Guitar Maker’s path is a 20 minute photo documentary written by Les Stansell and photographed by Joe Curren. The time lapse photography is painstakingly knitted together, following the journey of one of Les’ all Port Orford Cedar Flamenco guitars. Seen from a bystander’s point of view, from the breaking down of a log segment to the final performance, every step is beautifully captured by Joe Curren. The black and white photography is perfect to capture the detailing and fine work Les performs and also helps to focus the viewer’s attention on the tasks at hand. The entire experience is wordless but accompanied by a selection of flamenco tracks by Grant Ruiz and Terry Longshore . The music seems to drive the build process along and is timed well, with transition periods coinciding with the more mundane portions of a guitar build. Overall the effect is an intimate view of the process of building a fine handmade guitar. Certainly commentary would fill in a lot of the knowledge details, but also detract from the overall mood. There are some extras, namely an introductory, colour video on Pistol River Beach where Les is based, a hauntingly beautiful landscape where the soundtrack really works wonders. There is also a video clip of a tango with Stansell, Ruiz and Longshore performing as well as Monica Carnicero on dance duties. As a true video, it is very professionally shot and performed. As Flamenco music is primarily very emotive and dynamic, it is a great view into the essence behind the music, which of course drives Les to build such handsome guitars. Terrance Tan www.guitarbench.com