Carl Vandervoort is a documentary filmmaker and free-lance videographer and editor. Since the 1980s he has directed, shot and edited educational and development films for organizations like Head Start, Northwest Natural Gas, Growing Gardens, First Unitarian Church and the Oregon Department of Education. In the 90s he was Post-Production Supervisor for Creative Media Development in Portland. Over the years he has made six feature-length documentaries on subjects as diverse as the friendship between people with stigmatizing diseases, a Unitarian choir trip to Cuba, the art and craft of revolutionary violin maker, and a year in the studio of a painter whose work was inspired by a restored wetland. Originally released on DVD, the films can now be streamed and downloaded on Vimeo, gratis.
Wetlands – Seasons of Mind is a film about art and the environment, the story of a year in the studio of painter Deborah DeWit as she explores and visually interprets a year in a suburban wetland, a “postage-stamp wilderness,” near her home, which is being restored to wet prairie and oak savannah by Ash Creek Forest Management. Supported by grants from the Regional Arts & Culture Council and Clean Water Services. Music directed by Jim Leisy.
2010 – 52 minutes
Stream or Download at Vimeo https://vimeo.com/148682425
Making Music – The Art & Craft of David Rivinus follows the making and delivery to the National Music Museum of a unique instrument. A classically trained violin maker, David Rivinus developed the Pelegrina viola for musicians who, at the height of their musical virtuosity, were finding playing disablingly painful due to the ergonomic challenges of their instrument. With interviews and performances by musicians whose careers have been saved by David’s innovations and featuring music by Tracy Silverman. Co-Directed with Christopher Ley.
2009 – 48 Minutes
Stream or Download at Vimeo https://vimeo.com/239860924
Lo Que Pedimos Es La Paz – All We’re Asking for is Peace tells the story of a Unitarian choir from Portland on a cultural and humanitarian trip to Havana. Cubans have a rich musical tradition and many choirs, and the film reveals how sharing the gift of music can transcend differences between governments. This program was an Official Selection at the 2005 Havana Film Festival and has been featured on Cuban television. Original music by Mona Warner.
2004 – 37 Minutes – Spanish and English Versions on Disc
Stream or Download at Vimeo
Spanish Version https://vimeo.com/438602260
English Version https://vimeo.com/
Olivia & Tim – Very Much Alive explores a friendship between two people who have each lived with stigmatizing diseases. Olivia Breitha was diagnosed with leprosy and exiled to Molokai in 1934. Tim Baker found out he had AIDS in 1988. Over the course of visits to each other’s homes, in Kalaupapa and Honolulu, they share their stories with humor and compassion, shedding light on how all of us can face life with courage.
Co-Directed with Christopher Ley. Produced with Anwei Skinsnes of I.D.E.A.
1994 – 50 Minutes
Stream or Download at Vimeo https://vimeo.com/240037597