Agatha is 90 years old and lives alone on an old family farm in the Canadian province of Manitoba with virtually no modern technology, no car or mobile phone. Her life instead follows the cycles of nature – she sows, tends and harvests varieties of seeds and plants that have been passed down through the generations. Her days are marked by manual labour, self-sufficiency and a deep connection to nature.

The director, Amalie Atkins, Agatha’s niece, shot this film with an all-female crew over a period of six years on 16 mm film. This creates an intimate, sensory visual language that vividly captures her protagonist’s slow, mindful way of life and resilient spirit. The camera follows Agatha as she performs her everyday tasks – from gardening and repairs to traditional handicrafts – and leaves room for quiet moments, memories and personal stories. Agatha’s Almanac is more than a mere portrait: the film reflects upon independence, steadfastness and a lifestyle far removed from the frantic pace of modern life. A film that re-emphasises the value of simple routines and traditional craftsmanship, whilst highlighting the beauty of a slower-paced, self-directed way of life.

Awards for »Agathas Almanac«
2025 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival – Best Canadian Feature Documentary