Witness a cedar tree give life, transforming the world around it. "Our teacher" focuses on Coast Salish carver Beau Wagner. Beau was mentored by late Stz'uminus First Nation Master Carver Elmer Sampson. It was Elmer's wish that one day his traditional teachings could be passed on in hope of bringing understanding and respect for Coast Salish knowledge and revitalizing Coast Salish canoe culture. In September of 2021 Beau set out on a path to honour his teacher’s wishes by carving a canoe on Gabriola Island, British Columbia (Canada) with the students at the local elementary School. As the children began to carve along with him, the cedar began releasing its life force, spreading waves of kindness, love, joy, and belonging.
Phillip Vannini is an ethnographic filmmaker who has produced, directed, written, and edited documentaries such as In the Name of Wild (2022), Inhabited (2021), A Time for Making (2018), Low and Slow (2016) and Life Off Grid (2015). His films have screened at numerous festivals and have been broadcast through television and VOD platforms such as Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, Kanopy, Tubi, Shelter, Plex, Hoopla, and many more. Phillip is drawn to topics that reveal the deep connections between people and the places where they live and work. His style blends elements of participatory, observational, sensory, and collaborative filmmaking, systematically blurring the boundaries between art and anthropology. Phillip co-founded Knocking Robin Studios with partner April Vannini in 2020.