Watch Kiss the Water

Kiss the Water is a beautifully crafted documentary that showcases the life and work of Megan Boyd, who is considered to be one of the greatest fly tier artists of all time. Megan's passion for the art form of fly-tying captured the hearts of many fisherman and fly fishers alike. This documentary is a visual feast for viewers and delves deep into Megan's life, her craft and the people she inspired.

The documentary is directed by Eric Steel and features interviews with many of Megan's admirers, including Richard Poe and Gerda Stevenson. The movie was initially released in 2013 and met with critical acclaim. It was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival and went on to win awards at other film festivals.

The documentary opens with a mesmerizing view of the Scottish countryside, which sets the mood for the entire movie. This serves as the perfect backdrop to showcase Megan Boyd's life, which was deeply rooted in her Scottish heritage. The filmmakers efficiently blend archive footage of Megan's workshops and interviews with people who knew her well, which is juxtaposed with breathtaking shots of Scotland's natural beauty. The result is a film that is both meditative and visually stunning.

Megan loved fly-tying from an early age, and she quickly became an expert in the craft. She started making flies in the 1930s, and her exquisite work gained recognition from fishers across Scotland. She was eventually commissioned to create flies for the Prince of Wales, and this marked the beginning of a career that spanned over five decades.

Eric Steel masterfully creates a narrative by expertly weaving together interviews with Megan's contemporaries, archival footage of the scenic Scottish Highlands, and shots of Megan at work. There are poignant moments in the film when viewers are reminded of Megan's humble beginnings, her commitment to her art, and her legacy. The filmmakers use striking visual imagery to evoke a sense of wonder and awe in viewers, and it is impossible not to be entranced by the beauty of Scotland's rugged landscapes.

Throughout the film, we are introduced to a range of fisherman, including high-profile figures such as Prince Charles and President Jimmy Carter, who regarded Megan as a legend in fly-tied circles. The insights offered by these individuals provide a glimpse into the world of fly-fishing and the importance of its practitioners.

The movie does not merely focus on Megan Boyd's work. It also captures the essence of her character, and the love and respect she garnered from people around her. Megan Boyd was admired not only for her craft, but also for her gentle nature and her sense of humor. One interviewee describes her work with Megan as 'a conversation with a genius,' a testament to her skill level and the reverence in which she was held.

There are moments in the film when we are given a glimpse into Megan's personal life, which was as unique as her art. She lived alone in a remote Scottish cottage, surrounded by pets, and far from the worries of everyday life. Her reclusiveness only added to the allure that surrounded her, and in many ways, it mirrored the mysterious beauty of her art.

In conclusion, "Kiss the Water" is a must-see film for anyone interested in art, fishing, or the natural world. It masterfully captures the essence of Megan Boyd, her work, and the beautiful Scottish landscapes that inspired her. The film is a tribute to the life and work of a truly remarkable artist, who left an indelible mark on those who encountered her art.

Kiss the Water is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.