Tom Thomson is one of Canada’s most beloved painters. Described as our “greatest colourist” and “our Van Gogh”, Thomson’s expressive and vibrant interpretations of the northern landscape have become iconic representations of Canada.

On July 8, 1917, just as he was reaching ascendancy in his craft, Thomson paddled across Canoe Lake and disappeared. His body surfaced 8 days later. The cause of his death remains a mystery.

What is it about Tom Thomson’s life, art and death that haunts us still, that draws thousands to his cairn in Algonquin Park each summer and propels his little sketches to the stratosphere of the Canadian art market? West Wind: The Vision of Tom Thomson unravels many of the mysteries of this brilliant, beloved artist.

Filmed in Algonquin Park, Georgian Bay, Toronto, Seattle and Leith, featuring rare archival footage, newly discovered audio recordings of those who knew Thomson, and paintings from private collections by Canada’s most celebrated artist.