One of the most ambiguous words in the English language is awe. For some, it is fear mixed with reverence and for others, it is joy wrapped in astonishment. Montreal-based screenwriter and director Édith Jorisch attempts to define the idea of universal wonder in an eight-minute film.

Jorisch invited individuals from around the world to explain in their native languages what awe means to them. Through this guided journey, the director created a visual and sonic repository of definitions and testimonies concerning the film’s namesake.

Awe is a hybrid work filmed on Mini DV, HD, and 16mm film. Alongside a collection of archive and public domain footage, the project explores four universal pillars that inspire awe: The natural world, technological advances, human achievement, and personal connections.

With a well-practiced craft in film and television, Jorisch’s work often presents a bittersweet, human perspective on contemporary society. Combining elements of documentary and fiction, she presents awe as an enigma wrapped in a dream.