Uploaded June 2014 | Updated September 2026, 55 minutes ago
If you've ever wondered 'who the hell lives in the majestic houses perched on those remote island cliffs?' 'Leaving' introduces two urban ex-pats David Cox and Sally Davies, as they share their thoughts on living remotely off the grid in the wilds of Canada's West Coast.
David and Sally each have their reasons for making the move from city to sea, a circumspect David finds fulfillment in the challenges of necessity, and the learning that results. "Every day is new", and the existential challenges stimulate the 65 year old. Sally recounts the intense stress of a city job that brought her to the inescapable conclusion that she simply "had to leave".
Every aspect of their life has been floated, carried, hauled, assembled, and fabricated... perfected and reinvented. A rugged home has taken shape in one of the most scenic settings in Canada; the Discovery Islands. No road access, hydro grid or telephone... the self-sufficient compound is a testament to the couple's devotion to each other, and to their chosen life.
An interesting note: The precise name and location of the island upon which this home, and a handful of others sit, has been withheld by request. This breed of Island dwellers values their privacy, and it was a crucial caveat to making this film that I respect the community's wish to remain 'off-grid'.
'Fix You' by Coldplay is the soundtrack for this piece. I explained to the couple that, although it has no commercial purpose, the film would be monetized by YouTube to pay the owners of the music, however circuitously. David and Sally were grateful, and extended a heartfelt invitation to host the band they had never heard of.
So, any member of Coldplay, please make note that you have a standing invite to visit one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places on earth! And as a filmmaker I thank you as well, I was very moved when I saw the film Young@Heart, which in some ways was built around the song 'Fix You'. How it opens you to the grandeur of life, loss, love and regret... it is a beautiful and revealing piece of music.
If you've ever wondered 'who the hell lives in the majestic houses perched on those remote island cliffs?' 'Leaving' introduces two urban ex-pats David Cox and Sally Davies, as they share their thoughts on living remotely off the grid in the wilds of Canada's West Coast.
David and Sally each have their reasons for making the move from city to sea, a circumspect David finds fulfillment in the challenges of necessity, and the learning that results. "Every day is new", and the existential challenges stimulate the 65 year old. Sally recounts the intense stress of a city job that brought her to the inescapable conclusion that she simply "had to leave".
Every aspect of their life has been floated, carried, hauled, assembled, and fabricated... perfected and reinvented. A rugged home has taken shape in one of the most scenic settings in Canada; the Discovery Islands. No road access, hydro grid or telephone... the self-sufficient compound is a testament to the couple's devotion to each other, and to their chosen life.
An interesting note: The precise name and location of the island upon which this home, and a handful of others sit, has been withheld by request. This breed of Island dwellers values their privacy, and it was a crucial caveat to making this film that I respect the community's wish to remain 'off-grid'.
'Fix You' by Coldplay is the soundtrack for this piece. I explained to the couple that, although it has no commercial purpose, the film would be monetized by YouTube to pay the owners of the music, however circuitously. David and Sally were grateful, and extended a heartfelt invitation to host the band they had never heard of.
So, any member of Coldplay, please make note that you have a standing invite to visit one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places on earth! And as a filmmaker I thank you as well, I was very moved when I saw the film Young@Heart, which in some ways was built around the song 'Fix You'. How it opens you to the grandeur of life, loss, love and regret... it is a beautiful and revealing piece of music.
