contemporary world cinema for salmon arm |
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Fierce Light: When Spirit Meets Action
Country: Canada
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Building on ScaredSacred , Velcrow Ripper's previous documentary, which explored the nature of spirituality in its many manifestations, Fierce Light examines the similar terrain of spiritual activism. Employing a travelogue structure, Ripper and his cameras traverse various countries seeking those spots where peace-minded people are trying to make a difference using spirituality as a source of inspiration. To protest the destruction of an inner-city farm in central Los Angeles, for example, actress Daryl Hannah spends some of her year in 2006 sitting in a tree; Ripper returns to her several times with a sense of discovery, and each time her motivations become more poignant and clear. Many others make memorable appearances in the film, from activist Buddhists to Vietnamese monks, as well as those protesting the discrimination against India's untouchables. Ripper effectively demonstrates that a number of committed people are trying to turn destructive forces around by changing the way we think and feel about our world, but more importantly, how we choose to act during our time on Earth. This film will inspire reflection and discussion long after the credits roll. “The material is intriguing and affecting.” J. Anderson, Eye Weekly |
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