Stories from land and sea
Early in my career, I lived and worked primarily in Montreal. But a pilgrimage to a remote island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland helped me to understand my true vocation—giving expression to the lives and concerns of people in outlying regions. My documentary work in rural communities in Quebec (the Lower North Shore of the St. Lawrence, the Gaspé, and the Eastern Townships) as well as in Newfoundland has resulted in photo essays, books, films, and multimedia projects.
At the request of Indigenous groups, I carried out assignments in northern Canada and produced the book Eeyou Istchee: Land of the Cree and several documentaries. My work has also taken me to Haiti, India, and other countries. There, too, my focus has been life in communities that rely on the land or sea for their sustenance.
My Work
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Film Production
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Photography
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Writing
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Book production management
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Multimedia production
For more than twenty years, I’ve produced multimedia work under the name of Rural Route Communications, often in collaboration with photographer and aerial videographer Niels Jensen.
Testimonials
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The Reunion at Salmon Bay (2023)
Louise Abbott’s Reunion at Salmon Bay is a beautiful reflection on her enduring ties to the Lower North Shore.
Rachel McCrum, Editor, Font
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St. Paul’s River: The Once and Future Village (2023)
It is a heartfelt, beautiful film!
Eileen Schofield, President, Whiteley Museum, St. Paul’s River -
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The McGowan Legacy (2022)
What a huge task! You made a potentially dry subject very interesting—complete with steam engine sounds for the Lady of the Lake. Erich Kory's music was a masterstroke. Thank you for taking on this project. It is beautifully crafted.
John Atkin, Director, Georgeville Historical Society
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The Mountains of Potton (2022)
I have just watched The Mountains of Potton – and all I can say is “magnificent.” The video is simply stunning in the panoramas, thought-provoking in its dialogue and information … and so appropriate in the choice of music. The message of conservation was subtle but strikes like an iron fist camouflaged in a velvet glove: These, our mountains, must be protected.
Sandra Jewett, Past President, Potton Heritage Association -
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The Sugarmakers (2022)
Thank you, Louise, for your very fine film that stands as a worthy tribute to both the art and the industry of our unique world of sugaring.
Gabriel Safdie, Chairman, Centre des Arts de Stanstead
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wabi-sabi (2021)
A beautiful ode to the lessons left us by a granny on art and glorious imperfection.
Gerry Potter, Filmmaker, Edmonton, Alberta
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Driving Into the Past: a History of Covered Bridges in Quebec (2019)
A wonderful movie, beautiful, informative, and more historically and technically correct than any documentary about wooden bridges I have ever seen.
Jan Lewandoski, Owner, Restoration and Traditional Building, Vermont
With thanks to past sponsors:
