Apple's 'A Portrait of Canada,' shot on iPhone film focuses on country's inclusivity and diversity

Apple is celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary by focusing on Canadian-made apps and developers a well sa creating narratives with images and videos shot on iPhone.

Apple enlisted three Canadian artists to help capture the inclusive and optimistic character of their country in A Portrait of Canada, a short film shot on iPhone and released today. Humble the Poet, photographer Caitlin Cronenberg and first nations band A Tribe Called Red contributed their words, images and music. Their work was combined with photos shot by iPhone users across Canada.

Humble the Poet writes and performs original words that speak to Canada’s progressive ideals. “Canada now represents an unparalleled freedom. We’re not simply tolerant, we celebrate and live diversity on our own terms,” says Humble. “We are each unique, and it’s that individuality that is our common thread, connecting us to something greater than ourselves. I'm inspired by the moment we’re in as a country, and as a people. My words are my contribution.”

Caitlin Cronenberg’s images and video embody the beauty and diversity of the nation. “My vision as a professional photographer, and as a Canadian, was to personally seek out and explore the stories of this vast country through the unique lens of iPhone. We saw the people, we met the people, we shot the people and places.”

The film is set to the track “Suplex featuring Northern Voice” by A Tribe Called Red, who incorporate musical traditions from their First Nations heritage into contemporary styles. “We feel it’s so important to be present and involved in this mainstream conversation around inclusivity,” says Ian Campeau, a member of the group. “Our roots, our differences and our history are important as we establish a new day for the relationship between Indigenous Nations and Canada.”

Beyond creating great technology creating tools, it's great that Apple curates various moments that best capture and share the Canadian experience.