ScreenFish

where faith and film are intertwined

documentary

Young Plato – Grade school philosophy

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“It’s very hard to be right in philosophy.”

I was in college when I had my first class in philosophy. We may think philosophy too hard, esoteric, or maybe even a waste of time. But in the documentary Young Plato, filmmakers Neasa Ní Chianáin and Declan McGrath, take us to a primary school in the North of Belfast that thrives on bringing philosophy into the lives of the students and their families. At the center of this is a headmaster whose office is filled with Elvis memorabilia and who reads The Daily Stoic.

At Holy Cross Boys Primary School, Head Master Kevin McArevey and his staff teach boys ages 4 through 11 how to deal with the issues of life by applying the questions of philosophy. When two boys scuffle in the school yard, they are brought to McArevey who takes them to the Philosophy wall to discuss the whys of behavior and consequences. Philosophy here takes on flesh and blood to become an important tool to address the past, the here-and-now, and the future.

The school is located in a predominantly Catholic area of the city. The neighborhood was a place of violence during The Troubles. The parents of the children grew up with that violence. There are still Peace Walls that separate various blocks. There are many murals that go back to that time, or are meant to memorialize the violence. There is also an incident when a pipe bomb is found near the schoolyard. The neighborhood is also somewhat decayed. There are drugs. There is an above average suicide rate.

McArevey talks to the boys about such serious concepts as death, violence, anxiety. He asks them to think about the whys, and also about the what-should- we-do’s. Sometimes this in in one-on-one encounters, especially following a boy resorting to violence at school. Other times it is in a class filled with students.

The students (keep in mind the oldest are 11) have a remarkable ability to analyze. When he asked them to refute Heraclitus’s statement “You can’t step into the same river twice”, they come up with two examples of things that never change. (I won’t share them with you. Can you think as well as these boys?) When McArevey talks to them about Seneca’s (a Roman contemporary of Jesus) Ten Ways to Control Your Anger, he asks them for ways, then compared them to Seneca (and they get several of them).

He also challenges the boys to question everything—even their teachers and parents. He tells them to “what if everything you hear”. Often boys who fight will tell him that they have been taught that if they are hit, they must hit back. That is certainly a common idea, but especially in a place such as Belfast with its violent history. He tries to show the boys how to talk with parents about such teachings.

The history of violence in the neighborhood comes up often. McArevey shows them news reports of things that happened there. He encourages the boys to share the stories of their family in those days. For them, The Troubles are not limited to the past. That time is an ever-present part of their environment. It is only by learning to view that history critically, that the boys can help to change the culture they are in.

The publicity for the film identifies McArevey as a Stoic. Stoics believe that happiness is found through virtue. In a place such as Northern Ireland, that may seem like a radical idea. But we see that such an approach to life can be fruitful.

I know that education is a complicated endeavor. But watching what happens at Holy Cross offers a glimpse at a possibility that might be transferable to other settings. It makes it clear that children—even as young as these—are capable of very sophisticated thinking. We may be right that philosophy is hard or esoteric, but it does matter. And the Boys of Holy Cross are better for it.

Young Plato is in select theaters.

Photos courtesy of Solisiú Films

TIFF ’22: Moonage Daydream

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Telling the story of an artist like David Bowie requires more than just the facts.

Directed by Brett Morgan, Moonage Daydream is a fitting tribute to an eclectic artist with a mythical mind. Heralded as a musician, painter, actor and world traveler, David Bowie was a man of immeasurable talent and creativity. Six years after his death, Daydream taps into that energy by interconnecting performances of some of Bowie’s biggest hits such as Space Oddity, Sound and Vision, Heroes and more with rare footage and montages. In doing so, Morgan builds a stunning and spiritual portrait of the artist unlike any we’ve seen before.

Setting itself apart from other biographical documentaries, Daydream operates exactly like its title suggests. Part concert video and part stock footage, the film weaves itself together in such a way that it feels like some sort of ethereal fantasy, rather than constructed narrative. This is a film which taps into the eclectic nature of the iconic artist, rather than giving us dates and facts. In other words, rather than telling us about Bowie directly, Daydream seeks to help us experience him in his own words. Morgan doesn’t want to explain anything in particular. Instead, he wants you to feel it. By fusing together musical performances and interviews, the film creates an expression of Bowie in his work that highlights his creativity and brilliant mind. As a result, Morgan somehow manages to create a story that feels like an authentic picture of Bowie and his legacy.

In doing so, the end result is somewhat of an eclectic experience that may be divisive for viewers. For long-time Bowie fans, this will undoubtedly be a treasured film, which taps into the soul of an artist. However, for those less willing to engage the film’s ebb and flow, it’s possible that they will be frustrated by the film’s lack of narrative structure.

Like much of Bowie’s work, Daydream is a film about spiritual inquest. Throughout his career, Bowie has shown a deep seeded passion for discussing issues that other artists were simply unwilling to attempt and Morgan taps into that energy. With each musical number or montage, Daydream invites the viewer into a place of wonder with a deeper sense of the beyond. Opening the film with a quote from Bowie regarding his spiritual reflections, Morgan highlights the artist’s belief that man is attempting to fill a void that was left by Nietzsche after he claimed that God is dead. He is preparing the viewer for a journey into the soul. 

And what a journey it is.

Simply put, Bowie was saying things that no one else was at that time. Whether it’s support of the LGBTQ community, redefining gender stereotypes or challenging others to open their minds spiritually, Daydream puts Bowie‘s desire to stretch his audience fully on display. For example, in one particularly funny moment, a flamboyantly-dressed Bowie is asked in an interview whether he is wearing ‘men’s shoes or women’s shoes’. When pushed by the interviewer to share the meaning behind his attire, Bowie stares at the interviewer with a wry grin and states that “These are ‘shoe shoes’, silly.“ In moments such as these, Bowie managed to deflate the stereotypes and gender norms of the era in ways that were neither belittling yet somehow remained subversive.

Although the film will have its detractors due to its free structure, Morgan has built something truly unique in Moonage Daydream. By allowing Bowie to speak in a style more befitting his creativity, Daydream serves as a reminder that the power of an artist lies beyond the information that can be compiled. Instead, it requires the viewer to step into their soul.

And Daydream is an invitation to do just that.

Moonage Daydream premiered at TIFF ’22 and is now playing in theatres.

Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes – Speaking for the People

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Randy’s wasn’t a place you wanted to visit. Instead, it was a place where everyone could have their say.

Directed by Mark James, Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes chronicles the journey of Clive Chin, a man determined to rescue a long-lost treasure trove of reggae from oblivion. Having opened the doors on Randy’s, a record store in Kingston, Jamaica, the Chin family inspired countless musicians to record and distribute their music, giving rise to the music we now know as reggae.

Focusing its lens on the impact of Randy’s recording studio in Kingston, Jamaica, Studio 17 chronicles the birth of a sound which gave voice to a nation during a turbulent era. Similar to the environments of Motown or Staxx, Randy’s was so much more than a record store. By emphasizing the impact that this location had on the community, James also highlights the incredible legacy that it has had on the entire culture. For instance, Studio 17 reveals that Randy’s was more than just a record store or a recording studio. It was a place of congregation and community. Because of its location and open doors to all who enter, Randy’s became a space where anyone could make their music and feel supported. (In fact, Randy’s even offered the opportunity to artists to have their music sold if recorded in their studio, providing an instant outlet for these undiscovered artists.)

Of course, the real star of Studio 17 is the music itself. Including many songs which have never been released from iconic artists such as this Peter Tosh, Carl Malcolm and many more, James understands that the music is what best tells the story and allows it to speak for itself. In this way, Studio 17 does a wonderful job of highlighting the impact that this sort of space created, especially in a political environment. With each beat and tempo, one can actually track the changes in style and substance to the music as it connects to the political upheaval taking place around them. As such, the legacy of Randy’s extends far beyond a few hot tracks. Studio 17 atop Randy’s Records was a place of hope and empowerment. Whether it’s changing attitudes towards Jamaican independence or the impact of Hollywood, reggae gave voice to the people during a time of revolution. 

It’s also worth noting that, although it focusses on the music, Studio 17 is also very much the story of one family and the legacy that they have left behind. Through the use of their facility, the Chin family helped give voice to a generation of musicians and music lovers. Feeling that it was his responsibility to recover the tapes in honour of his fallen son, Clive Chin may have restored a piece of his family’s story, but he has also done more than rescue some valuable tracks.

He’s recovered part of history. And a piece of the nation’s soul.

With style and substance, Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes is as much an important documentation of history as the music itself. Using his camera as an eye into the past, James weaves a story that details the incredible impact that music can have on culture and the world. By opening its doors to the masses, Randy’s allowed anyone who was passionate about speaking their voice to have the opportunity to do so.

Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes is touring theatres across Canada now.

Syndrome K – Life Saving Disease

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Doctors take an oath to save lives. Sometimes that means making some hard decisions. For a group of doctors at a Catholic hospital in Rome in 1943, those decisions were very hard. It could have cost them their lives. Instead they infected a number of local Jews with a disease. That may sound inhumane, but it was really a way of saving their lives. Syndrome K, a new documentary from Stephen Edwards.

When Germans occupied Rome in 1943, they began the roundup of local Jews to send to extermination camps. This film tells the story of three doctors at Catholic-run Fatebenefratelli Hospital that invented a disease that was very contagious, very dangerous, and very fictional. When Germans came to inspect the hospital, the fear of contracting the disease kept them out of the Syndrome K ward.

The brief documentary gives some brief historical context for the events, but relies mostly on interviews with two of the doctors and the son of one of the doctors who took part in this extraordinary rescue, as well as some of those who survived because of Syndrome K.

The film also brings in some of the context of the Catholic Church in Rome. Vatican City is the smallest independent country in the world. During the war it maintained neutrality, in large part out of fear. Pius XII is the center of great controversies over whether he did enough to try to prevent the Holocaust or if he was involved in trying to save Jews. Certainly, the monasteries and convents of Rome were a refuge for many hidden Jews. Could it have been so without Vatican support. The film includes a identification card signed by Giovanni Battista Montini, who was one of the pope’s closest advisors. (The film doesn’t mention that he later became Pope Paul VI.)

The doctors at Fatebenefratelli took seriously their oaths to save lives. If they had been found out (and they did more than just save Jews) they and their families could have been killed. Instead they chose to do act on behalf of their neighbors. That, of course, is a key teaching of the church.

Syndrome K is available to rent on digital platforms.

My Old School: School Days and Second Chances

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Set in 1993, My Old School tells the story of Brandon Lee, a 17-year-old fifth year Canadian who became a student at Bearsden Academy, a high school near Glasgow. Brandon was a model student who was on the way to becoming a future doctor. However, in reality, everything about him was a lie. Strangely, Brandon’s real name turned out to be ‘Brian McKinnon’, a 32-year-old man who was not from Canada at all.

When the story broke, ‘Brandon’ quickly became worldwide news. After all, why would a grown man want to pose as a teenager unless something sinister was behind it? My Old School details the life of Brian (played here by Alan Cumming), as he attempts to relive his glory years by becoming the popular kid once again. More than this though, his hope was to achieve his dream of enrolling in university for medicine, something that Scotland will not allow anyone over 30 to do. Directed by Jono McLeod, School interviews present school faculty, classmates and, of course, ‘Brian’ himself for their perspective on the story.

More importantly though, the film offers a unique look at what a lot of us would love to have in our lives: a second chance at life. With age and experience, few people would pass up a chance to redo everything that they know now. In the case of Brian, he was able to do just that. Even though he was living a lie, Brian was able to have cool friends, get the grades he wanted, play lead in the school show, go on the vacations he wanted and even get into the University of Glasgow to study medicine.

Overall, My Old School has a sense of sadness about it, especially for Brian. Whereas one might judge him for his actions, it seemed that he truly only did what he did in order to make something his life. Liked by those around him, his classmates still have a fondness and admiration for him to this day. 

My Old School is screening at HotDocs ’22. For screening information, click here.

Fire of Love: Heat, Humility and Home

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Even in the most desolate areas, love can spark.

Beginning in the 1960s, Fire of Love is a new documentary that tells the incredible story of Katia and Maurice Krafft, two volcanologists who found love in one another’s arms. For over twenty years, the Kraffts travelled the world, examining eruptions and chronicling the wonders set before them. Although they passed away in 1991, the work that they accomplished helped change the way we understand the natural world.

Following the journey of Katia and Maurice Krafft, Fire of Love is the beautiful and tragic tale of one couple’s determination to solve the mysteries of the universe in the most dangerous of places. Directed by Sara Dosa, the film uses archival footage to piece together a loving portrait of the couple, chronicling their relationship from beginning to end. While the details of their first meeting remain a blur, their story is well documented. Drawn together by their mutual passion for geology, they spurred one another on to become the world’s leading volcanologists. 

Although their personalities clashed at times, there is a warmth and affection between the two that anchors their story and fuels their work. (And this is the most dangerous of work, with the potential of either of them disappearing at any time.) Maurice is seen here as a bold man, willing to explore anywhere yet also rarely thinking of the consequences of his actions. (For example, despite the dangerous terrain, Maurice takes the time to literally fry an egg on the ash.) Meanwhile, Katia is shown to be wise and thoughtful, yet often concerned about her husband’s antics. Even with their differences however, their relationship is one of mutual support and care. 

Even in the midst of destruction, they’ve found a home with each other.

In fact, the visuals add to the uniqueness of the story. By emphasizing footage of the bubbling magma from the earth, Dosa highlights the sharp reds that penetrate the shadowed blacks and greys of the terrain. In the midst of this desolation, there is heat that has the potential to change everything. The footage is remarkable and one can almost feel the heat as it emanates onscreen. (Incidentally, Dosa also seems to use this imagery to mimic the relationship between the Kraffts, a couple that live boldly on the edge of desolation yet the spark of their love stands out amidst the emptiness.) 

Katia Krafft wearing aluminized suit standing near lava burst at Krafla Volcano, Iceland. (Credit: Image’Est)

However, what is most striking about the couple is their humility before the natural world. While there are those who may have disagreed with the risks they took together, they are simply enamored by the force of nature that stands in front of them. For instance, at one point, Katia speaks about the power they bear witness to and the humility that it forces them to feel.) They do not tread arrogantly into their experiments but out of respect and admiration for the forces before then. Standing at the edge of nature’s wildest offerings, they know that they are at the mercy of the elements. There is a recognition that man is not greater than the power of creation and yet they are draw towards it. 

Dangerous, absolutely. But also stunning.

Featuring strong visuals and a compelling subject, the heart of Fire of Love is the the heat that exists between the Katia and Maurice Krafft. Although they sometimes disagree, we understand their dedication to one another almost immediately. A couple working together in this field is a rarity yet their mutual respect and support fuels their work. 

Because of their love and commitment to one another, there’s a willingness to draw nearer to the flame until the very end.

Fire of Love is available in theatres on Friday, July 22nd, 2022.

The Long Rider: The Long Journey Inward

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They say that life is more about the journey than the destination. But sometimes, that journey is far longer than expected.

Directed by Sean Cisterna (From the Vine), the new documentary The Long Rider tells the story of Filipe Masetti Leite, a young man with an epic quest. Leaving his adopted home in Calgary, Alberta, Leite decides to ride on horseback to his family home in Brazil. Inspired by Aime Tschiffeley’s 1925 equestrian trek, Leite embarks on a journey that will take him over 25,000 kms across twelve international borders as he attempts to reclaim a piece of himself and his family.

In The Long Rider, Cisterna tells the story of one man’s attempt to step into his own life in a unique and powerful way. Interestingly, he chooses to frame the film in such a way that we already know the ending before the ride begins. By opening with Leite’s final arrival, Rider emphasize the power of one man’s journey as opposed to simply whether or not he accomplishes his goal. In essence, because we know that he survives his trek, what becomes most essential to the viewer are the things that he discovers along the way. 

With an almost mythological history behind it, the long rider tradition is one that dates back thousands of years. As such, Leite’s journey connects with cultural narratives that we simply don’t hear about any more. From settlers to warriors, the ‘long rider’ lifestyle feels like the last ghost of a time long ago. (In fact, Leite even points out that, ‘the dog may be man’s best friend but horses helped write history.) In this way, his expedition actually feels as though it claims (and earns) its own corner in the fabled history of humanity.

And what a journey it is.

As Leite ventures out into the wilderness, one can’t help but be riveted by his adventure. Fearing for his life, he navigates around potential drug runners, speeding transport trucks, rough terrain and the elements as he attempts to survive the unknown. (While we know he survives, in the moment, he does not know if he will.) But The Long Rider isn’t just one man’s attempt to take his place in history. 

Instead, it’s a story of one man’s desire to discover his own history. 

Disconnected from his home and family, Leite’s travels are about self-discovery. Left alone with his thoughts, this experience leaves a mark on his soul that allows him to reflect on the things that matter most to him. He yearns for the community and relationships that have supported him throughout his life. (“Life is meant to be shared,” he points out.) He wrestles with the meaning of ‘home’ and how it has shaped him. With each step forward, Leite increasingly realizes that one of his greatest challenges is to wrestle with himself.

In addition though, Cisterna doesn’t just end his story with Leite’s arrival. In fact, some of the most interesting parts of the film lie after the adventure has been completed.

Without giving any spoilers, the question of what happens after he reaches his destination looms large within The Long Rider. Struggling to adjust back into everyday life becomes more difficult than he anticipates. As a result, it becomes increasingly clear that, while his trek across continents may have been completed, his personal journey is just beginning. 

With a heart for adventure that speaks to the soul, The Long Rider is a fascinating trip. Although his expedition is unlike any other of this generation, this is not the story of a man attempting to achieve greatness. Instead, it becomes the story of a man attempting to rediscover a piece of himself amidst the great unknown.

The Long Rider is available in Toronto theatres on Friday, June 24th, 2022 and expands on Friday, July 1st, 2022.

Stay Prayed Up: Singing for Joy

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In Stay Prayed Up, Ms. Lena Mae Perry and her gospel group, The Branchettes, prepare to record a live album with musician and producer, Phil Cook. This documentary film highlights community, faith and just how important gospel music is to the people in this community, and indeed to a lot of people outside it as well.

Ms. Perry grew up singing with her siblings, a talent that was quickly discovered by her church who put them in the Sunshine band – the children’s choir- and ministering in different churches. She eventually would start singing in the senior choir of her church and from, that experience, she and two other women would form The Branchettes in 1973. Ms. Perry is the only original member of The Branchettes still in the group and promises to keep taking that name with her wherever she goes. She is a firm believer in God, her steady faith even coming through the screen in her interviews, and a pillar in her community, fondly referred to as ‘Mother’ by everyone in it, and lives up to that name by cooking for, praying with and counselling people she encounters.

I love that Phil Cook, who grew up in a more reserved church, says that he first discovered gospel music in the movie, Sister Act and that he basically could not refuse its call; and that Ms. Perry taught him to see God in everything, because I can relate to his sentiment.

Not the ‘growing up in a reserved church’ part. I grew up in church in Nigeria with a pastor (and parents) that loved the arts and encouraged as many people as he could to be involved in it in some way; that meant choir practice, guitar lessons, drama, and dance–all at church. As I’ve moved around and been to churches in different communities, my idea of what it meant to be in God’s presence became: solemn. I subconsciously traded in the more vibrant expressions I was raised in for quieter ones. Partially because I’m a quieter person and thought these expressions fit me better. But I also started to believe that music that was loud (or ‘showing off’) distracted us from who God is. Because of this flawed thinking, I felt that I needed to remain lowly and remember that I’m not worthy to be in His presence. (In fact, if I wasn’t crying, I believed that maybe I didn’t really love Him.)

I think there’s an aspect of truth to those beliefs, but they’re certainly not the whole truth. What I discovered as I lived in them was that I began to feel restricted, a feeling that would impact my view of God and consequently, my identity.

Recently, I’ve been trying to get back to the joy and freedom I experienced as a kid–one that I think gospel music represents and that Stay Prayed Up captures, recognising that worship of God includes a celebration of the gifts He has blessed us with.

Following a limited theatrical release, Stay Prayed Up is available on Digital July 5.

The Book Keepers – Journey in grief

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“The most powerful words in English are ‘Tell me a story,’ words that are intimately related to the complexity of history, the origins of language, the continuity of the species, the taproot of our humanity, our singularity, and art itself.”

Phil Wall’s documentary The Book Keepers opens with a title card of the Pat Conroy quotation above. It is very appropriate for this journey through a family’s grief, love, and the healing power of storytelling.

Carol Wall (the filmmaker’s mother) wrote popular essays in Southern Living and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for many years. When she wrote her memoir, Mister Owita’s Guide to Gardening, about finding beauty in life that is fleeting, she suffered a recurrence of breast cancer, and eventually died from it. The book was a critical success, but she never really got to enjoy that. So her husband Dick heads off on a promotional book tour, doing the things that Carol would have so loved to have done. As Dick travels the country, Phil documents the journey and the stories that Dick shares not only about the book, but about Carol and their family. Much of the film is Dick and Phil in the car as they drive between events, talking about the family.

For Dick this is a way of fulfilling Carol’s dream. It is also a way of working his way through the grieving process. I don’t know if it was planned as a way to deal with grief, but by constantly telling and retelling her story, his life begins to come back together. That applies a bit to Phil as he makes the film of his father’s journey—that is another story being told. So the film tells a story about telling a story about telling a story. Each level is in its own way a healing process.

As a retired pastor, I know that such storytelling, while it may be difficult at times, opens doors to allow peace and grace to enter into lives that struggle with loss. As the film continues over a span of a year, we hear many of the same stories at different promotional events, but that kind of repetition is a part of the way that storytelling heals in such a situation. Even stories that are painful can become a thing of beauty.

The Book Keepers is in theaters.

Photos courtesy of Phil Wall.

The Rhapsody: The Soul of Music

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There’s a lot of things that are special about Leo Spellman.

As a Holocaust survivor, Leon Spellman made his career as one of Toronto’s Premier band leaders. Living a life marked by joy, the music that he created was memorable for many and gave people an opportunity to come together and celebrate in the post-war era.

Of course, Spellman’s experiences in the holocaust were never forgotten. Although he rarely spoke of them, the feelings and trauma that he faced left a mark on his soul. Finally, at the age of 98, Spellman took the opportunity to tell his story. However, instead of merely telling the story in his own words, Spellman transferred all of his hurt, joy and pain into song. Without words or lyrics to the music, Spellman communicates the truth of history through a rhapsody that communicates the depths of his heart. With every crescendo and fall, his stunning piece becomes his own form of testimony that allows the hearer feel his story. 

Directed by Paul Hoffert, the new documentary The Rhapsody is the tale of the genesis of this amazing project. Narrated by Stephen Fry, the film is filled with honest interviews with Spellman as he speaks freely about his desire to unleash his passion through music. Even at 98, Spellman has a charismatic joy about him that is as infectious as the melody that he creates.

However, music is only one part of the story. 

Initially, The Rhapsody began as an exploration of one man’s ability to bare his soul through his music. Nevertheless, things take a very different turn after Spellman‘s death when his family discovers his secret writings. Hidden away for over 60 years, these documents contain specific dates and events that unfold the horrors of the Second World War in grand detail, especially for those within Jewish community. Tales of having to evade German hunters and physical abuse at the hands of the Nazis are excruciating to hear yet they are told with such power that one cannot help but be riveted. (In fact, after hearing these stories, one can fully understand why he never chose to speak about them publicly.) As the viewer is allowed to sit with Spellman’s children while they read them together, they also bear witness to a family that is piecing together their history. Resolution and restoration take place before our eyes. As such, there is an intimacy and poignancy to these moments that moves the soul at the deepest level.

Structurally, Hoffert does an excellent job blending the text of the diaries with the tale of Spellman’s unfolding rhapsody. By weaving together timelines, Hoffert seamlessly integrates past and present with stunning beauty. As though the film is a musical compilation, he manages to bring together different elements to complete the whole. Animation brings the diaries to life while the orchestration emphasizes the raw emotions behind their stories. Spellman’s story is one of triumph and terror and Hoffert does an excellent job of bringing it to life.

In the end, what begins as a story of one man’s magnum opus becomes an epic tale of past suffering and hope for the future. Pulsating with passion, Spellman’s raw emotional honesty bleeds from both the pages of his diary and the notes that he combines. As history is revealed, his authenticity and soulfulness is a challenge to the viewer to see the realities of war with painful detail while calling for hope in the present.

Now, thankfully, Hoffert allows us to be a part of that experience as well.

The Rhapsody is now playing during TJFF ’22.