The Beauty of My People

197729 min 12 secFilm: Documentary

Direction: Alan Collins

Script: Gary George

Produced for the NFB by Nova Productions for the Canadian Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

This title is an acquisition.

The film centres on Arthur Shilling, an Ojibwa artist from the Rama Reserve on Lake Couchiching, Ontario. Shilling's artistic evolution is traced, as is his move to Toronto and the difficulties he encountered there. Also discussed is the illness that caused Shilling to re-evaluate his artistic goals. Interviews with the artist and others interested in his paintings are juxtaposed with examples of paintings.

Other versions

La Beauté de mon peupleThe Beauty of My People

Subject categories

  • Visual Arts > Indigenous ArtOntarioPaintingPortraits
  • Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nations and Métis) > PortraitsVisual Arts and Architecture
  • Indigenous Studies > ArtsIdentity/Society
  • Health/Personal Development > Careers & EducationSubstance Use and Abuse/Addiction

Credits

director
Alan Collins
writer
Gary George
narration
Sherman Maness
music
Court Stone
photography
Dennis Miller
Robert New
Richard Wincente
editor
Alan Collins
Ronald Sanders
David Leach
sound
David Lee
Aerlyn Weissman
stills photographer
Elizabeth Brewitt

Awards

  • Honorable MentionAnnual American Indian Film Festival