Since the early 1980s, Mann has been a gentle godfather to young Toronto filmmakers, serving as a role model with his own works, or starting them on their careers. His latest project: serving as executive producer of Brakhage, made by first-time director, Jim Shedden. The HFA tribute includes three splendid Mann written and-directed feature documentaries. He is currently completing a documentary called Grass, on the faltering history of marijuana legislation in the USA, narrated by Woody Harrelson.