Wakefield International Film Festival Panel: The Value of an Instrument

  Local world class luthiers with an ecological bent to convene panel after Song of the Kauri this Sunday Wakefield International Film Festival organizers are announcing today a very intriguing follow-up to this Sunday's film, Song of the Kauri, which will be screened at 5:30pm at the Wakefield LaPêche Community Centre. The New Zealand film, directed by Mathurin Molgat, concerns luthier Laurie Williams. About the film: Kauri are New Zealand’s majestic and mythological native trees, deeply rooted in its cultural and economic history. Yet they were nearly eradicated by early settlers and questionable government policies. Williams is one of a select few who works with this rare and resonant timber. His instruments have been played in concert halls, stadiums and in solitude, their unique qualities attracting enormous worldwide attention. When woodlot owner Karamea Davis hears Williams’ instruments he says: “I want my trees to sing.” A question is thus posed, which the film explores: Can Kauri become New Zealand’s currency in the new world of green economics? What are the current perspectives and tensions surrounding sustainable planting and the latent economic and creative potential of these sleeping giants? WIFF's panel: Patrick Hodgins and Nathan Curry are local experts in instrument design and construction who will attend and explore the topic from a local perspective after the show. Both of these gentlemen harvest local, responsibly grown materials to create their renowned instruments. Both men have an obvious affinity with the film Song of the Kauri and its themes. Patrick Hodgins of Little Tree Guitars uses clear-grained, sustainable woods that have excellent tone properties: he believes in ethical sourcing. As he says, "My first guitar was made with wood that my father cut down at our farm, and after building with exotics for many years, I'm happy to find myself back where I began." Patrick apprenticed with Sergei de Jonge near Toronto, worked with his wife Joshia de Jonge briefly in Montreal, then, in 2003, helped Sergei set up a shop in the Gatineau hills. He now shares that shop and also assists de Jonge with his guitar-making courses. Nathan Curry is a musician, artist, luthier, and friend to the village of Wakefield. He started playing and teaching music in Ottawa 40 years ago. It was a natural progression for him to start to make the instruments he plays – mandolin, violin and guitar. Nathan apprenticed with Dominic Suchowicz in the 1980s, but now has settled into life as a luthier and part-time musician. He harvests, seasons and works with local woods to create his beautiful instruments. Nathan is also bringing some of his 'tools of the trade' to display in the lobby for WIFF attendees. Tickets for the event are $10 and are available online at www.wakefieldfilmfestival.ca or at the door. If you are planning to purchase at the door, WIFF organizers would recommend arriving by at least 5pm. Again, Song of the Kauri will be screened at 5:30pm at the Wakefield LaPêche Community Centre, 38 Valley Drive, Wakefield – a scenic 20-minute drive from downtown Ottawa.