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Where Does Consumer Tech Go to Die?


Samsara, a new documentary directed by American filmmaker Ron Fricke is "a non-verbal guided meditation on the cycle of birth, death and rebirth."

The film explores many layers and components of the cycle of life, one of which investigates the demise of tech hardware after humans have no more use for it.

In one scene, viewers travel to the world's e-waste repositories, the result of a global society's wanton need for electronic consumption. There, they witness Chinese factory workers assembling irons. In a one-minute shot, one employee touches almost 10 irons as they travel the assembly line. She performs small adjustments before quickly moving to the next device.

"There is a message of impermanence in the film, which is also a part of the flow we experience in our lives," says Fricke. "When the flow is interrupted, it can be unsettling, which is what you feel when you see these bits being recycled in Ghana, the replication of humans as robots or dolls, and seeing people behind bars and in cages."


Samsara tackles issues the tech world deals with on a daily basis, albeit somewhat tangentially. At Mashable, we often write about explosive sales growth or the latest patent battle, but what happens as a result of all that production?

"The film is really all about the flow of things, the interconnection of things," Fricke tells Mashable. "We edited the film without any sound or music because we wanted the image to guide the edit. As we were editing, we ended up with all these blocks of subject matter and then those blocks come together to form the film."

Mursi Tribe

Shot in more than 25 countries over a five-year span using a Panavision Super 65mm camera, the film is a testament to dedicated work ethics from both director and producer. Fricke and producer Mark Magidson have worked together previously on a similar endeavor, 1992's Baraka.

With gear weighing close to a ton, organization and logistics were crucial. "We had local production companies in every country we shot, and they help us get filming permits and access to specific locations we've researched. They provide us with drivers and PAs to help us accomplish the realities we encounter when we get out there," explains Magidson.

Since the film is meant to meditate on the flow of life, it is subject to many interpretations. Different audiences will certainly be affected in different ways. Fricke says, "Life invited everyone to the planet and didn't ask anyone to approve the guest list."

Note: The film is best seen in theaters featuring 4k Digital Projection systems. Find theaters in your area here

Images courtesy of Oscilliscope Labs

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