Every film leaves a mark. Film Diagnostic is where those marks get examined — sometimes clinically, sometimes obsessively, always personally. All genres, all eras, no apologies.
Framed as a journey through the themed spaces of Hamilton Gardens, the film avoids the usual time-travel clichés. Each garden is treated as a living artifact. The Italian Renaissance garden expresses control and symmetry, while the Japanese garden favors impermanence and restraint. Moving between them feels less like narrative progression and more like a shift in perspective.
Visually, the film is its strongest asset. It leans heavily on composition and natural light, allowing the spaces to speak for themselves. There’s a patience to the camerawork that borders on indulgent, but more often than not, it pays off, inviting the viewer to sit with each environment rather than simply pass through it. This reinforces the film’s dreamlike tone, it also creates a certain emotional distance you admire the film more than you feel it.
Time Traveller’s Guide to Hamilton Gardens is slow, reflective, and largely unconcerned with conventional payoff. It offers something rare: a film that asks you not just to watch, but to notice and succeeds more as an act of observation than traditional storytelling.
Grant Sheehan · 2026
Framed as a journey through the themed spaces of Hamilton Gardens, the film avoids the usual time-travel clichés. Each garden is treated as a living artifact. The Italian Renaissance garden expresses control and symmetry, while the Japanese garden favors impermanence and restraint. Moving between them feels less like narrative progression and more like a shift in perspective.
Visually, the film is its strongest asset. It leans heavily on composition and natural light, allowing the spaces to speak for themselves. There’s a patience to the camerawork that borders on indulgent, but more often than not, it pays off, inviting the viewer to sit with each environment rather than simply pass through it. This reinforces the film’s dreamlike tone, it also creates a certain emotional distance you admire the film more than you feel it.
Time Traveller’s Guide to Hamilton Gardens is slow, reflective, and largely unconcerned with conventional payoff. It offers something rare: a film that asks you not just to watch, but to notice and succeeds more as an act of observation than traditional storytelling.
Madeleine Hetherton-Miau’s documentary *Mozart’s Sister* offers a poignant exploration of Maria Anna Mozart, Wolfgang’s often-overlooked older sister. The film delves into the societal constraints that silenced her prodigious musical talent, focusing on how Maria Anna was forced to abandon her public performances and conform to traditional gender roles. By doing so, it highlights the untapped potential of a gifted woman whose contributions to music have been largely forgotten.
The documentary skillfully blends historical context with modern perspectives, shedding light on the gender biases of the time that relegated women to secondary roles, particularly in the arts. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need to continue advocating for women in music and other creative fields.
While the film excels in research, storytelling, and emotional depth, some speculative segments—such as dramatic recreations—may feel slightly contrived to some viewers. Nevertheless, these moments generally enhance the emotional impact of the narrative.
Overall, Mozart’s Sister is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant documentary. It provides valuable insight into both music and women’s history, urging us to consider the lasting effects of societal expectations. While it may not be the most visually dynamic film, its compelling message and thorough storytelling make it a highly recommended viewing experience.
Mozart’s Sister ★★★★
Madeleine Hetherton-Miau’s documentary *Mozart’s Sister* offers a poignant exploration of Maria Anna Mozart, Wolfgang’s often-overlooked older sister. The film delves into the societal constraints that silenced her prodigious musical talent, focusing on how Maria Anna was forced to abandon her public performances and conform to traditional gender roles. By doing so, it highlights the untapped potential of a gifted woman whose contributions to music have been largely forgotten.
The documentary skillfully blends historical context with modern perspectives, shedding light on the gender biases of the time that relegated women to secondary roles, particularly in the arts. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need to continue advocating for women in music and other creative fields.
While the film excels in research, storytelling, and emotional depth, some speculative segments—such as dramatic recreations—may feel slightly contrived to some viewers. Nevertheless, these moments generally enhance the emotional impact of the narrative.
Overall, Mozart’s Sister is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant documentary. It provides valuable insight into both music and women’s history, urging us to consider the lasting effects of societal expectations. While it may not be the most visually dynamic film, its compelling message and thorough storytelling make it a highly recommended viewing experience.
In December 2018, 21-year-old British backpacker Grace Millane met a tragic fate while traveling solo in Auckland, New Zealand. Director Helena Coan’s documentary not only chillingly recounts the events leading to Grace’s demise but also serves as a sobering reflection of a society plagued by violence against women.
While true-crime enthusiasts and those intrigued by criminal psychology may remember the story and the subsequent 2019 trial, all viewers will be struck by the composed demeanor of the man dubbed the Tinder Killer. Witnesses recall his immaculate appearance and confident demeanor, which were starkly contrasted by a web of lies.
“The Lie” meticulously unveils newly released closed-circuit television footage capturing the moments before and after Millane’s death. From Kempson’s interrogation by Auckland police to his shifting alibis, the documentary presents a harrowing portrayal of events that challenges societal perceptions of date rape.
Millane’s parents, unwaveringly committed to uncovering the truth and seeking justice for their daughter, painstakingly analyse every frame of footage. Their relentless efforts extend to establishing the Love Grace Campaign, a fund aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse. Through initiatives like lovegrace.co.uk, which provides essential items to women in need, they honor Grace’s memory and empower others.
The Lie ★★★★
In December 2018, 21-year-old British backpacker Grace Millane met a tragic fate while traveling solo in Auckland, New Zealand. Director Helena Coan’s documentary not only chillingly recounts the events leading to Grace’s demise but also serves as a sobering reflection of a society plagued by violence against women.
While true-crime enthusiasts and those intrigued by criminal psychology may remember the story and the subsequent 2019 trial, all viewers will be struck by the composed demeanor of the man dubbed the Tinder Killer. Witnesses recall his immaculate appearance and confident demeanor, which were starkly contrasted by a web of lies.
“The Lie” meticulously unveils newly released closed-circuit television footage capturing the moments before and after Millane’s death. From Kempson’s interrogation by Auckland police to his shifting alibis, the documentary presents a harrowing portrayal of events that challenges societal perceptions of date rape.
Millane’s parents, unwaveringly committed to uncovering the truth and seeking justice for their daughter, painstakingly analyse every frame of footage. Their relentless efforts extend to establishing the Love Grace Campaign, a fund aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse. Through initiatives like lovegrace.co.uk, which provides essential items to women in need, they honor Grace’s memory and empower others.
High school is often a time of personal growth and change, and many people have strong emotional connections to this period of their lives. For Brandon Lee ( Alan Cumming) and his classmate, it was an experience of their life.
Little did Brandon’s schoolmates know they were part of something much bigger than just being his friends. My old school is a documentary about deception and the psychology behind taking extreme steps to achieve or at least try to fulfil a goal, regardless of the consequences.
Despite the dark theme of the film, the atmosphere appears light-hearted and harmless-memories full of kindness and friendship. However, as the story unfolds, doubt dominates the interviews held by the filmmakers. Many different perspectives set in as the interviewees analyse and recall past events with footage none of them had seen before.
One of the things the film showed was the precise observation about how the human brain changes reality with its interpretation of events. Nevertheless, this documentary is fascinating in more ways than one. One of which is when the protagonist did not want to show his face in the interview, so the filmmakers let Alan Cumming lip synced his voice while acting as Brandon Lee in front of the camera. I thought about how creative it was to do it that way. Another thing was the animations used to tell the back story and show flashbacks of the events- making it seem more natural and closer to the recollection of all parties involved.
To top it all off, Cummings was brilliant in his role as Brandon. He did outstanding in the interview and embodied the role as if it was Brandon himself. Cummings captivated and engaged me very well as a viewer. Altogether, this documentary is a must-see, for it is a one-of-a-kind true story that will leave you feeling warm, comforted and uneasy with more questions than when you started watching the film.
My Old School★★★★
High school is often a time of personal growth and change, and many people have strong emotional connections to this period of their lives. For Brandon Lee ( Alan Cumming) and his classmate, it was an experience of their life.
Little did Brandon’s schoolmates know they were part of something much bigger than just being his friends. My old school is a documentary about deception and the psychology behind taking extreme steps to achieve or at least try to fulfil a goal, regardless of the consequences.
Despite the dark theme of the film, the atmosphere appears light-hearted and harmless-memories full of kindness and friendship. However, as the story unfolds, doubt dominates the interviews held by the filmmakers. Many different perspectives set in as the interviewees analyse and recall past events with footage none of them had seen before.
One of the things the film showed was the precise observation about how the human brain changes reality with its interpretation of events. Nevertheless, this documentary is fascinating in more ways than one. One of which is when the protagonist did not want to show his face in the interview, so the filmmakers let Alan Cumming lip synced his voice while acting as Brandon Lee in front of the camera. I thought about how creative it was to do it that way. Another thing was the animations used to tell the back story and show flashbacks of the events- making it seem more natural and closer to the recollection of all parties involved.
To top it all off, Cummings was brilliant in his role as Brandon. He did outstanding in the interview and embodied the role as if it was Brandon himself. Cummings captivated and engaged me very well as a viewer. Altogether, this documentary is a must-see, for it is a one-of-a-kind true story that will leave you feeling warm, comforted and uneasy with more questions than when you started watching the film.
A message of hope and perseverance, Breaking Bread is more than just a documentary; it is truth.
The many years of political clashes brought the endless war between cultures of the closest relations, cousins to be exact. A map divided with imaginary lines yet highly impacts all aspects of their lives. The moment for change is overdue. And this time, it’s through the most elegant way- food.
Breaking Bread is a noble documentary with superb quality—beautiful storytelling and editing with impeccable cinematography. To have successfully delivered an enchanting critical film deserves the highest recognition.
To see this film is to join in the social change through the best universal language. I have only admiration for this documentary—a truly captivating film that will connect you deeply to yourself and with everyone involved.
Breaking Bread★★★★★
A message of hope and perseverance, Breaking Bread is more than just a documentary; it is truth.
The many years of political clashes brought the endless war between cultures of the closest relations, cousins to be exact. A map divided with imaginary lines yet highly impacts all aspects of their lives. The moment for change is overdue. And this time, it’s through the most elegant way- food.
Breaking Bread is a noble documentary with superb quality—beautiful storytelling and editing with impeccable cinematography. To have successfully delivered an enchanting critical film deserves the highest recognition.
To see this film is to join in the social change through the best universal language. I have only admiration for this documentary—a truly captivating film that will connect you deeply to yourself and with everyone involved.
Like 007, Sergio is a gentleman, prefers to work alone and is very attractive to ladies. However, unlike 007, Sergio is 83 years old and not very tech-savvy. Therefore, he goes under some training and starts on with his adventure as a neat spy.
Mole agent is a hybrid documentary film, though it has had some directing and manipulation to suit the narrative. This film is a pleasure to watch as it has a big heart. Most importantly it is a film about life.
Our protagonist is unlike any I have seen before. He is natural for one thing, and seeing him interact with the other elderly characters not only melts my heart but inspires me to be like him- a good person with such a great sense of style.
Films like this remind me of how life is fleeting and too precious to waste. To be in the present moment and seize the day is what philosophers would typically say. But to live like this in itself is another level. Being is a state of mind, and that is how I saw Sergio. He is the epitome of being.
Altogether, a charming masterpiece of a film. I can only imagine it was hard to put all of these together and that it took a while to produce. Purely beautiful things take the most time to create.
Mole Agent★★★★
Like 007, Sergio is a gentleman, prefers to work alone and is very attractive to ladies. However, unlike 007, Sergio is 83 years old and not very tech-savvy. Therefore, he goes under some training and starts on with his adventure as a neat spy.
Mole agent is a hybrid documentary film, though it has had some directing and manipulation to suit the narrative. This film is a pleasure to watch as it has a big heart. Most importantly it is a film about life.
Our protagonist is unlike any I have seen before. He is natural for one thing, and seeing him interact with the other elderly characters not only melts my heart but inspires me to be like him- a good person with such a great sense of style.
Films like this remind me of how life is fleeting and too precious to waste. To be in the present moment and seize the day is what philosophers would typically say. But to live like this in itself is another level. Being is a state of mind, and that is how I saw Sergio. He is the epitome of being.
Altogether, a charming masterpiece of a film. I can only imagine it was hard to put all of these together and that it took a while to produce. Purely beautiful things take the most time to create.
Motherhood is a profound experience, but childbirth is another state of being.
Birth Time is an artistic and highly exceptional documentary of women going through traumatic childbearing experiences. It tells the story of the evolution of childbirth from intimately private practice to a highly medicalised routine. Unfortunately, this change has caused a significant increase in stressful delivery, leaving mothers the feeling of isolation and hopelessness.
To witness this incredible miracle through beautiful cinematography was a unique and memorable experience—an elegant recording of women having real experiences. To see life happening was both heartbreaking and magnificent—a sense of hope.
Birth Time is a rare film not to miss. It brings awareness and provokes change to a system that demands it.
Motherhood is a profound experience, but childbirth is another state of being.
Birth Time is an artistic and highly exceptional documentary of women going through traumatic childbearing experiences. It tells the story of the evolution of childbirth from intimately private practice to a highly medicalised routine. Unfortunately, this change has caused a significant increase in stressful delivery, leaving mothers the feeling of isolation and hopelessness.
To witness this incredible miracle through beautiful cinematography was a unique and memorable experience—an elegant recording of women having real experiences. To see life happening was both heartbreaking and magnificent—a sense of hope.
Birth Time is a rare film not to miss. It brings awareness and provokes change to a system that demands it.
An attempt to tell a good story but disappointedly the resolution was not to be found. Ottolenghi, a celebrated pastry chef and host of the film, invited five pastry chefs to engage in a culinary journey and dedicate a food display inspired by “Visitors of Versailles”.
Throughout the preparation, the film documented everything from planning until the event’s end. Unfortunately, there isn’t much history mentioned about Versailles or a plunge to what supposedly was the theme and motivation of this production.
However, there were some very engaging scenes in the film where the tension and crises increased while the pressure built up. Apart from this, there isn’t much to keep you absorbed in the documentary.
Lastly, the theme deemed to undertake the past’s excess, to what precisely happened in Versailles during its peak. Regrettably, there was no realisation or intention to break away from the commercial industry’s unnecessary excessiveness.
Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles★★
An attempt to tell a good story but disappointedly the resolution was not to be found. Ottolenghi, a celebrated pastry chef and host of the film, invited five pastry chefs to engage in a culinary journey and dedicate a food display inspired by “Visitors of Versailles”.
Throughout the preparation, the film documented everything from planning until the event’s end. Unfortunately, there isn’t much history mentioned about Versailles or a plunge to what supposedly was the theme and motivation of this production.
However, there were some very engaging scenes in the film where the tension and crises increased while the pressure built up. Apart from this, there isn’t much to keep you absorbed in the documentary.
Lastly, the theme deemed to undertake the past’s excess, to what precisely happened in Versailles during its peak. Regrettably, there was no realisation or intention to break away from the commercial industry’s unnecessary excessiveness.
Thirty-two years in the making, this documentary is both about music and humanity.
The Midnight Oil band was not a typical band during the 80’s because they broke the stereotypes in unexpected ways- no drugs and cups of teas after every concert. And like many other bands in the 80’s that spoke against war and sang songs about peace and love. Midnight Oil’s lead singer took it further than just using his voice to express his political views. He eventually took on politics and made it possible to ban nuclear warfare in Australia.
These events are never before seen in the history of rock music or music per se, and this is what makes this film very interesting to watch. The film focuses on the band’s 1984 concert tour where Peter Garrett (lead singer) officially ran as a member of the Nuclear Disarmament Party. And even though it was the band’s peak moments, they all supported each other breaking expectations and genuinely achieving their goal in making music.
A great documentary for the curious and especially the fans of Midnight Oil. This film will take you on a historic ride and be inspired. A truly wondrous compilation of films, interviews and photographs that tell a remarkable story of a remarkable rock band.
In Cinemas from tomorrow: August 9
Midnight Oil ★★★½
Thirty-two years in the making, this documentary is both about music and humanity.
The Midnight Oil band was not a typical band during the 80’s because they broke the stereotypes in unexpected ways- no drugs and cups of teas after every concert. And like many other bands in the 80’s that spoke against war and sang songs about peace and love. Midnight Oil’s lead singer took it further than just using his voice to express his political views. He eventually took on politics and made it possible to ban nuclear warfare in Australia.
These events are never before seen in the history of rock music or music per se, and this is what makes this film very interesting to watch. The film focuses on the band’s 1984 concert tour where Peter Garrett (lead singer) officially ran as a member of the Nuclear Disarmament Party. And even though it was the band’s peak moments, they all supported each other breaking expectations and genuinely achieving their goal in making music.
A great documentary for the curious and especially the fans of Midnight Oil. This film will take you on a historic ride and be inspired. A truly wondrous compilation of films, interviews and photographs that tell a remarkable story of a remarkable rock band.
Synopsis: David Lynch takes us on an intimate journey through the formative years of his life. From his idyllic upbringing in small town America to the dark streets of Philadelphia, we follow Lynch as he traces the events that have helped to shape one of the cinema’s most enigmatic directors.
-Madman Entertainment
Film Review: This bio-documentary is an engrossing story about David Lynch and his journey. From childhood to becoming an award-winning director and screenplay writer. David’s life story is fascinating and unexpected! The documentary is filmed in a day in one of David’s so-called art life as he works in his studio.
He tells his story while actual photographs and video clips from his childhood flash in the movie. David’s memories are quite vivid, and he seems very in touch with his inner youth. He remembers what it was like for him as a boy living in a small town, the stages of growing up and moving out to a bigger city, and eventually discovering himself and stepping into the world of filmmaking.
The film’s score is impeccable as well as the mixture of live action shots and clips from David’s past is brilliantly executed. The editing is superb and somewhat aligned to David’s style of filming. There’s that dark, and weird vibe surrounding the film like how David usually does his movies.
This documentary is like a portal into David’s thoughts and his life as well as his becoming of this one of a kind artist of various creative elements. David’s story is told by none other than himself, and it is both impressive and unusual. Nevertheless, it is a film to see to witness how a person like David started and what inspired him to be an artist.
In NZ cinemas from June 1, 2017
Rating: M - Offensive Language
Synopsis: David Lynch takes us on an intimate journey through the formative years of his life. From his idyllic upbringing in small town America to the dark streets of Philadelphia, we follow Lynch as he traces the events that have helped to shape one of the cinema’s most enigmatic directors.
-Madman Entertainment
Film Review: This bio-documentary is an engrossing story about David Lynch and his journey. From childhood to becoming an award-winning director and screenplay writer. David’s life story is fascinating and unexpected! The documentary is filmed in a day in one of David’s so-called art life as he works in his studio.
He tells his story while actual photographs and video clips from his childhood flash in the movie. David’s memories are quite vivid, and he seems very in touch with his inner youth. He remembers what it was like for him as a boy living in a small town, the stages of growing up and moving out to a bigger city, and eventually discovering himself and stepping into the world of filmmaking.
The film’s score is impeccable as well as the mixture of live action shots and clips from David’s past is brilliantly executed. The editing is superb and somewhat aligned to David’s style of filming. There’s that dark, and weird vibe surrounding the film like how David usually does his movies.
This documentary is like a portal into David’s thoughts and his life as well as his becoming of this one of a kind artist of various creative elements. David’s story is told by none other than himself, and it is both impressive and unusual. Nevertheless, it is a film to see to witness how a person like David started and what inspired him to be an artist.
The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma & The Silk Road Ensemble is the extraordinary new film from Morgan Neville, the director of the Oscar®-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom. Spanning the globe, this is the celebratory story of the renowned international musical collective created by legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The feature-length documentary follows this group of diverse instrumentalists, vocalists, composers, arrangers, visual artists and storytellers as they explore the power of music to preserve tradition, shape cultural evolution and inspire hope. - Written by Madman Entertainment
Film Review:
This documentary is about how Yo-Yo Ma (legendary cellist) formed a group of brilliant musicians and composers around the world and became The Silk Road Ensemble. An extraordinary story about music, language and culture and that all of these things are imperative in shaping one’s cultural identity. This documentary is very well recorded with a high level of the artistic element. As well as touching base on the critical issues that are very much happening and affecting everyone at present.
These issues are of war, the evolution of language and tradition and most importantly authenticity. Throughout the documentary, all of these things are explored in different levels and perspectives of the people involved and how it affects them personally. Their stories make their music unique from each other even from the country they grew up. They play as how they feel and incorporate their skills and background to their music. Therefore the sound they create is their own.
One of the many things I liked about this film was how it was edited to tell a story of the people who made the group a whole. And their journey of revisiting their homelands bringing with them life experiences outside their countries but keeping their traditions with them through music. It was fascinating to see their reactions and thoughts on the changes in their hometown as well as how their people perceive them as same but different in a way.
A brilliant documentary that focuses on delivering a non-linear time lapse of how The Silk Ensemble was born. Fantastic direction, cinematography and sound editing. It’s a highly entertaining and enjoyable experience as well as engaging to watch and learn about these great musicians trying to make a difference in the world. They are beautiful people making great music together- spreading hope around the world.
NZ Release Date: March 16, 2017
About the Film:
The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma & The Silk Road Ensemble is the extraordinary new film from Morgan Neville, the director of the Oscar®-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom. Spanning the globe, this is the celebratory story of the renowned international musical collective created by legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The feature-length documentary follows this group of diverse instrumentalists, vocalists, composers, arrangers, visual artists and storytellers as they explore the power of music to preserve tradition, shape cultural evolution and inspire hope. - Written by Madman Entertainment
Film Review:
This documentary is about how Yo-Yo Ma (legendary cellist) formed a group of brilliant musicians and composers around the world and became The Silk Road Ensemble. An extraordinary story about music, language and culture and that all of these things are imperative in shaping one’s cultural identity. This documentary is very well recorded with a high level of the artistic element. As well as touching base on the critical issues that are very much happening and affecting everyone at present.
These issues are of war, the evolution of language and tradition and most importantly authenticity. Throughout the documentary, all of these things are explored in different levels and perspectives of the people involved and how it affects them personally. Their stories make their music unique from each other even from the country they grew up. They play as how they feel and incorporate their skills and background to their music. Therefore the sound they create is their own.
One of the many things I liked about this film was how it was edited to tell a story of the people who made the group a whole. And their journey of revisiting their homelands bringing with them life experiences outside their countries but keeping their traditions with them through music. It was fascinating to see their reactions and thoughts on the changes in their hometown as well as how their people perceive them as same but different in a way.
A brilliant documentary that focuses on delivering a non-linear time lapse of how The Silk Ensemble was born. Fantastic direction, cinematography and sound editing. It’s a highly entertaining and enjoyable experience as well as engaging to watch and learn about these great musicians trying to make a difference in the world. They are beautiful people making great music together- spreading hope around the world.
MAVIS! is the first documentary on gospel/soul music legend and civil rights icon Mavis Staples and her family group, The Staple Singers.
From the freedom songs of the ’60s and hits like “I’ll Take You There" in the ’70s, to funked-up collaborations with Prince and her recent albums with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, Mavis has stayed true to her roots, kept her family close, and inspired millions along the way.
Featuring powerful live performances, rare archival footage, and conversations with friends and contemporaries including Bob Dylan, Prince, Bonnie Raitt, Levon Helm, Jeff Tweedy, Chuck D, and more, MAVIS! reveals the struggles, successes, and intimate stories of her journey.
At 75, she’s making the most vital music of her career, winning Grammy awards, and reaching a new generation of fans. Her message of love and equality is needed now more than ever.
Synopsis from an EPK.
In NZ Cinemas April 28th 2016.
★★★½
MAVIS! is the first documentary on gospel/soul music legend and civil rights icon Mavis Staples and her family group, The Staple Singers.
From the freedom songs of the ’60s and hits like “I’ll Take You There" in the ’70s, to funked-up collaborations with Prince and her recent albums with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, Mavis has stayed true to her roots, kept her family close, and inspired millions along the way.
Featuring powerful live performances, rare archival footage, and conversations with friends and contemporaries including Bob Dylan, Prince, Bonnie Raitt, Levon Helm, Jeff Tweedy, Chuck D, and more, MAVIS! reveals the struggles, successes, and intimate stories of her journey.
At 75, she’s making the most vital music of her career, winning Grammy awards, and reaching a new generation of fans. Her message of love and equality is needed now more than ever.
Synopsis from an EPK.
In NZ Cinemas April 28th 2016.
Offgrid isn’t a state of mind. It isn’t about someone being out of touch, about a place that is hard
to get to, or about a weekend spent offline. Officially, “off grid” refers to a home or town that is
disconnected from the electricity and natural gas networks that serve a region. Living offgrid,
therefore, means having to radically reinvent life as we know it. It means choosing to live in a
way that is dramatically innovative: a way that draws on skills of the past and is inspired by
concerns for our collective future.
Life Of Grid explores the lives of Canadians in every province and who have made the choice to
disconnect. The film explores the ways by which a variety of people, all with different
environmental concerns and constraints, live away from contemporary civilization. It raises
important questions about the future: questions about the struggles and successes found along
our path towards a life that is environmentally and socially more sustainable. Offgrid homes are
experimental labs for our collective future, an intimate look into unusual contemporary domestic
lives, and a call to the rest of us leading ordinary lives to examine what we take for granted.
Life Of Grid travels from west to east, from province to province and territory to territory, on a
twoyear journey exploring how and why Canadians disconnect from larger infrastructures. The
film explores themes of motivation and inspiration, unpacks the challenges associated with
regional climates and economies, and shows how people living off the grid deal with the
everyday demands of heat, light, water, food, and waste.
Film Review:
Life off Grid is such an inspiring documentation about how people make choices to detach from commercial power and gas source in order to live independently. By making this choice they become part of something that is truly bigger than themselves as well as showing how much they care for the future and the environment as a whole.
Both Jonathan and Phillip did a great job filming and interviewing all these inspiring people that pretty much live in hard to reach areas. The film is very engaging and interesting all throughout. Learning about the people living off grid and getting to know what they think and how they feel is really motivating in a way that is thought provoking. While watching the film you tend to ask important questions in your head about the environment and re assess your own life and how you’re living. Such as the amount of power you’re using and how much do you really need? I also liked how the film showed the ways of the people living off grid. Their starting point and current living situations.
Living a self sustaining and environmentally aware life off grid is harder than it seems. It’s that responsibility and total independence which is both absolutely scary and liberating at the same time. Everyday,the people living off grid have to go through a day sorting out the things most of us take for granted such as drinking water, electricity and other daily living needs.
Although they are very content with how they choose to live their lives it still amazes me how they are able to continue and tackle the daily struggles. Not only that they are totally independent but just the huge difference in the situation itself is inspirational.
Overall, this film is definitely a must watch. I would recommend this film most especially to the young generation of our time because it brings awareness and consciousness to our lives and more importantly to our future.
Medium Synopsis: Electronic Press Kit
Offgrid isn’t a state of mind. It isn’t about someone being out of touch, about a place that is hard
to get to, or about a weekend spent offline. Officially, “off grid” refers to a home or town that is
disconnected from the electricity and natural gas networks that serve a region. Living offgrid,
therefore, means having to radically reinvent life as we know it. It means choosing to live in a
way that is dramatically innovative: a way that draws on skills of the past and is inspired by
concerns for our collective future.
Life Of Grid explores the lives of Canadians in every province and who have made the choice to
disconnect. The film explores the ways by which a variety of people, all with different
environmental concerns and constraints, live away from contemporary civilization. It raises
important questions about the future: questions about the struggles and successes found along
our path towards a life that is environmentally and socially more sustainable. Offgrid homes are
experimental labs for our collective future, an intimate look into unusual contemporary domestic
lives, and a call to the rest of us leading ordinary lives to examine what we take for granted.
Life Of Grid travels from west to east, from province to province and territory to territory, on a
twoyear journey exploring how and why Canadians disconnect from larger infrastructures. The
film explores themes of motivation and inspiration, unpacks the challenges associated with
regional climates and economies, and shows how people living off the grid deal with the
everyday demands of heat, light, water, food, and waste.
Film Review:
Life off Grid is such an inspiring documentation about how people make choices to detach from commercial power and gas source in order to live independently. By making this choice they become part of something that is truly bigger than themselves as well as showing how much they care for the future and the environment as a whole.
Both Jonathan and Phillip did a great job filming and interviewing all these inspiring people that pretty much live in hard to reach areas. The film is very engaging and interesting all throughout. Learning about the people living off grid and getting to know what they think and how they feel is really motivating in a way that is thought provoking. While watching the film you tend to ask important questions in your head about the environment and re assess your own life and how you’re living. Such as the amount of power you’re using and how much do you really need? I also liked how the film showed the ways of the people living off grid. Their starting point and current living situations.
Living a self sustaining and environmentally aware life off grid is harder than it seems. It’s that responsibility and total independence which is both absolutely scary and liberating at the same time. Everyday,the people living off grid have to go through a day sorting out the things most of us take for granted such as drinking water, electricity and other daily living needs.
Although they are very content with how they choose to live their lives it still amazes me how they are able to continue and tackle the daily struggles. Not only that they are totally independent but just the huge difference in the situation itself is inspirational.
Overall, this film is definitely a must watch. I would recommend this film most especially to the young generation of our time because it brings awareness and consciousness to our lives and more importantly to our future.
I was lucky enough to be invited as the plus one and see the preview screening of the documentary film entitled “Handmade with Love in France”. The screening was hosted by L’Oreal Paris as part of the French Film Festival being held all over New Zealand. In addition, there will be another movie screening entitled, “A Chance Encounter” in March that will help fund a very good cause called, Breast Cancer Cure.
The documentary film for me was both sad and fun to watch. This is because of the continuous loss of talented artisans and without them being able to pass on their talent. Hence, they are at high risk of extinction. On top of this, the fashion industry has been booming leading to exhausted workers and low quality items. They seem to have focused more on quantity due to its very high demand. Therefore evidently these very few handmakers are standing on a very fine line when it comes to keeping their own workshops. However along their journey there were still some happy moments. And that frankly, they are indeed very happy people who are just going through some tough times. But they have not forgotten about their sense of humour which was very enjoyable to see and laugh with.
The film ends with a question indirectly asking if it will be possible to keep all that history without compromising the quality of the work and art involved.
I was lucky enough to be invited as the plus one and see the preview screening of the documentary film entitled “Handmade with Love in France”. The screening was hosted by L’Oreal Paris as part of the French Film Festival being held all over New Zealand. In addition, there will be another movie screening entitled, “A Chance Encounter” in March that will help fund a very good cause called, Breast Cancer Cure.
The documentary film for me was both sad and fun to watch. This is because of the continuous loss of talented artisans and without them being able to pass on their talent. Hence, they are at high risk of extinction. On top of this, the fashion industry has been booming leading to exhausted workers and low quality items. They seem to have focused more on quantity due to its very high demand. Therefore evidently these very few handmakers are standing on a very fine line when it comes to keeping their own workshops. However along their journey there were still some happy moments. And that frankly, they are indeed very happy people who are just going through some tough times. But they have not forgotten about their sense of humour which was very enjoyable to see and laugh with.
The film ends with a question indirectly asking if it will be possible to keep all that history without compromising the quality of the work and art involved.
