Short Film Spotlight: VIFF 2019 | 'Now Is The Time'

“Imagine a world without art. Now imagine if you were the one to help bring it back.” For the Haida community in British Columbia, Robert Davidson was that person, and Now is the Time is bringing the significance of his story to new audiences in an entertaining way.

Now is the Time is a short film documentary about how at 22 years old in 1969, Robert Davidson brought his community together by carving the first new totem pole on British Columbia’s Haida Gwaii in almost a century. Much of the doc is told from Davidson’s perspective, giving audiences an intriguing first person perspective on the challenges and triumphs he experienced in accomplishing this task.

This is the pole that Robert Davidson carved being raised in archival footage from 1969.

It’s a fascinating journey that beautifully demonstrates the power that art, culture, and tradition have on this native community. The film feels very authentic, and that authenticity deftly transmits the sense of importance embedded in Davidson’s story.

Additionally, director Christopher Auchter’s utilization of animation in the film is a captivating component that keeps the narrative engaging. It’s implemented tactfully with a minimal and surreal nature, which adds unexpected yet welcome entertainment value.

Now is the Time seems to accomplish everything it sets out to communicate, and it does so with alluring flare. Davidson’s story is one worth sharing, and now is the time to seek it out.

MoviesThomas Stoneham-JudgeOctober 25, 2019now is the time, movie review, christopher auchter, haida, robert davidson, Indigenous Storytelling, viff 2019, 12 out of 12Comment