Presented as part of the Portland EcoFilm Festival in celebration of Earth Day on April 22.

BARAKA (1992): “Baraka” is an ancient Sufi word, which can be translated as “a blessing or the breath or essence of life from which the evolutionary process unfolds.”  Featuring no conventional narrative and no dialogue, BARAKA takes viewers around the globe to witness a variety of spectacles in both natural and technological realms, from chaotic cities to barren wilderness.  Filmed in 152 locations in 25 countries on six continents, BARAKA brings together a series of stunningly photographed scenes to capture what director Ron Fricke calls “a guided mediation on humanity.”  The production took 30 months to complete, including 14 months on location, with a custom-built computerized 65mm camera.  “The goal of the film,” says producer Mark Magidson, “was to reach past language, nationality, religion, and politics and speak to the inner viewer.”  At the time of its release, BARAKA was the first film in more than twenty years to be photographed in the 70mm Todd-AO format.

Tickets: $12 general admission; $9 Student/Senior, Friend, and Director members. Pre-sale access to Hollywood Theatre members and 70mm donors beginning at noon on Tuesday, March 22.  Tickets open to the general public at noon on Tuesday, March 29.