Running Time: 90 & 60 mins
Year: 2015

synopsis

“The most important thing a painter can do is find a good place to sit.” – J.E.H. MacDonald

One would think The Group of Seven needs no introduction. Their iconic works are known to millions of Canadians, yet few are familiar with the lives of the artists themselves. Why did they choose locations in the remote, rugged wilderness of northern Ontario? Does anyone know precisely where they went?

Past meets present in a film that is evocative in approach, energized by breathtaking cinematography and an uplifting musical score, and offers a new and articulate voice to the artists who were the Group of Seven. Painted Land weaves seamlessly the experiences of  Lawren Harris, J.E.H. MacDonald, A.Y. Jackson, Frank Johnston, Arthur Lismer, Franklin Carmichael and A.J. Casson – with the adventures of three modern day sleuths. Historian Michael Burtch, and the writer and photographer team of Gary and Joanie McGuffin are determined to track down the precise locations of these famous paintings. Archival film, letters, journals and photographs of the artists – some of which have never been seen in public – take the viewers back in time. This film weaves this history with a modern day adventure, up mountains, down canyon rivers and over portages with our trio as they try to achieve their own personal quest: to actually ‘walk in the Group of Seven’s footsteps’

Credits

Director Phyllis Ellis
Producers Peter Raymont, Nancy Lang, Phyllis Ellis
Co-Producers Michael Burtch, Joanie & Gary McGuffin
Executive Producer Peter Raymont

Produced by White Pine Pictures & Solemn Land Productions in association with TVO, Documentary, YES TV and the OMDC
In collaboration with The McMichael Canadian Art Collection, The Art Gallery of Ontario, The National Gallery of Canada, The NORDIK Institute at Algoma University
with the participation of The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, Tourism Ontario, the Bell Fund, OMDC and the Canada Media FundDeveloped with the assistance of TVO, Super Channel, OMDC

“A SYMPATHETIC INTRODUCTION TO A MAN WHO GREW UP UNDER THE WORST POSSIBLE CONDITIONS.“A MUST FOR GROUP OF SEVEN FANS, AND A TRUE EYE-OPENER FOR THOSE WHO ONLY KNOW A FEW OF THE GANG’S ICONIC CANADIAN PAINTINGS”

— The Georgia Straight