Koyaanisqatsi
USA1982documentary86'Godfrey Reggio Retrospective
The first part of the iconic 'Qatsi' trilogy is a beautiful visual essay made in documentary form. "Koyaanisqatsi" in the language of the Hopi people living in Arizona means "life out of balance" or "life in a state of chaos". The main and only protagonist here is planet Earth, the site of a clash between two different realities: primeval nature and human civilisation. Devoid of any commentary and other conventional film elements, such as screenpaly, plot or classical narrative, it makes an impact by means of evocative images and Philip Glass's music, which brings a strong emotional charge.
- directed by
- Godfrey Reggio
Born in 1940 in New Orleans. Pioneer of the film form, creating poetic images with extraordinary emotional impact. In 1972, he founded the non-profit foundation Institute for Regional Education; two years later, with the support of the American Civil Liberties Union, he protested against media manipulation, sociotechnics, subliminal advertising, and invasion of privacy. He promoted environmental awareness and a return to lost spirituality. He claimed that: the most practical thing in life is idealism. He is the author of the famous Qatsi Trilogy ('Trilogy of Life'): Koyaanisqatsi - 'Life Out of Balance' , Powaqqatsi - "Life in Transformation", Naqoyqatsi - "Life as War". His other films include the short 'Evidence', focusing on the impact of cinema on children, the documentary 'Anima Mundi' - a celebration of the world's fauna, and 'Visitors' showing humanity's trance-like relationship with technology. His latest film is 'Once Within a Time'.
- cinematography
- Ron Fricke
- script
- Ron Fricke, Godfrey Reggio, Michael Hoenig, Alton Walpole
- music
- Philip Glass
- editing
- Ron Fricke, Alton Walpole
- production
- Godfrey Reggio
- Photo