Film Archive

Cielo

Documentary Films - Competition 2018 / Cielo / Canada, Chile 2017

After every scorching day in the Chilean desert of Atacama night falls cold, and overhead a gateway opens to the enigmatic depths of the universe. Nowhere else does the night sky shine with so many stars; nowhere else does a fixed look upward evoke so many indescribable emotions. This powerful cinematic experience prompts an irresistible urge to lie in the grass and look up at the stars.

Synopsis

After every scorching day in the Chilean desert of Atacama, the most arid place on Earth, night falls cold, and overhead a gateway opens to the enigmatic depths of the universe. Nowhere else does the night sky – so difficult to grasp with a rational eye, therefore so easily overwhelming – shine with so many stars as here; nowhere else does a fixed look upward evoke so many indescribable emotions. Whether listening to astrophysicists talk about the purpose of looking for exoplanets or to simple country folk retelling mythical stories, questions arise concerning how we relate to ourselves and to our place in the world. This powerful cinematic experience prompts an irresistible urge to go outside, lie in the grass, and look up at the stars.

Martin Horyna

About the film

78 min / Color, DCP
European premiere
Director Alison McAlpine / Dir. of Photography Benjamin Echazarreta / Music Phillippe Lauzier / Editor Andrea Chignoli / Producer Alison McAlpine / Production Second Sight Pictures / Coproduction Errante Producciones / Sales SeaFar North
www: http://cielo-thefilm.com/