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The Classic GIFTS 49 FILMS:

These films have been chosen to launch our Classic GIFTS archives on You Tube. For 49 days (as of May 1, 2007) 49 films are being uploaded daily. These are those films: (this list may change slightly)

1. Be a Hero, Ride a Bike
   
   Created by Shelagh Pizey-Allen, Graeme Bock, Mike Hudema, Alain Mercieca, Errol Lazare and Jake Dunbar and starring Ian Middleton. Created for the One Tonne Challenge at GIFTS with the help of the Sierra Club and Gumboot Productions.
   
   Watch this fast paced bicyclist show you an exageration of how fun it is to commute on two wheels instead of four.
   
   (As a precautionary action "The Cigarette Fairy Rides Again" has been post-poned to film # 49 until the issues regarding the film have been resolved)
   
   
2. Touch
   Created in 1999 by Sonja Bennet, Ryan Hanger and Amey Kazymerchyk. This dark serious drama features a series of vignettes depicting a girl who is uncomforted by the touch of an unidentified man until she throws off metaphoric blinders and confronts him.
   
   Starring Sonja Bennett (FIDO, Godiva's) who GIFTS recently caught up with to talk about 'Getting into Acting' Watch GIFTS first of seven Workshops on our You Tube Channel.
   
   
3. Frog
   
   Are we boiling yet? This Climate Change Public Service Announcement was created in 1999 by Jules Molloy, Raven MacKenzie, Aleksandra Pogosova, Angus McTavish, and Jordan Willox.
   
   A fantastic classically animated film starring one of the worlds amphibian barometers.
   
   
   
4. Naked Rusty
   
   Created by Lisa Jackson and Steven Daniels during the Summer of 2000. This striking black & white 8mm film is filled with arresting images explores industrial and natural rhythms set to a striking original soundtrack.
   
   Dispite the title there is no nudity in this film and can be enjoyed by any age group. In fact the rhythm of the film is based on a kids game. Can you guess before the end?
   
   Lisa's self film 'Suckerfish' about her relationship with her mother has recieved a number of awards and aired on CBC last year and is currently being distributed by the NFB.
   
   
5. Shorty's Tree
   
   This remarkable claymation was created by a small group of pre-teens in 1999. Shorty's Tree is a short fun snowboarding story told through traditional claymation techniques by Madeleine Andrews, Mack Orcherton, Erik Shaak, and James Sharp under the mentorship of Suez Holland at the Gulf Island Film and Television School in less than week from concept to screen.
   
   
6. Gauze
   
   A comedy of errors and the difficuty of getting help in this heartless, consumer culture. Blood and mildly disturbing in some scenes but all done in humour, viewer discretion is advised.
   
   Made by Kristy Heeren, Scott Outhwaite & Cecelia Watts in 1999! Starring Shelley Bart and Trevor Shikaze and Cecelia Watts as the voice of the Operator.
   
   
7. Static
   
   The all-pervasive voice of the media and its reportage of violence against women induces fear and paranoia in a girl. She internalizes the news reports to a hallucinagenic extreme and becomes increasingly shut in as she attempts to shut the radio voices out of her physical and psychic state. Created by Sonja Bennett, Amey Kazymerchyk & Ryan Hanger in 1996.
   
   
8. A Few Little Thoughts
   
   In this charming Super 8 filmlet, a young man fiddles with changing his identity in a attempt to discover what is he and why he is him. Created by Adam Garnett Jones in 1999 at the Gulf Islands Film and Television School on Galiano Island of the Coast of British Columbia.
   
   
9. Hero
   A restaurant is held up and a young boy decides to try to save the day. Dimitry Kazak, Brett Gaylor and Simon Harris star in this short episode depicting mistaken identities. Created by Kalyn Bomback, Kellen Powell, Nadine Charleson, Oliver Burke in 1999 during an Advanced Drama.
   
   
   
10. Why am I watching this film!
    
    A creamy smooth documentary. Highbrow humor mixes with gratuitous butter hilarity in what could well be one of the most well lubricated videos that GIFTS has ever produced. In 1997 Neel Anand, Michael Bell & Ben Dickson featured many of Galiano's talented local performers for this amazing mockumentary about a recluse and unknown film maker. One of GIFTS first classics ever, this movie rocked to school as it blew away all notions of what could be done within a week at GIFTS.
    
    
11. Fairy Gothmother
    
    A young girl's transformation from sweet to Goth. Amanda Letang, Caitlin Croteau, Simon Harris, and Vanessa Jones collaborated during their Advanced Drama Media Intensive Program at GIFTS in 2000 to make this hilarious little piece about a lesser know magical Fairy. Starring Caitlin Croteau, Amanda Letang and Carly Vanderbash as the Fairy Gothmother.
    
    
12. Why we don't like detention
    
    Gifts visited a elementary school and applied their unique style of film education with the local youth. Noal Balint, Arthur Georgeson, Aslan Mackay, Rowan Taylor, Jacob Parfit, Byron Kontou, Evan Dungate adn Caelen Silver made this film about kids least favorite past time in 2007. Action! Adventure! Toilets and More!
    
    
13. Caution Hot
    
    A dramatic short video by Lucas Hansen, Nicholas Prouten, Zachary Kreinik, Sidney Dillon and Julian Obererlacher made in 2005. The piece explores various things we should be aware of their extreme temperatures.
    
    
    
14. Clayquot Sound Resistance Renewal
    
    What does it take to make change happen? Is Clayoquot Sound really, truly saved? Through the eyes of those that were there Bonnie Glambeck, Michelle Atkins, Tom Fortington and Diego Garcia explore the ramifications of the 1993 Clayoquot blockades through this 2006 Documentary.
    
    
15. on Staying Calm
    
    An amazing little piece of 8mm film looped over and over. Each replay the soundtrack was altered to accent to mood of the piece. From the adoration and incluination to marriage to utter and complete replultion. This is an effective experiment and example of how the effects of sound can change meaning in an image. Starring Lauren Mainland and Matt Meagher in a film by Ms. Moustache and Tamar Eylon. Created in 2002 during a GIFTS 8/16mm Film week.
    
    
16. The City
    
    Depiction of two people's extremely contrasting points of view of the city. Created by Claire Gandola, Mae Lingren, Daniel Nesseler & Jeff Pelletier using classical claymation techniques. Screened at the Victoria Independent Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival and the NFB's Reel to Reel Festival. The City also received Best Youth Entry and Best Youth Animation at the 1999 Canadian International Film Festival.
    
    
17. On the line
    
    A short doc about real friendship between two teenagers, one Israeli and one Palestinian who met in peace camp in Canada. Later, they meet at a checkpoint, one is an Israeli soldier, the other a Palestinian trying to pass. Pirouz Nemati, Alaa Abu Dawoud, Ragheb Askari and Yana Galfrin were a few of the international students attending the film school during an event entitled Peace it Together where Palestinians, Israelis and Canadian youth got together to make serveral films and broaden their perspectives about each other. Truly a major world event.
    
18. Shock to the Sytstem
    
    The spiritual delay that is mainstream television is conforming natives and all people to become mindless drones and passive recipients of the corporate consumerism "culture". In such a plastic exsistance, collective and individual freedom deserve to be liberated. Tchadas Leo, Dustin Johnson animated this during 1 week at GIFTS in 2006.
    
    
19. No place for Dreamers
    
    A video exploration of a romantic relationship between a Palestinian man and an Israeli woman. Using visual glimpses into their relationship, the film adresses issues in the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Inbar Sofri, Ira Johnson, Nadir Abu Dalu, Saad Mahmoud were attending the Peace Camp at GIFTS called Peace it Together where Palestinians, Israelis and Canadian youth got together to make serveral films and broaden their perspectives about each other.
    
    
20. Milk
    
    Man gets hit by stuff. Greg Magoon, Kelsey Shawna Winchester and Sam Lowdon thought it would be fun to put actor Adam Garnett Jones through the gauntlet in this projectile filled black and white comedy that has something to do with milk, and bad luck. Starring GIFTS Alumni & Staff Adam Garnett Jones.
    
    
    
21. Obtuse Angel
    
    Obtuse Angel is a humorous animation that focuses on a day in the life of an unhappy angel. Ryan Lessard, Adam Ellis, Joel Burch, Toby Yager-Sullivan, Joshua Wilcox created this Multimedia Animation featuring the voice of the late songer/songwriter Gary Cramer (1952-2006).
    
    
    
22. Assimamorphosis
    
    An exploration in the juxtaposition of man's natural self & the rigid standards imposed by modern media society as presented in the form of a mythological creature versus a faceless coprorate identity. Eli Brennan, Alani Klein, Alix Hick and Marlon Hickey. Starring GIFTS animation mentor and soundtrack composer Scott Hastings. Created in 1999.
    
    
    
23. Nacimento
    
    Nacimento was created by Paul Wolda to portray the changes mankind has experienced from our humble beginnings up until present day and our return to the place from which we came. Filmed in 2006 on Super8 during a Film week at the school and starring Blake Laing-Smith.
    
    
    
24. How to Make Art
    
    How to make art is a short stop motion animation about the creative process. Shot on 16mm in black and white, it could also be a metaphor for life except for the exploding buddha. Cathleen Thom created this lttle masterpiece while she attended GIFTS Independant Media Producers Program in 2006.
    
    
    
25. Our time honored tradition of Cannabalism
    
    A saterical view of families and the negativity that reside within, all while showing how the "perfect" family really is. Matthew Cleary mocuments the act of cannabalism in this great satyrical film. Made in 2006 during one of GIFTS Independant Media Producers Programs.
    
    
26. Drag Race
    
    Drag Race is a slapstick comedy made in the style of an early silent film. It focuses on two men who will do anything to play a round of golf, and the marshall who tries to stop them. Displayed in a sepia tone hue with a Keystone Cop like soundtrack topped of with a gratuitous armpit hair shot. Sean Kelley-Clarke, Dean Boyer, Quinn Michael, and Kerri Sullivan thought up, wrote up, and shot up this hilarious romp around Galiano's Gulf Course in 2003.
    
    
27. Punch Kick Fight
    
    Watch your back! A chromatic choreography of violence set to a jazzy soundtrack. Verne Beavis and Herbert Cook teamed up in 1998 to duke it out in this amazing 8mm explortation of contrasting images and music. A fantastic contrast of pleasant music agaisnt the gritty film visuals of the two fighters.
    
    
28. Lemon
    
    Charlie Chaplin style silent video, Damsel in Distress etc...with a twist. Adam Garnett Jones and Kevin Willingham directed gifts staff memeber Shelley Baart, Scott Hastings, and James Tranmer in this black and white throwback created in less than a day during an Advanced Drama week at GIFTS in 1996.
    
    
29. Let it Rot
    
    This short film captures, in succinct style, 4 years of restoration taking place on Galiano Island. It is a brief history of forestry on the small island culminating with the innovative approach the Galiano Conservancy is taking to heal a Douglas fir plantation. Nathan Gaylor, Odin Scholz, Keith Erickson, Kimberly Lisgo created this documentary in 2006 on Galiano Island.
    
    
30. She Waits
    
    A metaphorical journey into the mind of a young woman waiting in anxiety. In 2000 Carly Vanderbasch, Amanda Letang, Caitlin Croteau & Vanessa Jones created this visually stunning peice about a beautiful young woman waking in a field covered in creepy crawlies. All of it a grand metaphor to be discovered. Soundtrack by Tyr Jami and Sick Puppy Productions.
    
    
31. Ashes
    
    A testament to the human spirit, as a women triumphs over a major personal tragedy. One of the most provocative films created at GIFTS delving into closure regarding a severe and terrible event. A Film By: Shelley Baart & Jordan Watters in 1997.
    
    
32. Namaste
    
    'Namaste' is an exploration of many forms of animation. Using scratch and classical techniques in conjunction with computers, 'namaste' is based on yoga postures and themes and is set to original music. A Film by: Hilary Cox, Geoffrey Cheung, Jyelle Vogel, Pamela Cambiazo & Shea Roddie in 2002.
    
    
33. Littlest Ninja
    
    Watch this 3D Computer Animation tell of the trials and tribulations of an eight-year old super ninja as he prepares for bedtime. A 2004 Film by Daniel McIlvaney, Stephanie Cousins, Brendan Inglis & Daniel Goldsmith.
    
    
34. Choose Your path
    
    A young man is given the decision between the path less traveled and the 'busy life'. By not falling in line he discovers a path less trodden but a lot more fun! A Film By: Karin DuBois, Chad Faust & Melissa Flagg
    
    
35. Dawn of the Computer Nerd
    
    The evolution of the "Computer Nerd" is explored through computer animation. Robin Bardon, Mark Feeney, Jennie Rittberg and Sarah Wilkin created this amazing 3D Computer Animation in 1997.
    
    
36. Sponsor me
    
    A hard hitting documentary that delves into the deep trenches of sponsorship in the snowboarding world. Two snowboarders with very different skill levels perform a metaphorical archeological information dig on how to get sponsored. Cody Morton and Jamie Perry direct and star in this mockumentary with GIFTS staff members Karen Duthie and Adam Harris during one of GIFTS extreme video weeks in 2005.
    
    
37. When food goes bad
    
    Revolting food! Claymation and live action brilliantly intercut in this battle between the eater and the to be eaten. Comic mayhem ensues! Claymated by Daniel Nesseler Tank Winters, Jenny Rae Walter in 1997.
    
    
38. One Brick
    
    An exploration of humanity's relationship with nature, using 2D and 3D computer animation, claymation, stopmotion and more. A Film By: Daren Sasges, Allison McColl, Mia Wood, Angus McTavish, Tyler Hagen & Robyn Winsor
    
    
39. Circles
    
    An abstract view of life, represented by animated shapes. Starring GIFTS ultra star Rana! Created in 2002 by Kristin Peebles, Olaf Clausen and Michael Lycett. A Multi-media experience created with Flash, After Effects and video. Soundtrack by GIFTS in-house composer Scott 'emoil' Hastings.
    
    
40. Gummi Wars
    
    Fiery Gummi Bears tease us with the trailer for the special effects, sci-fi action adventure blockbuster of the summer. A Film By: Callianne Bachman, Maraysha Jones, Marek Bula, Josh Cressman, Jeremy Ung & Evan Thorsen in 1998.
    
    
41. Stick it out
    
    Long periods of boredom interspersed with short periods of sheer terror. A definitive five star guide to hitchhiking on Galiano Island. A Film By: Alex Lerchs, Elie Ritch & Sarah Elder.
    
    
42. Rightful Place
    
    Rightful Place is a video poem focusing on meaning of sacred places, inside and outside ourselves. It is a collage of video images meant to provide a visual meditation on the subject of rightful. Rightful Place uses music, visual effects and layered voice over tracks to take the viewer on a journey over the land, which the film maker, suggests, is everyone's rightful place. A 2007 Film By: Janet Rogers
    
    
43. Pride
    
    This is the inspiring personal story of a young woman's perseverance in the face of racism and stereotyping. Created in 1998 by Michelle Ryan and Jessica Salo. Multi-Award winning eye opening video about a bus ride with school friends that draws a line between a young womans friends and relatives. This is a true situation one of the film makers experienced.
    
    
44. I am Rubber
    
    A Super 8 home-style movie with added scratch animations features a girl's first driving lesson. The film crosses over from a standard home video with it's unique scratched metaphors of power and abuse. Created by Jennifer McNeely and Megan Stanton in 1999 with an uplifting and empowering soundtrack by the film makers and star of the film, Suez Holland, and orchestrated by GIFTS soundtrack composer Fiona Tyler.
    
    
45. (mis)interpretation
    
    This film is a non-linear drama that takes us into the world of assumptions and presumption.
    A Flim By: Nadav Dan Goor, Bénédicte This film is a non-linear drama that takes us into the world of assumptions and presumption. A Flim By: Nadav Dan Goor, Bénédicte Etienne, Maoz Nagauger, Razan Abdel Rahman & Ellis Tregidgo. Part of the Peace it Together week in 2006.
    
    
46. Why am I still here
    
    A documentary that asks the question "why are we still here?" in regards to the First Native Culture and people. A series of interviews portray various individuals opinions regarding the question. Created by Art Sampson, Loni Solomon, Tina Grenier, Deloris Charters, and Deanna Daniels in 2006.
    
47. Broom Vroom
    
    This film explores the invasive characteristics of Scotch Broom and draws parallels with the opportunistic tendencies of modern society. A Film by Nicholas Walkley, Masafumi Hoshino, George Sranko & Marie-Josee Willson in 2006.
    
    
48. Intikam
    
    A comedy of three buddies who are looking for treasure.Created by Ahmet Karadag. Starring Kevin Fraser, Blake Laing-Smith, and Joe Ceferwall. Made in 2006.
    
    
49. Cigarette Fairy Rides again.
    
    The cigarette fairy encourages children to smoke.