A leading Canadian filmmaker, Phillip Borsos has enjoyed considerable success in international markets. One of the "Vancouver School", he began his career as a director (and sometime producer and writer) with several short subjects, beginning with Cooperage (1976). Nails (1979), which Borsos also produced, was nominated for an Academy Award as best documentary (short subject). His feature film debut, The Grey Fox (1982), made when he was 27, received critical acclaim, and won the Canadian Genie awards for both best film and best direction. However, the making of the $18 million Bethune (1990), a Canada - China co-production, was marked by financial and other difficulties. Borsos did not get to make the final cut and the film itself is often considered not to go beyond hagiography. Similarly, when his backers withdrew, Borsos had to stop his filming of John Irving's novel, The Cider House Rules. From 1994, Borsos continued his career as director despite an ongoing battle with leukemia.