Sweet bite of life
Animated documentaries are hardly new.
The 2008 Oscar-nominated film Waltz with Bashir was a fine early example, a dark and compelling depiction of the 1982 war in Lebanon from the vantage point of director Ari Folman, whose fractured memories of the event suggest a PTSD-induced defence mechanism.
Folman's animation was dramatic, dark and surreal, but it also served to put a indelible pictures to events that were largely erased from history.
Endless Cookie Ontario Inc.
The film bounces between Shamattawa in northern Manitoba and Toronto in the 1980s and '90s.
A 'toon documentary in the mould of Endless Cookie, however, is something that feels new. Directed by half-brothers Seth and Peter Scriver, it's a freewheeling trip that bounces between the First Nations community of Shamattawa in northern Manitoba and Toronto in the 1980s and '90s, specifically zeroing in on the funky downtown neighbourhood of Kensington Market.
Seth Scriver, who made the animated 2013 road movie Asphalt Watches, was inspired to make the film by his older brother Peter, whom Seth describes as one of the best storytellers in the world.
The best storytellers don't always stay strictly true. So it is here, where we see Seth securing funding money from the NFG (it stands not for 'No f—-ing good,' Seth says). The NFB — National Film Board — did not finance the film.
The cartoon Seth flies to Shamattawa and attempts to lay down the requisite clean audio track of Peter's various reminiscences. But because Peter shares a house with nine kids and a couple of dozen dogs, clean audio is a dream akin to world peace … or a Maple Leafs Stanley Cup win in our time.
They abandon clean audio and a planned two-year timeline and go with the flow. The constant interruptions by the kids become part of the film's loosey-goosey texture. Indeed, the interruptions occasionally play front and centre, allowing Peter's offspring to shine on their own.
Endless Cookie Ontario Inc.
Peter Scriver travelled to Shamattawa to interview his brother Peter, but getting clean audio was impossible.
The process of making the film, almost entirely animated by Seth, ultimately takes nine years.
Weekly
A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene.
The key to understanding the film rests in the Kensington Market, where the brothers' dad operated a funky second-hand shop. This would seem to be the source of the film's hippy esthetic, not just pertaining to animation (reminiscent of underground comic artist Kim Deitch), but to the whole narrative thread, which proceeds in the desultory manner of a stoner on a constantly interrupted mission.
And yet, a discipline is at work here. The Scrivers touch on serious themes, especially pertaining to injustices done to Indigenous people, but the tone stays philosophical, funny and affectionate.
The two main locales, Shamattawa and Kensington Market, could not be more different. One is remote, one is urban, but they reflect off each other in interesting ways. Each has a cavalcade of colourful characters and each yields a stream of oft-hilarious stories.
If a harmony exists between those two places, the film suggests, there is hope for the entire country.
Endless Cookie Ontario Inc.
It took nine years for Peter Scriver to animate the feature.
randall.king.arts@gmail.com
Randall KingReporter
In a way, Randall King was born into the entertainment beat.
Read full biography
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBC
11 hours ago
- CBC
How First Nation communities in northwestern Ontario are celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day
Powwows and other events are being held in the Thunder Bay, Ont., and area as First Nation communities celebrate culture, community, food, dancing, music, tradition and regalia this National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD). NIPD, observed every June 21, honours the heritage, resilience and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Turtle Island. In northwestern Ontario, for instance, some events begin Friday. For those looking to join the celebrations, CBC Thunder Bay has put together the following list of powwows and other National Indigenous Peoples Day events: Kenora Grand Council Treaty #3 NIPD celebrations: Saturday's events will be held at Point Park. Activities will include a ceremonial pipe smoking ceremony at 12 p.m., a sweat lodge ceremony at 2 p.m., and pontoon boat rides from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will be food and craft vendors throughout the day, as well as a district fastball players exhibition basketball game. There will be limited seating available and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Food vendors should also bring their own tables. Bob Goulais to MC: Kenora Chiefs Advisory Youth and Family Wellness Camp has announced that Bob Goulais will be the master of ceremonies for its National Indigenous Peoples Day activities. It says Goulais is Anishinaabe from Nipissing First Nation and is a respected speaker, traditional teacher, and facilitator known for bringing cultural context and traditional knowledge to audiences across the country. The all-day event will include cultural demonstrations, hands-on activities, traditional teachings, and community celebration. Sioux Lookout Anishinaabe Giizhigan Day Celebrations: Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre and Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority are hosting Anishinaabe Giizhigan Celebrations on Friday, June 20 in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day. Organizers promise a fun-filled afternoon with a free barbecue lunch, dancing, drumming and a special guest appearance from the Asham Stompers Jigging Group. Activities will start at 11 a.m. at the hospital's main entrance. Anishinaabe Ghiizigan mini powwow: Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre is hosting this mini powwow at Sioux Lookout Town Beach on Saturday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thunder Bay City-organized powwow: The Fort William First Nation will host a powwow and feature food vendors, crafters and a feast. Activities will kick off at 5:30 a.m. with a sunrise ceremony. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 12 p.m., grand entry at 1 p.m., and the feast at 5 p.m. The free event will also include giveaways. Bus service will be provided to the powwow grounds and parking is located at the Fort William First Nation Arena. Red Sky Métis Independent Nation event: The Red Sky Métis Independent Nation is inviting the public to a free National Indigenous Peoples Day event Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fort William Historical Park. It will feature activities for all ages, including Métis storytelling, natural tea to try, a colouring contest, a scavenger hunt and more. There will also be an opportunity to meet Roy the Beaver.
Winnipeg Free Press
19 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Marlee Matlin tells her story in an intimate and groundbreaking documentary
When American Masters approached Marlee Matlin about doing a documentary, Matlin had one name in mind to direct: Shoshanna Stern. Like Matlin, Stern is deaf. She also hadn't directed before. But Matlin, who herself became the first deaf person in the Directors Guild of America just a few years ago, was certain she was up to the task. The resulting film, 'Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore' is an intimate look at her life: Growing up in a hearing family; winning the best actress Oscar at 21 for her first movie role in 'Children of a Lesser God,' which film critic Rex Reed at the time called a 'pity vote'; what she's described as an abusive romantic relationship with her co-star, the late William Hurt, which he denied; getting sober; and her experiences in an industry not equipped to accommodate deaf actors. It's also an evocative portal into the world of the deaf community that uses groundbreaking techniques and sound design to put American Sign Language (ASL) and visual communication first. The film opens in select theaters Friday. While Matlin told much of her story in the memoir 'I'll Scream Later,' on some level it wasn't a completely satisfactory experience. Before the #MeToo movement, its revelations were not treated entirely seriously in the media. But a documentary also provided an opportunity. 'We communicate visually,' she said. Matlin and Stern spoke though translators to The Associated Press about the 'CODA' effect, making the doc on their terms, and why they hope Reed sees this film. Remarks have been edited for clarity and brevity. AP: Shoshanna, what was your approach? STERN: I had never seen a deaf person direct an episode of TV or film. Never. I thought, what does that even look like? I didn't realize until I took the job that really the whole form of documentary as we know it is really rooted in sound, in the assumption that people will be speaking and they can speak. I thought, what are we going to do when we're using American Sign Language? I have to reframe a whole form of documentary. We have to be able to see what a visually-based documentary is going to look like. We wouldn't do justice to Marlee's life if I had forced this form that really wasn't rooted in the way that she experienced this life. And that was exciting to do. Scary for some people out there, but I never felt scared in making this documentary because she believed in me. MATLIN: If I had had a hearing director approach me to do this project, we could have done a very good job, but that person would not have seen me in the same way. They would not have the same lens as a deaf person. AP: What were some techniques you used to spotlight the deaf experience? STERN: I did want to film with captions in mind, so I made sure that we did have a wider frame. We figured out visual voiceover with a split screen that we added. We did this little surgery with words and syllables in one of the scenes where we mixed them all around to be able to bring people into how Marlee experiences conversations and the world. We wanted to make this documentary an immersive experience for the audience members, a sensory experience to help them understand. AP: 'CODA' felt like a big moment, but in the years since it won the Oscar, have you seen things change? MATLIN: 'CODA' certainly was a milestone and respected by so many people in the industry. It tackled a lot of things that both deaf and hearing people or audiences can identify with. I love the fact that they burnt in the captions. That you can't just turn it off. And I hoped that all the love we received and the three Academy Awards that we got would make a difference. It was honored on so many other levels too as well, whether we're talking about (director) Sian (Heder) or you're talking about Troy (Kotsur) or the SAG award which was just a dream come true, specifically of mine. I took that opportunity to specifically address that that we 'exist,' that we want to be actors just like you, we want to be directors, we want be producers, we want to be hair and wardrobe stylists. We want to work in all levels of production. So 'CODA' really elevated that conversation about how much we wanted to be part of the industry. But for some reason it didn't really break open the door as wide as I would have thought. Yet we just don't give up. We are persistent. Because it is what it is. We are working on our own levels to make changes. Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. STERN: Marlee said something really brave when we were at Sundance. She said, 'It won't last.' The moment, yes, in the moment. But I don't know if we have movement. MATLIN: There's so many stories that we can tell, so many stories that you can put up on screen, so many stories that we can put on stage. I'd like to see action because I've been hearing that, 'Yes, we have to do this' or 'I will do this,' but it's been 40 years. I don't want to sound like I'm complaining. I just want to make sure that we put our money where our mouth is. I go back to that comment about Rex Reed. I wonder if he would ever see this film. I'd love to see if he has the balls to make a comment and say, 'Oh look, I realize I might have said something wrong.' That's just one example of the things I'd like to see happen. And maybe the people who interviewed me over the years. I don't want you to misunderstand me, I have a great deal of respect for them. But specifically, I am calling out Rex Reed. So, you know, sorry but not sorry.
CBC
a day ago
- CBC
Here's where Manitobans can celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day
Social Sharing There are a range of events happening on and ahead of this weekend welcoming Manitobans to celebrate the cultural traditions, heritage and stories of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, as part of National Indigenous Peoples Day, observed every June 21. Most programming happens on Saturday — from a rooftop musical exhibition at the Winnipeg Art Gallery in Winnipeg to a slate of activities at Brandon's Riverbank Discovery Centre, a street festival in The Pas and much more. Several events in Winnipeg kick things off a day early on Friday, including a sacred fire and pipe ceremony at the University of Manitoba's Mashkiki Gitigaan Medicine Garden at 9 a.m. (or Joe Doupe Concourse in the event of rain). That's followed by a feast at the Brodie Atrium at 11 a.m. on campus, where visitors can take in a variety of vendors, as well as a ceremony recognizing the Indigenous campus community in the afternoon. Also on Friday is a National Indigenous Peoples Day market put on by Shared Health, which co-ordinates health-care delivery in the province. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the William Avenue Mall at the Health Sciences Centre. Circles for Reconciliation is hosting a free barbecue, children's games, a market, a talking circle and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday at Sergeant Tommy Prince Place (90 Sinclair St.). On Saturday, The Forks launches " Many Nations, One Heartbeat," which includes 11 days of free, family-friendly cultural and community programming that wraps on Canada Day, July 1. The WAG-Qaumajuq rooftop event runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and includes artists from the Prairies showcasing collaborative hip hop and R&B music. It marks the end of the gallery's Threads of Kin and Belonging: A Trinnipeg Live Mixtape Project, an exhibit celebrating Indigenous and Black voices that kicked off during Black History Month. The Saint-Joseph Métis National Union of Manitoba and Festival du Voyageur host the annual Métis picnic at Fort Gibraltar from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Winnipeg Goldeyes fans will be treated to live entertainment celebrating Indigenous culture before and during the game Saturday at Blue Cross Park. About 400 people displaced from ongoing wildfires will get free admission and food vouchers, thanks to a Manitoba Blue Cross donation, the team says. Waterways, an Indigenous-led non-profit, is taking members of the public out on the water for a free paddle from the St. Vital boat launch to the Manitoba Canoe and Kayak Club. It ends with a barbecue at the club, a plant walk and music. Spots are limited and registration is required. WATCH | National Indigenous Peoples Day in Manitoba (2023): National Indigenous Peoples Day in Manitoba 2 years ago Duration 1:59 Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day and Manitobans are encouraged to celebrate, learn more about Indigenous culture and reflect on history. Manitoba is home to the Cree, Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene, Métis and Inuit. Lots of public events are going on today across Manitoba, including a powwow and musical performances at The Forks. Beyond Winnipeg, people in southwestern Manitoba can catch a full day of events at the Riverbank Discovery Centre in Brandon on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m., including a powwow demo, a puppet show, a talent show, live musical performances and a range of other activities for all ages. Waywayseecappo First Nation, northwest of Brandon, is hosting a powwow at 1 p.m. In the Interlake region, the Manitoba Métis Federation's Selkirk chapter is hosting events in Selkirk Park, also starting with a pancake breakfast. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. there will be food, a Red River Métis market, a family tent and live entertainment. Gimli is hosting an afternoon of programming from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gimli Park Pavilion, with free bannock and refreshments. In northern Manitoba, Thompson has an early morning (4:45 a.m.) pipe ceremony Saturday followed by a pancake breakfast, hot dog lunch, teepee teachings, karaoke — and an air band competition with cash prices for the top three finishers. The Pas Friendship Centre is holding a street festival starting at noon with traditional dancing and drumming, Métis fiddlers, local performers and youth activities.
