Midlands Review of Shape Refine
midlandsmovies • March 20, 2021
Shape, Refine
Directed by Dean Harris
2021
Saddle up for a new documentary from Midlands director Dean Harris whose new film follows woodcarver Pete Rix, a man who left behind his design career for something altogether much calmer and fulfilling.
With years of enjoying woodwork as a hobby, Pete Rix took the leap into a new full-time labour of love meticulously making rocking horses. Using traditional methods in his workshop Pete explains he enjoys “making things with my hands” and stresses the importance of moving away from the computer in these times.
In a pandemic world where Zoom calls and webinars have become the norm, it’s great to be reminded of the physicality of manual work and the joy it can eventually bring to families. And the film highlights these attributes well.
His passion also comes across with a keenness to make something that lasts through time. And the documentary delivers a tender portrait of the techniques and traditional hand-crafted work that goes into creating these life-like fillies.
In a number of talking head interviews, the considerate designer explains that his creativity is enhanced by the knowledge that further creativity comes from children’s imaginations who enjoy the end result.
From carving and sanding, the playthings are brought to life and Rix shares a sculpture of his dog’s head which is as realistic as anything you’re likely to see on an historical marble statue.
With insight into the little-known aspects of the processes Pete uses, the documentary explains how the horses are created from start to finish and the painstaking efforts it takes to finally finish them.
Although it doesn’t throw anything truly new into the documentary format, director Dean Harris takes you along for a gentle and satisfying ride with this fascinating portrait. And “Shape, Refine” ends by showing the filmmaker can also sculpt his own skilful short by providing a measured look at a lost art.
Michael Sales
On Sunday 26th April Midlands Movies Editor Michael Sales & awards ceremony co-host Ed Stagg (BBC Radio) announced the nominations for the 2026 Midlands Movies Awards live from the Queen of Bradgate Vintage Cinema in Leicester. A big thanks was given to the entire Jury Panel of industry experts who gave up their precious time to watch a huge selection of creative projects and as always, had a difficult time choosing from the excellent number of films from the region. You can read the full list of nominations across all 16 categories below and watch our announcement videos here: Part 1 & Part 2 And please also check out our great awards partner Chrome Video Best Actress in a Leading Role Karendip Phull for Family Kate Bracken for The Lace Rachel Baker for Throwing Fruit Chloe Wade for How Long Sophie Bullock for Ma Prison Best Animated Film Of All the Things by Steff Lee Big Red by James Pyle Statue in the Garden by Qianhui Yu Butterfly by Jacob Christie Best Director Luke Worrall for The Waterline Lily Portman for Quiet Jack Richardson for Daniel’s Room Jonathan Hawes for Sorry We’re Closed Sophia Dall'Aglio for Man from Mars Best Documentary Nothing's Impossible by Jacob Thomas McClean A Birmingham Symphony by Jemma Saunders We Bring Light: Leicester's Diwali Legacy by Kieran Vyas The Sunshine Café by Jill Lampert Through the Viewfinder by William North Best Sound (Editing or Mixing) Neil Evans & his team for Artificial Insanity Alasdair Gretton for Dead on Distribution Deepanjali Patel for Earworm David Hamilton-Smith for The Pause Heidi Wilson for Of All The Things Best Actor in a Supporting Role Devon Junior for Lazar Tim Sparrow for Safety Net Shaiek Ahmed Rana for Family Luke Rollason for Quiet Peter Willoughby for A Story of Spring Best Visual & Special Effects Jake Wesley-Worrall for Soul Trader Steve Askey & team for The Correction Unit Nick Willett, Matt Burkey & Jayne Hyman for Black Goat JaqD SFX MUA, Mind Magic Studios and Ben Harker for Beyond the Witching Hour Pete Key, Jai Blanks and Jacob Christie for Countenance Best Cinematography Gary Rogers for The Pause Laurence Mason-Guetta for Sorry We’re Closed Ian Snape for Soul Trader Ash Connaughton for Daniel’s Room Duane Adamoli for Surfing (nominations continue below...)
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