Synopsis

Joseph Sleep (1913-1978) was filmed two years prior to his death. He was born at sea and worked with and around boats, fish, carnivals, and animals most of his life.

While convalescing, he was encouraged to paint. What began is therapy and a pastime developed into a way of representing a lifetime of images and experience.

Although his life has been one of hard work and hard times, his paintings are child-like, joyful representations of flowers, birds, fish, animals, and buildings. These reflect his experience but in a fanciful way.

The film shows the spirit and images of Joe by juxtaposing scenes from his life and his work. The result is a tender portrait of a great character.

Physical Description

2 film reels : sound ; colour ; 16mm | 1 digital file ; prores 4444HQ ; sound ; colour | 1 digital file ; sound ; colour ; prores 422 ; mov ; colour graded | 1 digital file ; sound ; colour ; h.264 ; mp4 ; colour graded ; subtitles

General Note

exhibition format : 16mm