Tales of Sand and Snow - DVD
Catalogue Number: NFB534463
Producer: National Film Board Of Canada
Producers: Yves Bisaillon
Directors: Hyacinthe Combary
Producing Agencies: National Film Board of Canada (Montreal), Office national du film du Canada (Montreal)
Subject: Arts, Black History, Canadian Literature, Diversity, Documentary, Global Studies, Indigenous Peoples, Literature, Religious Studies, Social Issues
Language: English
Country Of Origin: Canada
Copyright Year: 2005
Running Time: 48:27
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Having recently immigrated to Montreal, Burkinabe director Hyacinthe Combary explores his roots in an effort to rediscover the spiritual values of his people. His quest leads him to the northern forests of Quebec and an enlightening encounter with the Atikamekw of Wemotaci. In filming this Indigenous community, he creates a moving cinematic dialogue between the Gourmantche of Burkina Faso, who practise the divinatory art of geomancy, and the men of the taiga, who connect with the spirits through sweat lodges.
In this journey between North and South, the filmmaker comes to the realization that his quest is universal. "It is the same question for all the peoples of the earth: With the globalization of culture, how can one keep from becoming dehumanized, from being cut off from one's deepest being?"