I was incredibly fortunate over the weekend to happen upon “Between the Folds”, a documentary about paper folding and origami. After having watched the documentary, it seems an understatement to simply present it as a look at the art and science of origami.

I was completely entranced by the hour-long documentary, which explores the art of origami through the eyes of theoretical scientists, mathematicians, and fine artists who use origami as a means to explore, educate, and express. And, as the documentary came to its end, I was left with a feeling of awe and absolute excitement about what can be created with a single sheet of paper.

There can be as much beauty in the fold patterns and intricate diagrams used to create the final origami model as there is in the finished model itself, but I also learned that origami can be used for purposes that would’ve never crossed my mind, such as compactly folding car airbags for installation and studying the way that proteins in our body fold with the intent of discovering how we might prevent and/or combat disease.

“Between the Folds” is being shown on PBS’ Independent Lens throughout the month of January, and you can check your local listings for air times. And, if you happen to have Netflix, the documentary is available as a Watch Instantly selection.

Watch the trailer for the documentary:

images from Green Fuse Films