Agatha Bock, a remarkable 92-year-old woman, is characterized as a powerhouse by Manitoba filmmaker Amalie Atkins. Atkins’s documentary, “Agatha’s Almanac,” showcases Bock’s daily life on the family farm, drawing global attention to her unassuming lifestyle. Despite the film’s success, Bock remains modest, expressing surprise at its popularity in various locations.
The documentary, which premiered at the Gimli International Film Festival and later won the best Canadian feature documentary award at Hot Docs 2025, offers a glimpse into Bock’s rustic existence on a southern Manitoba farm without modern conveniences like running water or a cellphone. Bock, alongside her 96-year-old brother John, manages the farm they inherited from their parents, with Bock tending to the garden to sustain her share of the property.
Bock’s resilience in maintaining the farmstead full-time has puzzled many who suggest she relocate to the city. However, she finds solace and purpose in the farm’s simplicity, believing that her traditional approach appeals to a wide audience due to its nostalgic charm.
Despite facing health challenges that kept her away from the farm in recent times, Bock eagerly anticipates returning to her gardening routine this summer, cherishing the peaceful moments under the moonlight. Atkins, inspired by her childhood memories on the farm, embarked on a six-year journey to capture Bock’s essence in the documentary, aiming to preserve the farmstead’s unique atmosphere.
Atkins hopes the film encourages viewers to engage in gardening as a therapeutic activity, echoing the wisdom passed down from her father. Bock, on the other hand, reflects on life’s transient nature, emphasizing the importance of living each season to the fullest as depicted in “Agatha’s Almanac.”
“Agatha’s Almanac” is currently being screened at the Dave Barber Cinematheque in Winnipeg and other cities across Canada, with plans for international releases in Japan, Taiwan, and Belgium in the coming year.