Granddad

2017 • Latvia • 14 min • Jacob Dimiters

This documentary features the difficult and time-consuming process of making a traditional expanded dugout canoe using mostly traditional hand tools and techniques. The woodworker is Rihards Vidzickis, an experienced green woodworker, wood sculptor and dugout canoe maker. Rihards’ passion for green wood and solid wood creations has only grown since his childhood days.

2017 • USA • 8 min • Leanne Allison

For Banff locals, Don Gardner is a name associated with legendary climbs and epic ski traverses. Don’s Canoe is a simple short film that shows his lifelong passion for old ways. A life well-lived shapes this beautiful canoe.

2021 • 64 min • Tasha Van Zandt

Staff Pick

A journey across both poles, After Antarctica follows polar explorer Will Steger’s life journey as an eyewitness to the greatest changes to the polar regions of our planet. In 1989, Steger led an international team of six scientists and explorers on the first coast-to-coast dogsled traverse of Antarctica. The ultimate mission of the expedition was to draw global attention to Antarctica’s changing climate and use the expedition as a tool to renew the Antarctic Treaty, which would protect the continent from mineral exploitation. Even with his background in science and knowledge of the changing climate, Steger could never have expected what he would soon discover. This arduous expedition opened his eyes to the most pressing issue of our time and ultimately changed the course of his life forever.