#25. Pukaskwa National Park, Ontario. 1981. Today we are taking a poll! Last week to mark National Canadian Film Day the NFB put out a list of its top 10 films ever: https://blog.nfb.ca/…/my-top-10-nfb-films-of-all-time-cura…/ At the very top of that list, ahead of Sarah Polley, The Big Snit, and Leonard Cohen, Albert Ohayon has put my Dad's film Waterwalker! We are all very proud of this honour and of all my Dad's work, and yesterday it started a long discussion on our daily hike when Reid asked me "so Becky, what is your favourite Bill Mason film?" The pause before my answer was a very long one. And then some uncomfortable ummms and errrs followed. And then all the caveats, conditions and excuses came. And I hemmed and hawed some more. Reid then said "ok we're not talking windbound-on-a-desert-island pick here. Just what's one that make you feel good?" And finally, surprising even myself I said Wolf Pack. I just have so many good memories of us being together as a family and taking care of those wolves. It was an amazing time and a beautiful film. My Dad's narration is so gentle and full of love, and it's significant and symbolic that no people appear in Wolf Pack. I like that. What is also remarkable is that it doesn't have any canoes in it! And then shockingly Reid said that his favourite, Blake, is also canoe-free! He loves the theme of freedom and Blake's never-ending quest for it. But Reid also sees that same ethos in Paddle to the Sea so he's says it might be a tie. But you have to choose one. The poll question is:
What is your favourite Bill Mason film, and why? About "Today's Paddling Pic": These last few days I've find myself looking back on some wonderful memories and images of where canoeing has taken me, and it's made me smile. I feel so fortunate and grateful for these places, people and experiences, and it's kind of nice to reminisce. And in doing so I can't help but to also look forward to a time when we can all paddle safely again! So for the next while Reid and I are posting a picture a day (with a story) that will brighten our day and hopefully yours too. And maybe you'll share your stories too.