel Kofsky and Don Rosenbloom
Bill and Risa Levine
Harley and Eleanor Rothstein
Herb and Barbara Silber
Phil and Diane Switzer