| KOYAANISQATSI 25th
Anniversary: A Tribute to the Qatsi Trilogy
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This series is an Aero Theatre Exclusive!
A master of mixing poetic images with sweeping music, award-winning director Godfrey
Reggio is best known for his QATSI trilogy, three films that explore the epic clash
between the natural and man-made worlds.
After a childhood spent in the South, Reggio joined the Christian Brothers, a Roman
Catholic pontifical order, at the age of 14. He spent the next 14 years in silence,
studying to be a monk. Afterwards, he taught school in the Southwest, while also heavily
involved in his community. He co-founded the Institute for Regional Education in Santa Fe,
N.M. and also worked with the American Civil Liberties Union, co-organizing a
public-interest campaign on the invasion of privacy and the use of technology to control
behavior. This was followed by his next project – moviemaking.
KOYAANISQATSI, Reggio’s first film, was made between 1975 and 1982. The
apocalyptic theme of technology taking over nature and humanity also would be explored in
his later films. Renowned composer Philip Glass provided the musical score, and the two
would later collaborate on the other films in the trilogy. POWAQQATSI (1988) came next,
followed by "Anima Mundi" (1992) and "Evidence" (1995). In 1993 Reggio
helped to develop Abrica, a new school founded by the Benetton Company that explores the
arts, mass media and technology. While there he completed the final film in the
"Qatsi" trilogy, NAQOYQATSI (2002). Reggio currently lives in New Mexico and is
working on a new film that will explore the negative effects of consumerism on the world. We are thrilled to be welcoming director Godfrey Reggio for the 25th
anniversary celebration of KOYAANISQATSI the first of the QATSY trilogy!
Friday, September 19 - 7:30 PM
25th Anniversary Screening:
KOYAANISQATSI, 1982, MGM Home Entertainment, 86 min.
Dir. Godfrey Reggio. The most famous and well-known of the QATSI trilogy,
KOYAANISQATSI explores our perceptions of the world. The title of the film is taken from
the Hopi word meaning "life out of balance," and that concept is used to examine
the conflicts between technology and the environment. Philip Glass’ haunting,
stunning score accompanies Reggio’s exploration of the idea that we don’t live
with nature any longer – we live off of it. Perhaps the best-received of
Reggio’s works, KOYANNISQATSI has a massive cult following and has influenced
filmmakers and filmgoers alike. View
Trailer
"Evidence" (1995,
8 min.) Dir. Godfrey Reggio. Reggio, along with student Angela Meliopulous,
continues in the exploration into the pervasive nature of technology. A haunting
examination of children watching television, "Evidence" addresses the
physiological, spiritual and social aspects of this favorite pastime.
"Anima Mundi" (1992, 28 min.)
Dir. Godfrey Reggio. A visit to the animal kingdom accompanied by an ethnic
music-based soundtrack by Philip Glass. Reggio’s theory is that a harmonic principle
controls the laws of life on earth and has since the beginning of time: Beauty and natural
order are based on the differences between the species, and all of these different groups
form the balanced Whole. Discussion in between films with
director Godfrey Reggio.
Saturday, September 20 - 7:30 PM
Double Feature:
POWAQQATSI, 1988, 99 min. Dir. Godfrey Reggio.
Powaqqatsi, or "life in transformation," is a study of developing nations and
the effect that Westernization has had upon them. Co-written with Ken Richards, the film
explores the disappearance of ancient cultures and customs that occurs under modernization
from the Western world. A celebration of themes like craftsmanship, labor, worship and
creativity, the film draws connections between the individuality of different cultures and
the collaborative concept of the "Global Village." View Trailer
NAQOYQATSI, 2002, Miramax, 89
min. Dir. Godfrey Reggio. Reggio’s most recent film examines the transition
from nature to technology via the idea of "war as a way of life." The war in the
title’s definition refers to the epic battle between the natural world and the
technological one. People in the film do not use technology as a tool, but as a means of
living. Because the hunger for technology is infinite, its power is as well. Official Website Discussion in between films with director Godfrey Reggio. |
