Between the Folds

Who knew a movie about paper folding could be such a work of art? Filmmaker Vanessa Gould studied astrophysics and architecture at Columbia University, which may begin to explain her fascination with the engineering marvels accomplished by contemporary wizards of the age-old art of origami. Gould has fashioned a mesmerizingly beautiful paean to a number of visionaries who possess the dedication and ability to make incredible shapes out of a single sheet of paper. Following ten artists and theoretical scientists from Cal Tech and MIT to France and Israel, she tells the story of curious beings who see potential where most don't. They use origami to experiment with movement and light, assail our concepts of realism, teach math to children at risk, and even design better air bags. Many have abandoned prestigious academic careers, and sometimes the respect of their colleagues, to pursue their lives in paper. A unifying factor among them is their fond respect for the granddaddy of all origamists, Akira Yoshizawa, creator of the modern repertoire of folding symbols. Accompanied by Emmy-nominated composer Gil Talmi's haunting original score, and luminously photographed by Melissa Donovan, BETWEEN THE FOLDS is a rare delight for the senses. – B.B.