Painted Land: In Search of the Group of Seven

Absolutely breathtaking. A piece of home and Canadian History awakened. A recognition of the greatest artists in Canadian History. A learning experience of the progression of art technique that most certainly was and still is today embedded in many Canadian artists today. My artistic ability was deeply stirred. My love for Algoma reaffirmed.

The years of research by Michael Burtch shows tremendous accuracy and a deep passion for these beloved artists. An outstanding piece of historical research. The wilderness skills of Michael, Gary and Joan enabled the viewer to have a solid understanding and affirmation of the truth and the Groups' journey.

I tip my hat to Phyllis Ellis (White Pine Productions) and all crew for a professional and polished Canadian documentary. They had the courage to step into the past, experience Canada's true wilderness and meet the challenge.

I cannot thank them enough for rekindling the artist in me and my need to experience the land of Algoma which frees my heart and soul. I look forward to painting and walking on the land again.

A documentary that brought me back to an old awaiting friend.

An award is in order.

Sandy Houston

Get ready for a breathtaking journey into one of North America's most rugged and beautiful landscapes. This documentary will take you deep into the back country of Algoma and the coastline of eastern Lake Superior. The striking cinematography, the exceptional musical score, the weaving of historical footage and letters with a contemporary adventure search for the rediscovery of lost Group of Seven painting sites kept me spellbound. I love history when you can see a photo or a work of art and then be transported today to the exact location where each was created long ago. This is a special film because it brings a deeper understanding of the motivation of artists, writers, and photographers in their interpretation of the natural world. I found it simply enchanting!

Having spent most of my life hiking and canoeing along the Superior coast I found this film a breathtaking reminder of all I had seen and enjoyed.Having always been aware of the Group of Seven I had not appreciated the true scope of their work until viewing this film .The interweaving of the past with the present is excellent. For me the old scenes were nostalgic for others it should be a beautiful window into the past .The ruggedness ,the awe inspiring landscape the boundless natural beauty is presented in a way that will make anyone catch their breath .The makers of this film have done a tremendous job in reminding us of why this land of ours is so wonderful and why it should be valued and protected

Lake Superior Highlands,and Algoma Country have long been remote mystical frontiers.This film revives the nostalgic beauty of the region as captured through the art of the Group of Seven,and the dialogue of our contemporary actors and film crews.In addition,the musical score as a backdrop to the photography in the film is complimentary to the historic and natural panorama as seen by both artists and actors. Once again,we stand proud in the accomplishments of the Group of Seven,and the crews producing this film. Lake Superior and Algoma Country have a renewed place in the Canadian Artistic and Cultural world due to their efforts. As part of our heritage,this is a must see film.

Ray Hyde

This 90 minute documentary takes us to northern Ontario to see the country where the Canadian "Group of Seven" painters did a large portion of their work post WWI / during 1920's. For the first time, the actual sites where the artists stood/sat and painted in a remote and rugged landscape are found. It is fascinating to see the exact viewpoint shown from today, the screen then giving way to the paintings which have become so familiar and iconic to Canadians. It is beautifully shot with rugged landscape, rich fall colours, and rushing waterfalls - in the words of one of the artists, "a fairy land, Dante's dream". Recommend.