Moving Sands. Philippe Baylaucq (Writer & Director). Nicole Godin (Producer for Productions La Fête (Sable) Inc.). Germaine Ying Gee Wong (NFB Producer). Montreal, PQ: National Film Board of Canada & Productions La Fête (Sable) Inc., 2003. 52 min., VHS, $99.95. Order Number: C9103 077. Subject Headings: Shipwrecks-Atlantic Coast (Canada). Sable Island (N.S.)-History. Legends-Nova Scotia-Sable Island. Grades 6 and up / Ages 11 and up. Review by Jocelyn A. Dimm. *** /4

Moving Sands is a multi-visual film combining old photographs, drawings, and paintings, with modern moving scenes of the mystic beauty of Sable Island (150 km from the shores of Nova Scotia). From historic fact to myths and tales of curses, pirates, ghosts and shipwrecks, the film weaves through a collection of Trixie Bouteillier's photographs and a narrative of her imagined thoughts offered as a first person guide to the island's mysteries.

     The slow-moving and whimsical film develops a more personable feel through the imagined narrative of Boutellier, whose father was a superintendent on Sable Island years ago. This tale of growing up on Sable Island offers the viewer a collection of information on the island's animal life, vegetation, settlers, and special visits from people, such as Alexander Graham Bell. From hunters to preservationists, the film speaks to the hardships of life on the island, the severe weather, and the harsh coastal region, including the fascination with the wild horses, and how the island is now a sanctuary to all animals that inhabit it.

     Although the film provides a cornucopia of information on Sable Island, the unhurried pace of the film and portions of awkwardly acted scenes may make it difficult to view it all in one sitting, such as in a classroom setting.

     Used with other information on Sable Island, Baylaucq's film would serve as another viable and visual way to take a closer look at its many mysteries.

Recommended.

Jocelyn A. Dimm is a doctoral student at the Faculty of Education, the University of Victoria, in Victoria, BC, where she also teaches courses in young adult literature.

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