The Skiff of Renald and Thomas
Five men work together in a communal effort to build a skiff on Ile-aux-Coudres, an island in the St. Lawrence River. It is built in a traditional fashion, all the more remarkable because no blueprint is used. The film does not merely record a building tradition, it reveals the character of the craftsmen, who are influenced by a pre-industrial way of life underscored by spontaneity and wit.
Five men work together in a communal effort to build a skiff on Ile-aux-Coudres, an island in the St. Lawrence River. It is built in a traditional fashion, all the more remarkable because no blueprint is used. The film does not merely record a building tradition, it reveals the character of the craftsmen, who are influenced by a pre-industrial way of life underscored by spontaneity and wit.
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directorBernard Gosselin
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editingBernard Gosselin
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producerMichel Brault
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cameraJean-Pierre Lachapelle
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soundSerge BeaucheminRichard Besse
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musicAlain Lamontagne
What can be done to ensure that traditional skills are preserved? How can society foster a greater appreciation for well-made, locally produced items? What does the building of the skiff say about the importance of cooperation in small communities? Address how arts and crafts contribute to the documenting of Canada’s history. Are there any skills that you have that were passed down to you by older family members?
The Skiff of Renald and Thomas, Bernard Gosselin, provided by the National Film Board of Canada