Between the Folds

Between the Folds is a 2008 American documentary film directed by Vanessa Gould. This visually stunning and thought-provoking film explores the fascinating world of origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. The film takes the viewer on a gripping journey beyond the commonplace perception of origami as a mere craft, leading them into a world where paper folding intersects with art, science, mathematics, and philosophy.

The film stars Erik D. Demaine, Martin L. Demaine, and Vincent Floderer, three prominent figures in the world of origami. Erik and Martin L. Demaine are a father-son duo who, as part of their artistic collaboration, combine mathematics and origami to inspire their designs. Vincent Floderer, on the other hand, is known for his unorthodox approach to origami, utilizing crumpled paper rather than crisp folds, leading to a groundbreaking shift in traditional origami design technique.

Their roles in the documentary do not follow a traditional narrative arc; instead, they share their experiences, insights, and passion for origami, each contributing a unique perspective to the art form. These masters of origami, along with several other artists and mathematicians featured in the film, discuss their attraction to origami, the inspirations for their unique creations, and the evolution of their paper folding philosophies.

Between the Folds delves deeply into the science and mathematics behind origami. Scenes highlight the complex geometry involved in the intricate folds and creases necessary to transform a simple piece of paper into a stunning work of art. The progression from flat-folded patterns to elaborate three-dimensional figures illustrates the application of mathematical concepts like algorithms and theorem in origami.

Director Vanessa Gould takes the audience on a captivating exploration not just of origami as an art and science, but also as a reflection of life and nature. We meet artists who see the potential for transformation in a single uncut square of paper, who discern lines, shapes, and patterns that embody the underlying principles of the universe, and who seek to express this understanding through their creations. It's a peculiar alchemy that echoes the patterns of nature and the human quest for aesthetics.

The film showcases how origami redefines the thin line separating art and science. It tells the story of a realm where beauty and precision coexist, where creativity and method converge, and where the simplicity of folding breathes life into paper. The documentary is crammed with astonishingly beautiful visuals of the origami models, and the animations help to impart an understanding of the mathematical concepts discussed.

One of the highlight points of the documentary is how origami is surprisingly relevant to the real world. It illustrates how the principles of origami are finding applications in areas as diverse as automobile airbag design, protein-folding research in biology and structural engineering. This opens up a whole new venue for people to appreciate this underestimated art form in a whole new light.

The film is not all about science and practicality though. It is, at its heart, a love letter to the artistry of origami. It traces the transformation of this art, from its roots in traditional Japanese culture to its evolution as a form of expression that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.

The film aims to spark a renewed appreciation for this timeless art form and make us rethink our relationship with the art and science that surround us. It also urges us to be cognizant of the meticulous, arduous labour, as well as the bursts of inspiration that culminate into every pretty paper crane or intricate geometric figure.

Between the Folds successfully brings together a diverse collection of interviews and displays of striking origami artwork. It is a visual feast, a thought-provoking revelation, and an invigorating celebration of human ingenuity. Though it features mathematics and science heavily, it does it in a way that is accessible and exciting, making it a universally enjoyable film. The film leaves you in awe of the endless possibilities that lie within a humble piece of paper and the hands that fold it.