Thursday 9 August 2012

Nostalgia for the Light

Nostalgia for the Light is a documentary by Patricio Guzman, set in the Atacama desert. It focuses on the astronomers who work in the observatories that make benefit of the areas very clear light. Alongside this, the film follows the activities of women who are looking for the remains of their relatives who were among Pinochet's disappeared, who were buried in the desert. The film is beautifully made with wonderful photography of galaxies and the forbidding landscapes of the Atacama. The director draws thought provoking parallels between the astronomers and the women who are searching for answers.

The film visits the site of one of Pinochet's concentration camps in the desert, built on the site of an abandoned mine, which had been in use when miners were basically slaves. In addition we are shown some of the amazing artwork made in the desert by pre-Columbian period native Americans.

The film ranges over many topics, all arising from what is found in the desert and in the skies above. It is really thought provoking in the comparisons it makes, showing how interconnected everything is.

The film is showing again tonight, 20.45 at the Filmhouse in Edinburgh.

As ever, text in red contains hyperlinks that take you to other webpages where you can find out more.

5 comments:

Ms Sparrow said...

I love documentaries and this one sounds like a good one to see. I hope I can catch it somewhere soon.

The Weaver of Grass said...

As usual Juliet I envy you living in a place where there is so much going on all the time.

RG said...

Must be some great scenes and stories ...

lilybets said...

Hi,I love writing about nature,often I feel ispired by animals, flowers or a view.I wish you a nice day, Lilybets.

EG CameraGirl said...

That's an interesting juxtaposition: searching for the beginnings of life and the end of so many lives. I'm sure it's thought provoking for sure.