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Oscar® Nominee, Best Documentary (Short Subject), 1958

The Living Stone

1958 32 min
Leaving soon

This documentary shows the inspiration behind Inuit sculpture. The Inuit approach to the work is to release the image the artist sees imprisoned in the rough stone. The film centres on an old legend about the carving of the image of a sea spirit to bring food to a hungry camp. Please note that this is an archival film that makes use of the word “Eskimo,” an outdated and offensive term. While the origin of the word is a matter of some contention, it is no longer used in Canada. The term was formally rejected by the Inuit Circumpolar Council …

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The Living Stone

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This documentary shows the inspiration behind Inuit sculpture. The Inuit approach to the work is to release the image the artist sees imprisoned in the rough stone. The film centres on an old legend about the carving of the image of a sea spirit to bring food to a hungry camp.

Please note that this is an archival film that makes use of the word “Eskimo,” an outdated and offensive term. While the origin of the word is a matter of some contention, it is no longer used in Canada. The term was formally rejected by the Inuit Circumpolar Council in 1980 and has subsequently not been in use at the NFB for decades. This film is therefore a time-capsule of a bygone era, presented in its original version. The NFB apologizes for the offence caused.
  • director
    John Feeney
  • script
    John Feeney
  • editing
    John Feeney
  • producer
    Tom Daly
  • photography
    Patrick Carey
    Colin Low
    Wally Gentleman
  • sound
    George Croll
  • sound editing
    Stuart Baker
  • narrator
    George Whalley
  • music
    Maurice Blackburn

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Education

Ages 13 to 18
Study Guide
School subjects

Warning: Smoking and use of the word “Eskimo,” an outdated and offensive term.

This documentary features the process and conception of Inuit carving. This film can motivate deeper learning  about the worldview of Inuit and their ways of knowing, being and doing. Students can research, discuss and create projects on the significant role of stories, beliefs and spirituality in art creation. Students can discuss how  artists deeply connect with their medium, as well as the effort it takes to find stones that will be used to create works of art. Students can further explore the essential role that seals play in Inuit life.

The Living Stone
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Home licence (worldwide); Classroom licence (Canada only)

You may download this film for private, personal or classroom use only. Public screenings and institutional (non-educational institutions) uses are not permitted. Download films in standard or high definition. (Please note that bonus materials are not available for DTO films.) You can copy each file up to 5 (five) times, onto various devices. DTO films cannot be hosted on a streaming server. To add DTO films to an institutional or educational streaming server, please contact a sales agent to discuss pricing.

Institutional License

The institutional price includes the rights to screen this film in institutional settings and in free public screenings.