Eyes Of Society – The Documentary |
EYES OF SOCIETY, The 2016 Braid Films documentary short, concluded its four month run on AIR CANADA flights at the the end of June, 2017, and went on to show at the 2017 DC Short Film Festival (Washington, DC) Cineworks Documentary Showcase (Vancouver), The Banff Mountain Film Festival, and elsewhere. For a current list of significant screenings, pleas see: Braid Films |
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| Synopsis |
Eyes of Society is a short film that documents a group of artists from across Canada as they embark on a 14 day kayak journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient Haida village of SGang Gwaay. The film reflects on the important role of an artist in society and how that differs across cultures and time. Filmmakers Allison Smith and Joseph Crawford of Braid Films capture Gwaii Haanas through the eyes of an artist, highlighting the imagery, emotion and artistic influence of natural spaces. This trip brings together artists W. David Ward, Andrew Sookrah, Anja Karisik, Gary Landon, Sophie Lavoie and April White. Directed by Allison Smith and Joseph Crawford |
Northword film review: |
Just as short stories can contain a depth of feeling and a wealth of knowledge, short films can stir emotional response and provoke curiosity. Eyes of Society sees filmmakers Allison Smith and Joseph Crawford (Braidfilms.com) follow artists W. David Ward, Andrew Sookrah, Anja Karisik, Gary Landon, Sophie Lavoie and April White (Sgaana Jaad) on a 14-day kayak trip to the ancient Haida village of SGang Gwaay in Gwaii Haanas National Park. You might expect a seven-minute film* covering a 14-day trip to feel rushed. This short documentary is anything but. Its languid pace perfectly reflects the scenes shot: underwater kelp beds in ethereal light, the verdant village site, glassy water punctuated by kayakers. We hear the artists share their perspectives on the role of art in contemporary culture and through out history, on life and landscape. We see nature, people and of course art—and maybe see these things overlap. Best of all, we feel the slowness and for seven minutes we forget time entirely. And it feels great. |
— Matt J. Simmons |
| * The final cut, with additional material, is nine minutes in length |
| Northword Magazine March/April Issue No. 67 |
