Maq and the Spirit of the Woods
This animated short tells the story of Maq, a Mi'kmaq boy who realizes his potential with the help of inconspicuous mentors. When an elder in the community offers him a small piece of pipestone, Maq carves a little person out of it. Proud of his work, the boy wants to impress his grandfather and journeys through the woods to find him. Along the path Maq meets a curious traveller named Mi'gmwesu. Together they share stories, medicine, laughter, and song. Maq begins to care less about making a good impression and more about sharing the knowledge and spirit he's found through …
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Talespinners2000 15 filmsTalespinners, for ages 5-9, includes seven tales of children who confront challenges with ingenuity and creativity. Each story brings facets of a different cultural community to the screen, through a setting, accent, folk element, tradition, particular food or vocabulary. Young viewers will be captivated by the adventures and determination of the Talespinners’ children. This collection includes four original tales and three inspired by books. The stories have particular appeal to modern kids growing up in a complicated world.
This animated short tells the story of Maq, a Mi'kmaq boy who realizes his potential with the help of inconspicuous mentors. When an elder in the community offers him a small piece of pipestone, Maq carves a little person out of it. Proud of his work, the boy wants to impress his grandfather and journeys through the woods to find him. Along the path Maq meets a curious traveller named Mi'gmwesu. Together they share stories, medicine, laughter, and song. Maq begins to care less about making a good impression and more about sharing the knowledge and spirit he's found through his creation. Part of the Talespinners collection, which uses vibrant animation to bring popular children's stories from a wide range of cultural communities to the screen.
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directorPhyllis Grant
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animatorPhyllis Grant
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writerPhyllis Grant
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storytellerGilbert Sewell
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original musicNormand Roger
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sound designNormand Roger
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original music - collaborationPierre Yves Drapeau
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sound design - collaborationPierre Yves Drapeau
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singerGilbert Sewell
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fluteMichel Dubeau
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animation assistanceLillian ChanStephanie DuongRick Knowles
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digital imaging specialistSusan GourleyBenoît Chagnon
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lead infographistRandall Finnerty
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infographistJason SmalridgeCatherine LafortuneNeerajkumar Patel
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actuality cinematographyJohn Walker
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castRiver CaplinChristopher GrantFelicia GrantTristan GrantAva Sewell
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off-line editingJason GrantJason Lee
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online editingDenis Gathelier
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voice recordingRalf Cassidy BindelsAlex Salter
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re-recordingLuc Léger
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titlesGaspard Gaudreau
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scanningJean-Marc BrosseauPierre Landry
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technical coordinationPatricia CoughranSamuel LambertJulie LaperrièreRichard LesageJelena Popovic
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studio administrationJohn William LutzGisèle GuilbaultRosalina Di Sario
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marketingHélène TanguayMelissa Wheeler
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executive producerKent MartinDavid Verrall
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producerKent MartinMichael Fukushima
This animated film can create entry points for learning about Indigenous ceremonies and belief systems. What is the significance of the Pipe Ceremony in relation to a specific First Nations group? Research the significant difference between ceremonial smoking of the pipe and smoking cigarettes as an everyday habit or addiction. Why is it important to learn about First Nations ways of being from First Nations people? Why is it important to understand that each First Nation may have unique sets of stories and beliefs that are considered sacred? How are oral stories an important method of passing on ways of being within Indigenous contexts?
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Maq and the Spirit of the Woods, Phyllis Grant, provided by the National Film Board of Canada