Atlantic Echoes: Stories From Our Shores
As autumn settles over the Maritimes, our team gathered to share stories that remind us of home, stories that echo across the Atlantic, capturing the textures, humour, and heart of our region. From poetic shorts to nostalgic classics, this month’s recommendations invite you to rediscover the spirit of Atlantic Canada through film.
Excavated Visions: A Solomon Nagler Retrospective (2024)
Director: Solomon Nagler
Fleapit Cinema presents Excavated Visions on Thursday, November 6 at 6:30 PM, celebrating the Halifax-based filmmaker and recipient of the Arts Nova Scotia Established Artist Recognition Award, Solomon Nagler. Spanning works from 2003 to 2017, Nagler’s experimental films and 16mm installations explore memory, movement, and architecture through a poetic lens. Followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker, this event offers a rare chance to experience global artistry rooted in Atlantic Canada.
Candy Mountain (1988)
Directors: Robert Frank, Rudy Wurlitzer
A road movie with a soulful Atlantic twist, Candy Mountain follows a journey from New York City to Cape Breton in search of a reclusive guitar maker. The film features an unforgettable cast, including Tom Waits, Rita MacNeil, and Joe Strummer. Candy Mountain offers striking glimpses of classic diners, gas stations, and Nova Scotia’s natural beauty. With its authentic East Coast accents and poetic realism, this film captures the spirit of a bygone Atlantic era. Available to stream on Mubi (and, for the nostalgic, best enjoyed on VHS).
Maudie (2016)
Director: Aisling Walsh
Based on the life of folk artist Maud Lewis, Maudie tells the remarkable story of perseverance, love, and art born from simplicity. Set against the backdrop of rural Nova Scotia, this beautifully acted film (starring Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke) captures the warmth and resilience that define Atlantic Canada’s creative spirit. Currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
The Lighthouse (2019)
Director: Robert Eggers
Shot on the rugged shores of Cape Forchu, The Lighthouse is a hauntingly atmospheric masterpiece that merges myth and madness. Starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, this film showcases Nova Scotia’s dramatic coastline as both setting and character, a reminder of the raw power and beauty of our Atlantic landscape. Available on Amazon Prime Video.
What Good Canadians Do (2025)
Director: Stephanie Joline
Written and performed by Rebecca Thomas and animated by Andrea Dorfman, this poetic short explores identity, gratitude, and reconciliation. It speaks to the shared responsibility of understanding Canada’s layered history, a reflection that feels deeply relevant to Atlantic voices today. Available on CBC Gem (Reel East Coast, Season 10 Episode 1).
George’s Island (1989)
Director: Paul Donovan
A local classic and beloved family adventure, George’s Island captures the imagination of generations with pirates, mystery, and the unmistakable charm of Halifax Harbour. A nostalgic gem and perfect watch for families rediscovering Nova Scotia’s cinematic history. Available for free on YouTube.
The Atlantic continues to inspire, through our filmmakers, landscapes, and shared sense of storytelling. Whether it’s the haunting rhythm of The Lighthouse, the poetic voice of What Good Canadians Do, or the nostalgic charm of George’s Island, each film reminds us of where we are, and who we are. Stay tuned for our next collection in December, when we explore “Winterscapes: Cold Stories, Warm Hearts.”