Joe 2002
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010;800-267-7710
Produced by National Film Board of Canada, Svend-Erik Eriksen, George Johnson
Directed by Jill Haras
VHS, color, 9 min.
K-6
Multicultural Studies
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Susan Weber, Langara College, AEMAC, Vancouver, BCSeraphim “Joe” Fortes is a legend in Vancouver, British Columbia. He was a black lifeguard who taught thousands of children to swim, and saved hundreds of lives. He worked without pay at first, and then as his fame and successes grew, he was rewarded with a salary. This film addresses some of the racism which was directed towards him, in a very subtle way. It is a charming children’s film, animated with a delightful soundtrack. It uses cut-outs and computer animation and poetry reading.
For those who do not know about Joe Fortes, this little film will not reveal a lot about the person, but it does show a dedicated lifeguard and some attitudes against a minority race, in a non-threatening manner.
Suitable for public library collections and elementary schools.