When You Give of Yourself

About This Movie

So, 'When You Give of Yourself' is this intriguing short documentary that really pulls you into Montreal's artistic scene from the 1950s. It’s not just a simple recounting of Mohammed and Yulanda Faris’s lives, but rather a vivid re-creation that makes you feel their passion for music and dance. The tone is warm and inviting, yet there's a certain nostalgia that permeates throughout. It’s not overly polished, which adds to its charm. The pacing feels right, allowing the viewer to soak in the atmosphere of the time without rushing through their story. The performances carry a genuine sincerity that feels almost personal, making it a distinctive piece in the realm of documentary filmmaking.

This film is relatively scarce, often overshadowed by larger documentaries of the era. It exists primarily in a few niche collections, which makes it appealing for collectors who focus on lesser-known works. The format history is somewhat limited, with only a handful of screenings documented, heightening its uniqueness. There's definitely a growing interest among those who appreciate the intersection of personal narrative and cultural history, especially in the realm of Canadian cinema.