Nestled deep in the postcard-perfect French Alps, the Grande Chartreuse is considered one of the world’s most ascetic monasteries. In 1984, German filmmaker Philip Gröning wrote to the Carthusian order for permission to make a documentary about them. They said they would get back to him. Sixteen years later, they were ready. Gröning, sans crew or artificial lighting, lived in the monks’ quarters for six months—filming their daily prayers, tasks, rituals and rare outdoor excursions. This transcendent, closely observed film seeks to embody a monastery, rather than simply depict one—it has no score, no voice over and no archival footage. What remains is stunningly elemental: time, space and light. One of the most mesmerizing and poetic chronicles of spirituality ever created, INTO GREAT SILENCE dissolves the border between screen and audience with a total immersion into the hush of monastic life. More meditation than documentary, it’s a rare, transformative theatrical experience for all.
For Into Great Silence website and trailer, click here.
Sunday, December 9, 2007 at 1:00 PM. San Marco Theatre
Tickets: $5 for Friends of the Fest members, $7 Seniors, Students & Military,$8 General Public. (Note: REEL Peeps will be honored thru current membership expiration dates)Tickets (if available) will also be available at the door.
Click here to purchase Friends of the Fest membership.