Wow. time flies. Around this time last year I was honoured to have been the cinematographer for the Yukon portion of Against The Grain Theatre’s “Messiah/Complex”. Working with musician Diyet van Lieshout and director Alistair Maitland, we spent a day filming amongst the mountains in Haines Junction and Burwash Landing ( the traditional territory of the Kluane First Nation and the Champagne & Aishihik First Nations). I remember specifically how powerful it was to be listening to Diyet’s “modern” rendition of the classical music amongst the vast landscape.
I don’t think any of us would have guessed at the immense popularity and critical acclaim of the finished film! Unfortunately I can’t link to the finished product as it’s a paid viewing but here’s the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8NNNun8OBk
About the project (from https://atgtheatre.com/upcoming/messiah-complex/) :
Filmed against iconic Canadian landscapes, Messiah/Complex features twelve soloists and four choirs representing every province and territory across the country.
This “complex” interpretation of Messiah includes 6 languages, 12 soloists, 4 choirs, and is lifted by the mighty sounds of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Every aspect of this production has been made possible by the goodwill and diligence of the cast and crew involved following the most up-to-date provincial COVID-19 safety protocols.
Critical acclaim:
“This deserves to become a holiday classic” – Los Angeles Times
“a rousing and decidedly Canadian version of Handel’s Messiah,” - The New York Times
