In May, we are organizing a couple of relaxing mornings at Rialto. The viewing experience of three special films is enhanced by a preceding meditative and inspiring moment, provided by director/Zen monk Julia Strijland, yoga teacher Marinka Achterberg and yoga teacher/musician Irene Sportel. Afterwards tea will be offered at the bar and there will be an opportunity to drink and chat.
Sunday May 5, 11.00 am
MODERN MONKS
Julia Strijland | Netherlands | 2019 | 88' | French, English & Spanish gesproken | English subtitles
When imagining a Zen monk, many people probably think of a man in a robe leading a calm and meditative life within temple walls. In her documentary, filmmaker Julia Strijland, a Zen monk herself, proves that that image is no longer true. With the lives of seven modern Zen monks, Josy, Thierry, Fred & Paula, Christophe, and Ton & Angie, she shows that, however contradictory, some Zen monks lead busy and hectic lives. One is a dancer, the other is a scientist, the third one lives in a car and earns money making music on the Barcelona metro. But no matter how different they are, they come together for Zen practice in their temple in the South of France, keeping the ancient traditions alive.
Warming-up: Julia Strijland, Zen monk and the film's director, talks about Zazen (a form of seated meditation) and leads an exercise focused on concentration and observation of the body and breathing.
Sunday May 19, 11.00 am
SAMSARA
Ron Fricke | USA | 2011 | 102’ | no dialogues
Samsara, a film by Ron Fricke (Koyaanisqatsi) and Mark Magidson, who previously made the award-winning films Baraka (1992) and Chronos (1985), is an unprecedented sensory experience. The Sanskrit word samsara means "the ever-turning wheel of life", which is the point of departure for the filmmakers. Filmed over a period of almost 5 years and in 25 countries, Fricke and Magidson show us sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial sites, and natural wonders. By dispensing with dialogue and descriptive texts, Samsara isn't a traditional documentary, but rather a work that amazes and inspires viewers, due in part to its sublime images and the sensual music that mixes the ancient and the modern. It is how Samsara invites viewers to find their own interpretation of this exciting journey around the world.
Warming-up: A very relaxed yoga session while you stay in your cinema seat. Provided by Marinka Achterberg, Yogisha staff member and Studio Los owner.
Thursday May 30, 11.00 am
MANTRA: SOUNDS OF SILENCE
Georgia Wyss | Spain, USA | 2017 | 85’ | English spoken | Dutch subtitles
Documentary about the world of chanting and the healing effect on many of this form of recitative singing, and about how the collective singing of mantras inspires a strong sense of peace from within. Rather than focusing on religion, the film centres on spirituality and on people finding meaning by rediscovering their true self and knowing how to connect with others.
We also meet the musicians who inspired them and learn how they developed Kirtan, a call-and-response form of chanting welcoming all to participate. Among them: Deva Premal & Miten with Manose, Krishna Das, Snatam Kaur, Lama Gyurme & Jean-Philippe Rykiel, Jai Uttal, MC Yogi, Dave Stringer, Mirabai Ceiba, Gaura Vani, Nina Rao, and Charlie Braun.
Warming-up: Yoga teacher, therapist and musician Irene Sportel talks about the healing effects of mantras and chanting. After the screening: a short musical surprise.
TICKETS
Tickets (without discount) €11,50. Available online (via the page of the film) or at the Rialto box office.