A Canadian Classic. Restored from Kodak Ektachrome 16mm negative to 4K!
The National Launch of the newly restored Waterwalker will take place at Playhouse Cinema on Nov. 13th.
Join us for a post-screening Q&A with accomplished canoeist, artist & conservationist Becky Mason, along with Bill Mason biographer James Raffan (Fire in the Bones).
"One of the reasons we approached the NFB about restoring Bill Mason’s Waterwalker is because it has earned its place as a modern Canadian cinema classic. Now beautifully restored in 4K for the 40th anniversary of its theatrical release, we are delighted to have played a small part in the return of this landmark film to the big screen.
"Far more than a canoe film, Waterwalker is a lyrical celebration of Canada’s northern Shield country, viewed through the eyes of acclaimed artist, conservationist and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Bill Mason. Trained as a painter, Mason brings a singular visual style to his journey as he canoes the shores, rivers and rugged waters of Lake Superior, blending quiet reflection with exhilarating whitewater sequences, including an unforgettable unscripted canoe mishap.
"Working with minimal crews and hauling heavy 16-mm equipment deep into the wilderness, Mason wrote, directed, edited and starred in many of his films. Meticulously restored by the National Film Board of Canada, the original 16-mm footage now glows with vivid colour and remarkable clarity. Featuring breathtaking cinematography by Ken Buck and a soaring score by Bruce Cockburn and Hugh Marsh, Waterwalker remains a powerful celebration of Canada’s lakes, rivers and wild places—an unforgettable experience best seen on the big screen."
– John Tutt, Founder and Owner, Princess Cinemas
"We are thrilled with the NFB’s 40th-anniversary restoration and re-release of my father’s masterpiece Waterwalker. He would have been so excited to experience the superb image and sound quality of Waterwalker in 4K. It is remarkable that his message of caring for the land is even more important, timely and relevant 40 years later. Thank you, NFB!"
– Rebecca Mason [Note: Becky will have re-printed vintage WATERWALKER posters from the Original 1986 release available for purchase on-site]
"Like many other Canadians of my generation, my first introduction to Bill Mason was being mesmerized by his iconic films in a school classroom. Re-watching Waterwalker in stunning high-definition reminds us why his work remains a rite of passage for canoeists. It is not only his great skill as a paddler that captivates us; his wit and wisdom remain timeless, and his conservationist message is more urgent than ever before."
- Adam Shoalts, modern-day explorer, bestselling author, historian, and archaeologist.
Available to the public for the first time ever...
RARE digitally restored re-prints of the original Waterwalker poster designed by Bill Mason are on sale now!
(click here to purchase a poster online)
“A Canadian odyssey of reverence for natural beauty” - The Globe & Mail
“Mason’s final film is a rapturous cinematic swan song” - Hamilton Spectator
“A personal film with a global conscience” - Geoff Pevere, The Toronto Star
‘One of the most popular movie makers this country has ever produced,” - Geoff Pevere, The Toronto Star
“A mesmerizing meditation on humanity’s place in the cosmic scheme. Overlooked Canadian Gem” - Toronto Star
“One of the 100 Best Canadian movies ever made!” - Globe & Mail Reader’s List. (Louise Schwartz)
One of the most acclaimed and decorated filmmakers in the history of the National Film Board of Canada. Author, canoeist, environmentalist, painter and filmmaker Bill Mason clearly expresses his spiritual connection & love for the outdoors, and the land in this film, his masterpiece.
A salute to the beauty of Canadian wilderness and a plea to protect it.
Shot over 8 Years, across Northern Canadian Shield country, in and around Lake Superior. Mason sometimes waited days in the backcountry to get these eyepopping sun lit shots. Sit back and take in this gorgeous meditation of a film.
Many of Mason's 19 films received nominations for nearly 70 different international awards. They were recognized with five Canadian Film Awards, four Golden Sheaf Awards (Yorkton Film Festival), three British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards (BAFTA) and two OSCAR nominations.
Restoration of image and sound handled by the National Film Board of Canada.
SPECIAL ADMISSION:
Members: $12.00
Non-Members: $16.00
Children (12 and under): $9.50
*online fee: $0.75
Directed by: Bill Mason
Running time: 87 min
Country: Canada
Year: 1984
Language: English
Starring: Bill Mason, Wilf Pelletier, Jennifer Adams
Select a showtime to buy advanced tickets.
Friday, November 13
7:00 p.m. - 8:27 p.m.
Playhouse Cinema · 177 Sherman Ave. North
Venue details →