This year, Vancouver International Film Festival teamed up with Vancouver’s own Eco-Fashion Week to bring a film series that have had an international buzz in the fashion world. This film series was composed of six fashion forward films that had gained attention at film festivals around the world, such as Cannes and Tribeca.
October 4, 2014, was the world premiere of the French documentary “Handmade With Love in France” (French title “Le Temps Suspendu” meaning Time Suspended) directed by Julie Georgia Bernard. The audience was lucky enough to watch this screening with Julie Georgia Bernard and her husband, producer, Gregory Bernard. “We have only had one private screening with the protagonist in this film. Here is our world premiere, we hope you enjoy it”, said Gregory Bernard before the screening.
The film showcases four French artisans who are holding on to their trade when many others are disappearing. These artisans make handmade creations such as pleating, beading, hat making and flower creations. These creations are made for haute couture houses such as Chanel, Dior, Hermes and Philip Treacy.
Artisan houses such as these are quickly disappearing. This is because children are no longer following in their parent’s footsteps. Haute couture houses are fearing that they will lose these artisans, so independently owned artisan houses are being bought up by Chanel under the brand Paraffection.
This documentary follows these four French artisans as they work to keep their independently owned companies independent. They also stress the importance of handmade creations. Handmade creations take a lot of time and effort, therefore the price is higher. Many customers want handmade creations for a lower price, so they are opting for knockoffs or similar pieces for a smaller price.
All of these situations put together make for a heartwarming, emotional french documentary. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in fashion or the arts.
This particular screening had a panel discussion afterwards. This discussion was led by Myriam Laroche, founder and director of Eco-Fashion week. Her guest speakers included the director of the film, Julie Georgia Bernard, a local fashion designer, Jason Matlo, and a local hatmaker and designer behind Hive Mind Millinery, Dominique Hanke. Before the panel, the speakers had a chance to watch the film. Hanke, just back from showcasing her designs at New York Fashion Week, was slightly nervous before hand, however, calmed as she sat down for the screening.
“I like to film ordinary people and see what is extraordinary about them. I became friends with these people because they are so special and so great,” Bernard said when asked on panel about her film.
This film was met with rave reviews from the other panelists. “There are something about artisans, how they use their hands, it was amazing to watch that. It was really sad and moving,” said Matlo.
‘Hand Made with Love in France’ shows the audience what type of work goes into their clothes, and why it is important to be eco friendly, knowing where your clothes are coming from. “People don’t appreciate the work that goes into it. They want lower prices because it’s seen as craft but the time and quality doesn’t come at a lower price,” said Hanke.
This film will be screened again Friday, Oct 10, 5:30pm, at the Vancity Theatre, again once VIFF ends at cinemas around Vancouver and is set for a dvd release.
Written by: Megan Renaud
