Conversations with a man from Italy have led two local filmmakers to create a documentary, which will be shown at the upcoming Guelph Film Festival.
Greta Riondato and Tobin J. Stewart co-directed a short documentary called Hands of Man.
It focuses on the life of an 81-year-old farmer named Ilario who lives in Piombino Dese, Italy. During the 14 minute film, Ilario shares his perspective on the world and meaning of work, through his words and actions.
Stewart said the two of them are excited to have their film be part of the festival lineup.
“Just pure excitement that we would potentailly have a larger audience to see the work,” said Stewart recalling how they felt learning that their film had been chosen.
Stewart explains he and Riondato met the man while they were both living in a small community within Italy, and were drawn to his insights. From these encounters, both became inspired to create a documentary about Ilario.
“He presented himself as someone who not only we wanted to spend time with...but he had this remarkable and interesting vision that we felt like this was something that should be shared with the world at large." said Stewart.
Filming took place over a few days, including during a trip back to Italy to visit family. Stewart describes the experience of creating the documentary as being spontaneous, from chatting and drinking coffee with Ilario to filming him working around his farm.
“It's kind of represenative about how authentically interesting Ilario is," said Stewart about that short period of filming, “It's not like we had to keep digging to find interesting things."
"We also wanted to portray the rhythm and the pace of his life, so that you can see how the things he talks about, his worldview, are embodied in the work that he does."
Stewart adds the film challenges the meaning of fulfillment by observing Ilario’s connection with his work, the animals and the earth he tends to.
“I think the main thing is how happy and fulfilled he is working on this farm ” said Stewart, “He's still entirely dedicated to it for no reason. That is very inspiring to imagine not being burnout on a life of toil.”
"I want to end up exactly like this man, not necessarily like a farmer, but full of life, and vitality and youthful spirit..untill the end."
Besides co-directing the film, Stewart also created the score for the documentary, which combines new and old sounds.
Nathan Lawr, the operations director of the Guelph Film Festival, said Hands of Man will be available for viewing with the other short and feature documentaries from Nov. 6 to Nov. 14. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the festival is taking place online with a variety of film passes being offered to suit everyone’s needs, from $35 to $75. To purchase a pass, click here.
Lawr said the festival features various domestic and international films that touch on themes of community building, social justice and the environment. He adds that besides these themes, the festival's mandate is to feature local filmmakers like Stewart and Riondato.
"It's important that the short's be included, because you can get a lot across in a short amount of time." said Lawr, "A really good filmmaker can say a lot in seven minutes."
“That film (Hands of Man) in particular really struck all the right chords with the programming committee, and they wanted to program it.”
“They seemed to have put together a really thoughtful program that kind of emcompasses important issues of the day.” said Stewart about the Guelph Film Festival, "We're proud to be involved."
