Directed by Ron Frick, 1992 (98 Minutes)
Documentary; Non-narrative; Nature; Relationship; Diversity; Global; Spirituality; Religion
Watch the film here: https://youtu.be/TRBJSKSBy-w
Baraka is a brilliant film in which awe-inspiring scenes from 24 different countries are synergistically combined with entrancing music. I admire this film for its amazing content, but I am also impressed by the dynamic editing and the sequence choice in the whole film. According to the film makers, the word ‘Baraka’ is a Sufi term which means ‘a blessing’, and indeed, Baraka is a blessing. Without any narration or commentary, the film tells a story about the awesome diversity within human culture. The film can be watched for free on YouTube, but here is the trailer if you just want a glimpse: https://youtu.be/ZSfFHxyYJJA.
If you have 90 minutes on your hands, I highly recommend giving your whole attention to Baraka. This film can truly offer a rich experience. Although Baraka was filmed in 24 different countries, none of the locations are revealed in the film. I found the purposeful avoidance of identifying the locations and cultures shown in the film to be effective and interesting. For me, I enjoy the way that it adds a sense of mystery during the experience. Trying to work out where might not feel necessary while watching, if you are too enthralled by what you are seeing. But don’t worry, for those who are curious, the film details can be easily found on the internet.
Baraka will take you from tranquil mountain tops to peculiar fast-paced ritual dances. The film displays both the sacred and the mundane – from quiet religious performances to time-lapse views of crowded cities bustling with busy people. What I appreciate about this film is its inclusion of many different domains of human life. It is incredible how astonishingly well the film shows a distinction between different ethnic groups. It is truly mind-blowing when moving from a ritual performance of shirtless men in the forest, to seeing a massive military march of identically dressed humans walking in perfect synchronization. Baraka is more than just a world tour – there is something deeper being shown about humanity. I question the vastness of human phenomenon, and how much there is we don’t know about each other. This film shows the diversity in how human’s can possibly relate to life, to their community, to their country, or to the planet.
The contrast between scenes is sometimes striking, but well implemented. As the music is working in dynamic conjunction with the changing pace of the scenes, the film becomes an ecstatic rollercoaster of a journey. Also, Baraka does not only orient itself towards human life. Beautiful shots of landscapes and animals are weaved into the film. Of course, for a film which depicts the strangeness and beauty of human life on Earth as a whole, it does well in reflecting our interconnectedness to our environment. The filmmakers show us the beauty of nature, but also its destruction. Moreover, we are shown the faces of genocide victims. At one moment I am feeling serenity with soft music, but soon afterwards I feel the pain of mass environmental devastation, while an intense conglomeration of sound is shaking me. I would say that a movie like this is an artistic masterpiece, but it is also an extremely powerful form of activism.
While watching this film, I often felt the boundary dissolve between my self and the ‘other’. There are many moments where long motionless shots are taken of the ‘other’ staring back in complete stillness. These scenes especially moved me because I felt a sense that the soul is staring back at itself. It is subtle but so powerful how the incorporation of these shots into the film kind of communicates to the viewer the interconnection and sameness between every being. That is why I would say that this film is meant for the whole of humanity. Any person who watches Baraka will find an ‘other’ staring back at them and will perhaps experience something of a shared essence.
Baraka is a rarity and an eye-opening film to say the least. Even though the film makers may have enjoyed exploring the world and meeting people, I cannot imagine the length of arduous work they went through. Not to mention the quality soundtrack (composed by Michael Stern) that shadows each moment. Keeping all that in mind when watching this film definitely makes it more impressive.
Baraka sends a message to the heart of the viewer, and what that means for you, I don’t know. I hope it impacts you as much as it did for me, and after all these words I gave for a speechless film, I sincerely hope you watch it without expectations. If you do choose to watch it, and you want to see more, feel free to check out Baraka’s 2011 sequel, ‘Samsara’.
All photos retrieved from: https://movie-screencaps.com/baraka-1992
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