“SAMSARA” reunites director Ron Fricke and producer Mark Magidson, whose award-winning films “BARAKA” (1992) and “CHRONOS” (1985) were highly acclaimed for their visual and musical artistry. This new masterpiece expands on the themes put forth in the previous films while tapping into the interconnection that runs through human life. Filmed over the course of nearly five years in twenty-five countries, “SAMSARA” expresses emotion through powerful imagery captured at sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial sites, and natural wonders. Director Ron Fricke aptly describes the viewing experience as “a nonverbal, guided meditation.”
The film was photographed entirely in 70mm film utilizing both standard frame rates and with a motion control time-lapse camera designed specifically for this project. This camera system allows perspective shifts to reveal extraordinary views of ordinary scenes. The images were then transferred through the highest resolution scanning process available to the new 4K digital projection format that allows for mesmerizing images of unprecedented clarity. SAMSARA will be a showpiece for the new, high-resolution 4K digital projection, the HD format, as well as standard digital and film projection.
“SAMSARA” is 102 minutes of nonverbal film so it needed to be carried by a stellar soundtrack. Michael Stearns, who is renowned for his groundbreaking score for “BARAKA,” reunited again with musician, singer, and composer Lisa Gerrard.
This film is going to be an unparalleled sensory experience. It will begin screening in theaters across the US and dates internationally beginning August 24th. Check out the official theatrical trailer, interview with director Ron Fricke, and short on the creative process of the film’s soundtrack.
