Gardening With Soul

Directed by :
Jess Feast

Filmed almost entirely on location in Island Bay, Wellington, Gardening with Soul follows Sister Loyola Galvin, the main gardener for the House of Compassion.

Filmmaker Jess Feast (Cowboys and Communists) followed Sister Loyola over a year, charting her journey through the seasons which included her 90th birthday. Through her garden, we understand Loyola’s commitment to nurture all living things, especially those which ‘don’t get a good start’. From her early work as a nurse, to her role as a nun raising children with disabilities, we see Loyola’s incredible energy and faith in her God carry her through the difficult times.

Gardening with Soul premiered at the New Zealand International Film Festival in July 2013, and was the Winner of the Best Documentary at the New Zealand Film Awards. The film also received an Honourable Mention at Adelaide Doc Week 2014.