On Demand

Gift

by Robin McKenna
A richly cinematic film that travels from Italy to the Pacific Northwest, interweaving character-driven stories to explore the parallels between artists’ work and a gift economy.
2018  ·  1h29m  ·  Canada
English, French, Italian
English, French subs
About the Film

GIFT is a tribute to something that can’t be measured or counted, bought or sold. Inspired by Lewis Hyde’s beloved book The Gift: Creativity and the Artist in the Modern World, Robin McKenna’s film is a richly cinematic experience, interweaving character-driven stories. Exploring the parallels between artists’ work and a gift economy, it’s a reflection on the creative process, the reasons we “labour in service of our gifts”, and a celebration of the imagination.

On North America’s Pacific Northwest Coast, a young Indigenous man undertakes the elaborate preparations for a potlatch—to establish himself in his community and take on the responsibilities of leadership by giving everything away. In Rome, an abandoned factory occupied by migrant families is transformed into a living museum, protected by a barricade of art: a model of resistance, and an invaluable gift both to the inhabitants and to the city beyond its walls. In the pirate utopia of Burning Man, a mutant bumblebee art-car distributes honey in a post-­apocalyptic desert landscape. Meanwhile, in Auckland, New Zealand, artist Mingwei Lee prepares to launch Sonic Blossom – a transformative gift of song.

Distribution Availability: Canada

Cinema Politica is the proud distributor of Gift. Visit our distribution catalog to learn more about the licensing options.
Upcoming Screenings

Stay tuned for upcoming screenings!

Festivals and Awards
2019
Full Bloom Film Festival, Best Documentary Feature
In the Press
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Editor
Mahi Rahgozar
Cinematographer
Mark O'Fearghail and Nicolas Canniccioni
Producer
Robin McKenna and Ina Fichman
Sound Editor
Sylvain Bellemarre
Soundtrack Composer
Serge Nakachi Pelletier
Writer
Robin McKenna

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