Spirit

Haida Carver

1964 · ★ 9

On Canada's Pacific coast this film finds a young Haida artist, Robert Davidson, shaping miniature totems from argillite, a jet-like stone. The film follows the artist to the island where he finds the stone, and then shows how he carves it in the manner of his grandfather, who taught him the craft.

Kolrosing with Judy Ritger: Reviving a Lost Art

2003

Kolrosing (coal-rose-ing), originally from Scandinavia, is the delightful art form of creating exquisite fine line decoration in wood. From spoons to furniture - beautiful geometric, floral, and animal images come alive using only a single incised cut from a knife. Kolrosing is very accessible to the beginner, yet it offers a lifetime of creative expression for experienced carvers and woodworkers. With Excellent close-ups, Judy clearly demonstrates • Design Principles • Drawing your Design • Transferring Patterns • Carving the Design • Decorating a Spoon • Sanding and Oiling • Working in you Lap • Tools and Materials • Design Sources • Gallery of Fine Kolrosing

Haida Modern

2019

In the 50 years since he carved his first totem pole, Robert Davidson has come to be regarded as one of the world’s foremost modern artists. Charles Wilkinson (Haida Gwaii: On the Edge of the World) brings his trademark inquisitiveness and craftsmanship to this revealing portrait of an unassuming living legend. Weaving together engaging interviews with the artist, his offspring, and a host of admirers, Haida Modern extols the sweeping impact of both Davidson’s artwork and the legions it’s inspired.

Beneath Camp Ian

Ian loves camp. 2011 marks his seventh year at William Lawrence Camp in New Hampshire, USA. After many summers as a camper, 2011 was his first year as a full camp counselor. Ian's love and enthusiasm for his summer retreat are unrivaled. How will he adapt to the demands of his new role?

AVA

Breaking a centuries-old taboo, Ava stands as the first woman in Iran to master the male-dominated craft of carpentry. Within the grit and clamor of the workshop, she confronts a society that deems her presence forbidden. This observational documentary captures her daily battle against physical hardships and social judgment.

Woodgirls – A Duet for a Dream

2021

A story about the lives of Leila Avakh and Sedigheh Momennia who have chosen, with much love and passion, carpentry as a profession, a profession that is considered extremely masculine in the traditional society of Iran. As such, these two face many difficulties and obstacles. However, they are determined to prove to themselves and their society that it is not impossible to achieve your dreams. Leila and Sedigheh are amongst the first female carpenters in Iran.

Tidal Dance

2024 · ★ 6

"A short documentary about one of my favorite people."

Terry's Little Village

2024

Terry Wilson is a 70-year-old lifelong resident of Meadowvale Village, Ontario's first heritage district. As development looms and begins to destroy Terry's favourite place in the world, he recreates pieces of history in his backyard, crafting an oasis where it feels like nothing has changed. A beautiful tribute to his childhood, his mother, and his town, Terry passionately fights to preserve history in a world that's too anxious for change.

Make a Chair From a Tree

1999

Make a Chair From a Tree presents an informative history of chairmaking and joinery. Author J. Alexander brings the old method of using wood shrinkage to join parts back to modern woodworking, from splitting and shaping wood straight from the tree to the chair as well as finishing the chair and even weaving a bark seat. Using simple hand tools, you will see how to split and shape green wood into posts, rungs, and slats.

Bill Reid Remembers

2022

Renowned Haida artist Bill Reid shares his thoughts on artistry, activism and his deep affection for his homeland in this heartwarming tribute from Alanis Obomsawin to her friend's life, legacy and roots.

The Bapst Brothers, Carriers

1988

The Bapst Brothers: Romain, Maurice and Jacques – whom we will also meet in The Gruyere Chronicle (produced in 1990) – are peasants and carriers and work with their father. In autumn and winter, they bid for the community’s wood, cut down the pine trees and bring down the logs through the snowy woods by horse-drawn sleigh.

The Bowmakers

2019 · ★ 8

This documentary film explores the world of the bow and the extraordinary masters who make them. The bow is the Cinderella of the orchestra—the overworked and overshadowed ally to its more glamorous partners. Few people, even among lovers of classical music, think of the bow as an instrument in its own right, but players of stringed instruments see them differently. To musicians, the bow is as essential to expressing the soul of the music as the violin or cello. The film follows the journey of the “silent servant” of the music world—from the workshops of the virtuosos of the trade, to the birthplace of the bow in France, and to Brazil, home to the imperiled tree from which the world’s finest bows are made.