Born in 1929 and a graduate of the University of Manitoba School of Art, naturalist, author, and artist Bill Mason left behind a legacy showcasing the artistry of the North American wilderness like few others. Long regarded as “the patron saint of canoeing”, Mason would eventually bring extensive camera equipment on his expeditions through the Great Lakes in hopes of instructing the public on canoe techniques and eventually addressing growing ecological concerns.
His rigorous documenting resulted in some of the purest examples of environmental filmmaking and an unintentional antidote to the slop-produced overconsumption of today’s media landscape. With the weather brightening up and summer approaching, we at Spectacle invite you to touch grass with us (albeit metaphorically)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 – 7:30 PM
THURSDAY, MAY 21 – 7:30 PM (Virtual Q&A w/ Becky Mason)
SUNDAY, MAY 24 – 5 PM
PADDLE TO THE SEA
Dir. Bill Mason, 1966
Canada, 28 min.
In English
Based on Holling C. Holling’s Caldecott award-winning children’s picture book, PADDLE TO THE SEA tells the quaint tale of a wood-carved model’s human-assisted journey through the Great Lakes. Narrated by NFB affiliate Stanley Jackson, Mason modernizes this classic family tale to educate on the negative effects of water pollution.
THE RISE AND FALL OF THE GREAT LAKES
Dir. Bill Mason, 1968
Canada, 17 min.
In English
Accompanied by playful bluegrass and accentuated by match cuts and slapstick gags, THE RISE AND FALL OF THE GREAT LAKES subverts the film travelogues of the time and showcases man’s harm to the natural world through a quirky geography lesson.
SONG OF THE PADDLE
Dir. Bill Mason, 1978.
Canada, 41 min.
In English
The wholesome family vacation is brought to full cinematic scope in SONG OF THE PADDLE. Bill Mason brings his wife and kids along for a camping excursion through Lake Superior, providing insightful and warm anecdotes along the way.
CRY OF THE WILD
Dir. Bill Mason, 1972
Canada, 88 min.
In English
WEDNESDAY, MAY 12 – 7:30PM
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 – 10PM
FRIDAY, MAY 29 – 7:30PM
Bill Mason’s first foray into feature length documentary filmmaking, he sought to destigmatize wolves and their vicious public perception with this project. Observing them both in their natural habitat and on his own property in the Gatineau Hills, the film also chronicles Mason and his family’s attempt to raise wolf cubs on their own.
Note: this film contains brief scenes of animal death
WATERWALKER
Dir. Bill Mason, 1984
Canada, 87 min.
In English
SATURDAY, MAY 2 – 3PM
MONDAY, MAY 11 – 7:30PM
SUNDAY, MAY 31 – 7:30PM
In what would be Mason’s final film project before his passing in 1988, WATERWALKER follows him through a solitary journey down rapids along Lake Superior. Interspersed with quiet, pensive moments of painting landscapes that would put even Bob Ross to shame, Mason’s swan song also incidentally manages to be his most spiritual work. Accompanied by a lush theme song penned by Canadian folk singer icon Bruce Cockburn.
Special Thanks to Frédéric Savard, the National Film Board of Canada, The Canadian Canoe Museum and Becky Mason