Le Sabotier du Val de Loire

Jacques Demy's first film describes clog-making as it was still carried out in 1956 by an old craftsman. A voice-over tells us of his thoughts on old age, his wife and the recent death of his friend. They counterpoint the description of a dying craft. Rather than a film on a technique, it's a document on the man who practices it. The film dramatic structure is based on a typical week in the life of the craftsman. It shows daily life with a happy outlook: "After the pain, joy. One day, another and Sunday is here. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)