The Mark of the Maker

Few films today, it seems, are designed to warm the cockles of a Luddite's heart, but this Oscar-nominated documentary short by filmmakers David McGowan and Laurie Kennard comes close. An exquisitely filmed homage to the fine art of papermaking, the film focuses on Twinrocker, a handmade papermill company in rural Indiana, owned and operated by Kathryn and Howard Clark. Although the Clarks do not eschew the use of technology, the paper they make--whether letter size or poster-size--is definitely hand-made; as such it retains "the mark of the maker," since no two sheets are exactly alike. Whether creating palpably fine stationary, exacting paper for watercolor work, or sheets for a limited press run of a book of poetry, watching the Clarks at work--particularly in the idyllic setting of a converted Indiana barn--viewers will surely appreciate the expertise, care, and, by definition, personal attention that goes into the product created by the Clarks, sheet by individual sheet. A beautiful profile. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (R. Pitman)