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Not so long ago, the Thunderstone was used by the Ojibway of Northern Ontario to shorten the duration of a storm or avoid catastrophe from forces beyond one's control.
Specializing in good storytelling, we craft drama, documentary and institutional films that transcend cultural boundaries. We're committed to making connections between people, cultures, history, nature and current issues. Through stories we seek to create balance and shorten the storms that are sweeping our communities, our regions and our planet.
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News
"Woodland Spirits" documentary premieres on TVO
May 16, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
THUNDER BAY, ON - Thunderstone Pictures, a film company based in Thunder Bay, ON, is pleased to announce its first major broadcast. "Woodland Spirits", a half-hour documentary filmed across Northwestern Ontario, premieres on TVO's "The View From Here" on Wednesday May 21st at 10:30pm. It rebroadcasts on Sunday May 25th.
Made by an all-Northwestern Ontario crew, it was shot around Thunder Bay, Longlac, Wawa, Agawa Bay, Armstrong and deep in the bush north of Lake Nipigon. Shot, directed and edited by Dave Clement, "Woodland Spirits" is a co-production of Thunderstone Pictures and the National Film Board of Canada and was made in association with TVO through the NFB/TVO Calling Card Program.
Featuring stunning scenery, ancient rock paintings and powerful artwork, Woodland Spirits highlights the mentoring connections linking three men – Gelineau Fisher, Moses Beaver and Andrew Machendagoos – representing three generations of Woodland (Anishinawbe) artists living in Northwestern Ontario. All three have been profoundly affected by the life and work of the late Roy Thomas – a close friend, artistic influence and father figure whose wisdom is a key presence in the film.
For these men, mentoring is more than sharing artistic technique. It is a cultural tradition that calls on those who came before, and on the images themselves. In part, this film is a tribute to Roy Thomas' ongoing legacy. This legacy lives on through younger artists and through the work of his widow, Louise Thomas, who supports artists young and old through the gallery she runs out of her husband's old studio in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
"It was a great learning experience", said the film's auteur Dave Clement, "I am deeply honoured to have the people in the film tell their story through my craft". Throughout production Clement found the values and sophistication of the ancient teachings of the Anishinawbe to be deeply profound.
"Woodland Art is only one expression of a an ancient philosophy that shows us how all things, and all peoples, are interconnected. It's inherently environmental". The style of painting, sometimes called the "Woodland School" or "Anishinawbe Art" often features bold black "spirit" lines, vibrant colours, and interior visions of animal spirits and legendary figures - popularized by Northwestern Ontario artists such as Norval Morrisseau and Roy Thomas. "It must be noted that it is not everyday an art movement, respected and admired all over the world, just walks out of the bush in your own backyard. As northerners of all cultural backgrounds, we should all strive to learn about this beautiful culture that is surrounding us and art being the universal teacher, is a good place to start".
The film also features hip-hop by War Party and Wax Philosophic, traditional drumming and signing by The Little Bear Singers and traditional Anishinawbe flute played by Moses Beaver.
For more information on Woodland Spirits call Dave Clement at 807.251.4030 or email Dave. You can reach youth artist Andrew Machendagoos at 807.622.4957 or Louise Thomas at 807.577.2656.
You can also visit:
NFB Website – Woodland Spirits
or
TVO Website – Woodland Spirits
-30-
THUNDER BAY, ON - Thunderstone Pictures, a film company based in Thunder Bay, ON, is pleased to announce its first major broadcast. "Woodland Spirits", a half-hour documentary filmed across Northwestern Ontario, premieres on TVO's "The View From Here" on Wednesday May 21st at 10:30pm. It rebroadcasts on Sunday May 25th.
Made by an all-Northwestern Ontario crew, it was shot around Thunder Bay, Longlac, Wawa, Agawa Bay, Armstrong and deep in the bush north of Lake Nipigon. Shot, directed and edited by Dave Clement, "Woodland Spirits" is a co-production of Thunderstone Pictures and the National Film Board of Canada and was made in association with TVO through the NFB/TVO Calling Card Program.
Featuring stunning scenery, ancient rock paintings and powerful artwork, Woodland Spirits highlights the mentoring connections linking three men – Gelineau Fisher, Moses Beaver and Andrew Machendagoos – representing three generations of Woodland (Anishinawbe) artists living in Northwestern Ontario. All three have been profoundly affected by the life and work of the late Roy Thomas – a close friend, artistic influence and father figure whose wisdom is a key presence in the film.
For these men, mentoring is more than sharing artistic technique. It is a cultural tradition that calls on those who came before, and on the images themselves. In part, this film is a tribute to Roy Thomas' ongoing legacy. This legacy lives on through younger artists and through the work of his widow, Louise Thomas, who supports artists young and old through the gallery she runs out of her husband's old studio in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
"It was a great learning experience", said the film's auteur Dave Clement, "I am deeply honoured to have the people in the film tell their story through my craft". Throughout production Clement found the values and sophistication of the ancient teachings of the Anishinawbe to be deeply profound.
"Woodland Art is only one expression of a an ancient philosophy that shows us how all things, and all peoples, are interconnected. It's inherently environmental". The style of painting, sometimes called the "Woodland School" or "Anishinawbe Art" often features bold black "spirit" lines, vibrant colours, and interior visions of animal spirits and legendary figures - popularized by Northwestern Ontario artists such as Norval Morrisseau and Roy Thomas. "It must be noted that it is not everyday an art movement, respected and admired all over the world, just walks out of the bush in your own backyard. As northerners of all cultural backgrounds, we should all strive to learn about this beautiful culture that is surrounding us and art being the universal teacher, is a good place to start".
The film also features hip-hop by War Party and Wax Philosophic, traditional drumming and signing by The Little Bear Singers and traditional Anishinawbe flute played by Moses Beaver.
For more information on Woodland Spirits call Dave Clement at 807.251.4030 or email Dave. You can reach youth artist Andrew Machendagoos at 807.622.4957 or Louise Thomas at 807.577.2656.
You can also visit:
NFB Website – Woodland Spirits
or
TVO Website – Woodland Spirits
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