A Delicate Canvas

Overview

Poetic and beautiful, A Delicate Canvas is a glimpse into the life and work of environmental artist Martin Hill.

The film documents Martin and his partner Phillipa over the best part of year as they prepare for Martin's first solo exhibition. It's a rare treat to see an artist at work, especially one who works in such an unusual way - deep in a forest, or atop a mountain.

The film is not just about the ephemeral sculptures that Hill makes, it goes deeper than that. It's about his ethos and his reasons for doing what he does. He's driven by a love and respect for the environment and through his work he challenges us to reconsider the way we are living. As Hill says, "We are not in control." He believes we need to adapt to nature and learn from her systems to achieve the symbiosis required for harmony and sustainability.

James Blake and Joey Bania have managed to capture the essence of Martin Hill and his environmental artworks in a way that complements his practice and amplifies his cause. A Delicate Canvas is as inspiring as it is stunning and has an important message for us all.

Following A Delicate Canvas, is Road to the Globe. We follow Rawhiri Paratene on his quest to realise a life-long dream of taking a company of Maori actors to the Globe Theatre in London, the home of Shakespeare. The group take part in 'Globe to Globe', a massive theatrical festival featuring 37 Shakespeare plays in 37 languages, from 37 different countries.

It's got all the trappings of an excellent film - engaging narrative, action, humour and drama. It's also a valuable insight into the Maori language and traditions and the intermingling of cultures. Emotional and heartwarming, it's the kind of film you'd call 'a real winner'.

Two fantastic examples of New Zealand documentary making at its best - relevant, engaging and uplifting.