Intersections: 023 — Rivers and Film Projects

September 25th, 2025

Ah, Winnipeg: a name that means “muddy waters” in Cree. Some would say that Portage and Main is the heart of the city, but truthfully it is at the intersection of two large rivers: the Red and the Assiniboine.

Over the years, these natural routes were replaced with pothole ridden ones - and development sprawled outwards to farmland, mini malls, and gated communities. But for all of my years, I’ve never lived more than a short jaunt from the river’s edge and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I was brought in as the Director of Photography on a short film project, titled “Meet Me on the River.” The small crew was full of local talent; the result was a poetic love letter to the rivers we live our lives alongside.

Under the steady gaze of director Boeseya Petra, this film showcases several river transitions - the obvious one of water’s freeze to flow, but also a more human one of building a canoe from scratch and then pushing off from the shore. These concurrent stories begin in the heart of the city and are traced to the mouth of Lake Winnipeg.

The soundtrack is original, composed by Samantha Selci. Drone work, handled by Trevor Menard. Self-filmed canoe building, by Rob Kokesch. ‘A-camera’ filming and editing it together, done by me (David Quiring). Field and production support from Quinn Greene, Siyee Man, and Rhonda Baker.

This seven-minute short film is a crescendo from winter to summer and an invitation to slow down. I am admittedly biased, but I think it would pair well with that coffee you’re holding:
https://youtu.be/4plQIGtQoNA

Muddy or frozen, water is the basis for life on this planet. I’m glad to have been part of a project that celebrates its significance.

Cheers,
David