The Visible Will vs. the Invisible Wall 2007
In this raw, 15-minute documentary from 2007, director Brett Story crafts a three-part musical journey that collides activism with artistry.
Director: Brett Story
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Visible Will vs. the Invisible Wall (2007) about?
This short documentary follows musician Alden Penner and Algerian refugee Abdelkader Belaouni as they use music and street performances to challenge the invisible barriers of migration and confinement. It's a fusion of activism, art, and personal narrative set against Montreal's urban landscape.
Who directed The Visible Will vs. the Invisible Wall?
Brett Story directs this documentary, weaving music and activism into a visually striking portrayal of movement and stillness.
Who stars in The Visible Will vs. the Invisible Wall?
The film features Montreal musician Alden Penner and Algerian refugee Abdelkader Belaouni, alongside a cast of local musicians and collaborators.
Is The Visible Will vs. the Invisible Wall (2007) worth watching?
At just 15 minutes, this documentary punches far above its weight. Its fusion of music, activism, and personal stories offers a unique perspective, though its experimental style may not appeal to all viewers. Still, it's a standout in the documentary genre for its bold vision.
How long is The Visible Will vs. the Invisible Wall?
The film runs for 15 minutes.
About The Visible Will vs. the Invisible Wall (2007) — A 15-minute musical manifesto on exile and art
In this raw, 15-minute documentary from 2007, director Brett Story crafts a three-part musical journey that collides activism with artistry. At its heart is Montreal musician Alden Penner—once of The Unicorns—joining forces with Algerian refugee Abdelkader Belaouni, who remains confined within the sanctuary of a Montreal church. Together, along with a cadre of collaborators, they transform streets into stages, turning artistic expression into a defiant statement on freedom and belonging. The film pulses with the energy of choreographed rebellion, blending music and movement into a visceral meditation on exile, resistance, and the boundaries between visible action and invisible barriers.
Story's lens captures the tension between mobility and immobility, framing Belaouni's sanctuary as both a refuge and a cage. Through a collage of street performances, interviews, and musical interludes, the documentary becomes more than a portrait—it's a manifesto for movement as both literal and metaphorical defiance. The atmosphere is electric, charged with the urgency of voices often silenced, yet the tone remains poetic, honoring the power of art to transcend and transgress. A fleeting but unforgettable snapshot of Montreal's underground music scene in the mid-2000s.