The energetic, 90-year-old Sister Loyola Galvin is the subject of this Kiwi documentary, an Island Bay resident that tends rigourously to...
The energetic, 90-year-old Sister Loyola Galvin is the subject of this Kiwi documentary, an Island Bay resident that tends rigourously to the stunning Home of Compassion garden whilst sharing pearls of wisdom (like the importance of having your own space: "if everybody had a shed there would be no domestic violence"). From Jess Feast, director of Cowboys and Communists.
"Feast has been following Sister Loyola over the last year, charting her journey through the seasons that included her 90th birthday. Through her garden, we begin to understand Loyola’s commitment to nurture all living things, especially those who ‘don’t get a good start’. From her early work as a nurse with sick or stillborn babies, to her role as a nun raising children with disabilities, we see Loyola’s incredible energy and faith in her God carry her through the difficult times." (New Zealand International Film Festival)
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"On first impression, 96 minutes may seem like a long time to spend watching a film about a 90-year-old who loves her garden, but Sister Loyola Galvin has a lifetime of experience and an abundant depth of character that shine through in this ever-intimate, at times beautiful-looking documentary. And as you may be suspecting, Gardening with Soul has more to offer than a horticultural how-to – in fact, if you’re coming for gardening tips you’d be advised to stick to Eoin Scarrow."
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Flicks
Flicks"A film of modest yet far-reaching ambitions. Sister Loyola has quiet, acute observations about matters practical and spiritual, and gardening metaphors serve her well."
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Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney Morning Herald"It's easy to see why Feast saw Sister Loyola as a terrific documentary subject."
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Stuff
Stuff"A beautifully shot gem about an extraordinary woman who has touched many lives and hearts."
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New Zealand Herald
New Zealand HeraldGardening with Soul | Details
- Runtime
- 100
- Genre
- Documentary
- Country of origin
- New Zealand
