The Silent Rapids Story

On the Churchill River in northern Saskatchewan, a set of rapids is home to quiet, powerful whirlpools that replace the typical chaos and crashing waves of such a place. Their strength and wonder are the same ones that draw us into a well-told story. In French, these rapids are called celles qui ne parlent point “those who don’t speak.” Silent Rapids is a perfect metaphor for a small production house that takes pleasure in shining the spotlight on strong characters and telling their stories. The name also speaks to our proximity to, and our reverence for nature. It’s a place full of inspiration and wonder, like the stories we love to tell.

Behind the camera

Gaëtan Lamarre is the filmmaker at the heart of Silent Rapids Productions. He started his career at CBC/Radio-Canada in Edmonton and is now based in Haida Gwaii. In 2016, Nepal stole his heart and he shot his his first independent documentary film there, with the Sherpas living in the Himalayas. His films tell stories of profound human connection, connecting to each other and to nature. Storytelling is at the root of who he is, and pictures have always been his strongest way of communicating. Whether the tool in his hand is a camera or a drone, an editing suite or a paintbrush, you’ll find Gaëtan painting with light, behind the camera. His films have screened at film festivals around the world.