docs

Directed by Amy Goldberg, this captivating 2007 documentary chronicles the extraordinary life of Willard Kitchener MacDonald, the legendary Hermit of Gully Lake in Nova Scotia's remote wilderness. Born in Massachusetts in 1916, Willard deserted a troop train during World War II to evade service, fearing authorities, and survived over 60 years in isolation in a tiny self-built cabin near Earltown. Narrated and scored by musician Randy Bachman, the film features heartfelt interviews with locals, woodsmen, veterans, and former Premier John Hamm, sharing folklore, fond memories of his fiddle playing, hunting prowess, and tobacco-smoking habits. Discovered deceased in 2004 from natural causes and hypothermia, Willard's story inspires awe at human resilience amid harsh winters, blending tribute to his independence with Nova Scotia's communal spirit. A poignant exploration of solitude, survival, and folklore that questions societal norms.