Baraka theatrical poster.

For anyone who identifies as a cultural travel photographer, or just for those with an interest in world culture and the beauty of Earth, the non-verbal movie Baraka is essential viewing. Shot in 24 countries over a 13 month period in widescreen 70mm, it is truly an experience to watch it. I first saw it in 70mm at the cinema back in 1994 or 1995, and have since seen it a couple of times at other cinemas in 70mm, as well as numerous times on DVD and video. I recently watched it again, for perhaps the 20th time, and it’s just as could now as it was the first time I saw it.

Baraka means blessing in a number of different languages and traditions, and in the Sufi context means “breath of life”. The movie itself was released in 1992, and the sequel to it, Samsara, is due to be released in 2011. Like Baraka, Samsara is shot in 70mm and is actually the first feature length movie in over a decade to be shot in this format. Here, director and cinematographer Ron Fricke and producer Mark Magidson talk about the making of this cultural masterpiece. This features some great behind the scenes footage, and shows a few different cuts of images from the final product.

If you haven’t seen Baraka, the trailer is embedded below to give you a taste of what you’re missing. I highly urge you to see it in 70mm if at all possible. Check out the website Spirit of Baraka for more films of this type. The DVD of Baraka is widely available and, although I’ve yet to see it, I’m told the Bluray version is absolutely incredible.

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