How do fictions affect our perception of reality and understanding of truth? And how much of a so-called documentary is really document? These blurry lines are explored in a variety of documentary, fiction and hybrid films while filmmakers are questioned about their chosen tactics.
Countries: CA
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In Her Own Image
A look at the proudly transformative role the women filmmakers have played in redefining the form, content and terms of independent filmmaking. Explores how the media portrays women and minorities and what these women are doing to change this into a more positive model.
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Changing Voices
First Nations filmmaker Lorena Todd leads us through the issue of cultural identity, interpretation and the changes in the images we see since minority voices are reclaiming the screen. From early images of ethnography from the Harlan Smith collection and early NFB ‘Voice of God’ documentaries, we travel through history to discover the stories as told by contemporary Canadian Aboriginal, Chinese, Japanese, Black and East Indian filmmakers.
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The Volcanic Island – Grand Manan, New Brunswick
In the series opener, Jamie and Jennifer head to the Grand Manan Island, located in the Bay of Fundy. The island was formed millions of years ago, when a volcano erupted, the lava cooled and formed the western half of the island. Its people have close ties to the ocean. A local, 15 year-old Jesse Lloyd, teaches them to dulse by harvesting edible seaweed from the island’s rocks. Then it’s all aboard with some lucky kids on the floatable Whale Camp, to explore the Bay of Fundy and search for the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale.
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The Mystery of the Miramichi – Miramichi, New Brunswick
In this episode, Jamie and Jennifer explore the Miramichi region of central New Brunswick. Renowned for its extensive river system, thick forests and annual salmon run, the hosts jump right in – literally. They meet up with Terry McAllistair, an 11 year old living along the banks of the north west branch of the Miramichi. Terri is a canoe enthusiast who gives the hosts a fun lesson in canoeing. She even teaches them a few tricks!
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A Place Apart – Cape Breton
Jamie and Jennifer are exploring Nova Scotia’s eastern island, Cape Breton. Everywhere they go, they see how the region’s Gaelic culture mixes with its natural history. Arriving in Sydney, the hosts meet Kelsey MacNeil, who shows them a thing or two about step dancing at a traditional Ceilidh on the docks. Kelsey lives on the banks of Bras d’Or Lake, one of the world’s only inland seas, and after some kayaking with their young friend, the hosts press on to meet up with Eugene Eagle Denny. Eugene is a sixth generation Mi’kmaq medicine man, who is also an eagle conservation expert. He explains why the area has such a large population of bald eagles, and what their spiritual significance is to the First Nations people of the island.
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In Search of Anne – Prince Edward Island
A bicycle adventure takes Jamie and Jennifer through the beautiful countryside of Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island. The island’s soil, rich in iron oxide, make agriculture one of the most important industries on the island. Wanting to learn more, the hosts enlist the help of Kyle Jewell, a 14-year-old dairy farmer. He’s competing at the annual 4H Rural Youth Fair. Jamie and Jennifer have fun learning how to care for all sorts of animals, before heading back to Kyle’s family farm to hear about what’s involved with running a dairy farm.
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Discovering Les Îles – Les Îles de la Madeleine
Located in the Gulf of the St. Lawrence, Quebec’s Les Îles de la Madeleine are the destination on this episode. The islands are mostly French-speaking, but a small Anglophone minority, including 14-year-old Terry Lapierre also make their home here. Terry joins Jennifer and Jamie in a body-surfing expedition of the seaside caves, before taking them out on his family’s boat, to learn how to fish for Mackerel, just one of the fish caught off the Islands. The hosts soon realize that fishing is the island’s most important industry.
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Against the Grain
A montage of filmmakers outside the mainstream, highlighting the common bond of struggle, but also the very different forms and styles of filmic expression it fosters. Issues discussed include economic imperatives, creative freedom, personal integrity and community empowerment.
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Mountain Lake
Follow along with Ed to create a springtime master piece of a pristine glacier fed lake at the base of the mountains.