Noon Optimist Travelogue Series: Inside the Tuscan Hills

Monday 11/01/10 7:00 PM

John Wilson is one of Canada's top, award-winning, wildlife documentary film makers. His exciting photographic career began at the age of 21, when he set out on a voyage of discovery from Canada to Panama by motorcycle, and then on to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. The eight month adventure increased his love of the natural world, and changed his life forever. After he returned home to Canada, John was interviewed on radio and television. Soon people asked him to conduct seminars in wildlife studies and photography. His still photographs have appeared in Audubon and Ontario naturalist magazines. His films have been made for the CBC, Global, and TVO television networks in Canada and the BBC in England. In the United States his shows have appeared on the Discovery Channel and PBS networks. John is highly regarded as a cameraman who will do just about anything to get the right shot. He has leaned out of helicopters flying over mountain peaks, scuba dived under icebergs, and come face-to-face with a grizzly bear. From the polar ice of the high arctic, to the volcanic craters of the equatorial Galapagos Islands and many exciting locations in between, John enjoys filming the world and sharing it with others. John's films appeal to anyone who loves the adventure of remote wilderness, or simply the warmth and beauty of a backyard sunset. His enthusiasm and sense of humor add a special touch that captivates children and adults alike. John continues to make films. And, since wildlife is so important to him and his naturalist wife, Denice Wilkins, they are building a passive solar home in rural Ontario, and doing what they can to promote environmental awareness

'Inside the Tuscan Hills' presents a vivid portrait of a place where ancient traditions have never disappeared and gives an insider's look at the rich rural culture of Tuscany. With exclusive access to the workshops, kitchens and homes of the Tuscan people, the show is a journey into one of the world's most beautiful places. Progressing through Tuscany geographically, we witness the regions amazing diversity of landscape, arts and food - revealing how the Tuscans themselves really live and weaving compelling stories of master craftsmen and country cooks, ancient farmhouses and rustic cheese makers, while soaking up the singularly beautiful landscape.

Originally filmed as a PBS documentary travelogue, this show presents a vivid portrait of a place where ancient traditions have never disappeared and gives an insider's look at the rich rural culture of Tuscany. With exclusive access to the workshops, kitchens and homes of the Tuscan people, the show is a journey into one of the world's most beautiful places. Progressing through Tuscany geographically, the program showcases the regions amazing diversity of landscape, arts and food - revealing how the Tuscans themselves really live and weaving compelling stories of master craftsmen and country cooks, ancient farmhouses and rustic cheese makers, while soaking up the singularly beautiful landscape.

Audiences will come to know a place where every meal honors the local beauty and pays tribute to culinary traditions; where artisans practice in the style of the masters who came before them; where residents are surrounded by the beauty and history of a mythic landscape; this is life in Tuscany.

$ 8.00