Get curated editors’ picks, peeks behind the scenes, film recommendations and more.
Covering a sprawling 1,500 miles (2,400 km) along the Saint Laurence River from Quebec city to Montreal and back, the Tour du St-Laurent was once the longest amateur bike race in the world. The film 60 Cycles (1965) from the French-Canadian filmmaker Jean-Claude Labreque tracks scenes from the 11th and penultimate running of this ‘Tour of New France’ in 1964. Setting the action to the sounds of a groovy surf-rock-infused soundtrack, Labreque renders the competition quite secondary to the mesmerising sights of bodies and bikes in motion against the Gaspé countryside. With its stylish action and kinetic editing, this short film would notably go on to inspire the Star Wars filmmaker George Lucas.
Director: Jean-Claude Labreque
Website: National Film Board of Canada
video
Engineering
A close-up look at electronic paper reveals its exquisite patterns – and limitations
9 minutes
video
Architecture
West Africa was once an architectural laboratory. Is it time for a revival?
12 minutes
video
Biography and memoir
The unique life philosophy of Abdi, born in Somalia, living in the Netherlands
29 minutes
video
Art
‘If you’re creative, why can’t you create a solution?’ One artist’s imaginative activism
17 minutes
video
Death
A hunter’s lyrical reflection on the humbling business of being mortal
6 minutes
video
Art
More than breathtaking, ‘The Birth of Venus’ signalled an aesthetic revolution
19 minutes
video
Childhood and adolescence
Striking shadow puppetry illuminates a skater kid’s memories of Boy Scout camp
12 minutes
video
Rituals and celebrations
Meet the entrepreneur whose business is crafting perfect peak experiences
12 minutes
video
Technology and the self
A ‘virtual outing’ on Google Maps reveals a treasured image from Diego’s past
6 minutes