I spent many, many fascinating (and sometimes frustrating!) hours researching, filming and editing my new documentary Anna Kaljas: The Untold Story, which premieres Thursday, Sept. 21, at the Princess Twin Cinemas in Waterloo. Drama coach, Gary Kirkham works with Mia Merli on a excerpt reading. My search for insight even took me to Estonia via … Continue reading Thanks for all your help!
Anna was more than “The Snake Lady”
While researching my documentary, Anna Kaljas: The Untold Story, I noticed that even longtime residents of Kitchener-Waterloo tend to draw a blank when I mention the name Anna Kaljas. But call her The Snake Lady and eyes light up! Anna's soulmate, Eric Rosar "cuddles" one of the family's snakes. It seems that despite being awarded … Continue reading Anna was more than “The Snake Lady”
Anna Kaljas’ Claim to Fame
My new documentary, Anna Kaljas: The Untold Story, premiering at the Princess Cinema Sept. 21, salutes one of Kitchener’s most outstanding citizens. But the late Anna Kaljas was not famous for extreme wealth or family status or political zingers or movie star looks. If she sought the limelight, it was to call a journalist like … Continue reading Anna Kaljas’ Claim to Fame
What would Anna Kaljas Say?
In 1993 Eric Brown was living through a rough patch. He was struggling with his mental health and having trouble finding a place to live. Several landlords had kicked him out, and homeless shelters had banned him. His niece and advocate Sue Sauve was worried he might end up on the street. Then Eric found … Continue reading What would Anna Kaljas Say?
What makes a remarkable life?
Young Anna on a hunting trip in Estonia I'm excited to be part of the VEMU (Museum of Estonians Abroad) online lecture series October 27, 7:00 p.m.. I'll be talking about my latest documentary "Anna Kaljas: The Unold Story."Join me to get a sneak peak at some of the amazing moments in this remarkable life. … Continue reading What makes a remarkable life?
New Doc Project: Readymade Story of an Unlikely Angel
Anna Kaljas, 1983 UPDATE"ANNA KALJAS: THE UNTOLD STORY" RECEIVES FUNDING FROM THE REGION OF WATERLOO ARTS FUND As a documentary filmmaker, what more could you ask for? Anna Kaljas’ life is a readymade story of an unlikely angel. In my hometown of Kitchener, a medium sized city in Ontario, Canada, people remember Anna Kaljas as … Continue reading New Doc Project: Readymade Story of an Unlikely Angel
Visually Speaking 