The Spine

Quite a while ago I signed up for NFB.ca weekly mailing for updates on new short films (and old classics, if you remember "Mr.Frog goes a courting") that are created by Canadian Artists. This week I got a couple of gems come in as part of that mailing. One of these, called "The Spine" by award winning artist, animator, and director Chris Landreth.

The Spine, is an examination of redemption between a man and a woman whose relationship has been one of co-dependancy and mutual destruction. It takes place in a world where a persons physical form is a metaphor for their unique souls (NFB.ca, 2011)

I found this short film very captivating. Artistically it is very beautiful. The colors, timing, music, and language brings a very strong connection across to the viewer. In the short time of 11 minutes you are brought through the following questions: "why am I here?", "whats happened to us?", "why are you here?", and finish with "who are you?". We are pulled through an examination of the "self" to an understanding of the "us".

In truth I find that these questions are central to our pursuit of relationships. Answering these questions are part of what bind us together. By knowing ourselves, knowing what we bring other people, knowing why others are in our lives, and finally knowing them as a whole person we start to build strong relationships. We give understanding and we receive belonging. I had a prime example of that this week.

This week I was blessed to attend the funeral of Ken Griffin. He is father to one of my friends, Jessica. His life was marked by constantly giving love, unconditionally. At the end of the funeral an open mic was offered up. One man went up and said that Ken was the only one he felt ever fully understood him and listened to him. I sensed a lot of guilt that he was not able to give anything back to Ken. Love does not give in hope of getting back. I learnt that Ken gave so much to those around him. I believe that it was not because he hoped to get something back, but because it was his joy to give. Indeed Ken did give, unconditionally. What an amazing man of God.

The video is below, watch it and see what you take out of it. May I challenge you this week to give. Blessing and Grace.


The Spine