So once again I have had the honour of accompanying Mei on one of her lucky wins - this time for the London Premiere of Samsara, a non-verbal film from Ron Fricke and Mark Magidson, creators of Baraka (1992) and Chronos (1985).
SAMSARA is a Sanskrit word that means “the ever turning wheel of life”, the film transporting us to sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial sites, and natural wonders
It was filmed over 5 years in 25 countries, one of only a handful of films shot on 70mm in the past 40 years!
The premiere was held at Soho Hotel in one of the private function rooms.
 |
| Pre-movie drinks, courtesy of Mei's camera x |
 |
| Short interview with Ron Fricke & Mark Magidson before the start of the movie |
 |
| Me & Mei x |
 |
| Q&A session at end of movie |
It was only a short movie, running time of approximately 1.5 hours. The images captured seemed to flow well from one country to another and cleverly intertwined, with soothing music playing in the background. Some parts a bit TOO soothing and calm, I have to admit it was hard for me stifling my yawns and trying hard not to nod off to sleep!
But the images were indeed very beautiful, focusing quite a lot on the people from different cultures.
It's not just your average traditional documentary or compilation of summer holiday pictures, but rather images that enables us as viewers to make our own interpretations without any distractions from dialogue or text.
After the short Q&A session, we headed to have some noodles for supper!
The perfect way to end a good night ;)
To end on an unrelated note...apparently Keith Lemon was in the building before he was swiftly driven off to his movie premiere!
Shame I arrived at Soho Hotel too late to catch him!
I blame Google maps...
Anyways, Samsara is due for a nationwide release on 31st August 2012.
Note: For those who are looking for fist-pumping, heart-stopping, thriller-seeking action!...this is not for you!
