Baraka

Baraka is not a typical documentary.  Throughout the hour-long film, there is no narration or text track. There are no spoken or written words, only beautiful images, both still and moving, paired with powerful lyricless music. This work of art is the culmination of 30 months’ hard work, gathering incredible images and clips from 25 countries on six continents. All this hard work and perseverance truly did accomplish producer Mark Magidson’s goal of, "reaching past language, nationality, religion and politics and speak to the inner viewer." I chose to examine this documentary because, from the first time I saw it, at only 5 years old, it left a lasting impression on the way I view the world.

Because the film lacks written or spoken word, it has had the unique opportunity to adopt the language of humanity, rather than the language of any one culture. This ability to communicate with all people, no matter where they come from, has created a film that is recognized around the world as the powerful piece of art that it is. It is able to show aspects of each unique society that it explores simply through emotion-evoking images and music that creates a sense of beautiful mise-en-scene that I have never experienced in any other film. To this day, more than 15 years after I first watched this film, I continue to go back to it always finding new meanings and new insights into humanity.

But what are those meanings and insights the film has to share? Well, I imagine that each person who watches the film receives different messages because we are all applying what we experience throughout Baraka, to our own unique life experiences, resulting in our own unique views as to what the film is saying. I do, however, think that there are specific themes that Baraka explores in very intriguing ways.

The one theme that I believe is sewn into every aspect of the film is that of humanity. We see it in so many different lights, across several different cultures. We see some cultures juxtaposed with nature, while others are immersed within it. We see people living in dirt floor shacks that they only know as home, while other are simply homeless.  We see buildings that appear to be ready to crumble, with children hopefully gazing out the glassless windows. We see the seemingly beautiful life of sex workers in Asia, but then we notice that their eyes are screaming with fear.

To me, and many other Americans, the most powerful scene of Baraka comes when we see the comparison of humans leading modern urbanized lives, to baby chicks who exist only to become fat and be slaughtered. This scene is beyond words for me, so rather than attempt to explain its’ power, you should see it for yourself.

Through Baraka, we have the opportunity to see the struggles and pains that exist across our world. We are given the chance to empathize with man- (and woman)-kind. We also are given the opportunity to think about our own society, and what we can change to better ourselves and better the world. This film has helped me, become more aware of the world. It has made me more informed and provided insights through its images and music that cannot be transferred into words. Unlike the other films that I will be dissecting, there was no specific change that occurred in society because of Baraka. However, I know that it has changed me, and continues to with every new time I watch it. I also know, that people you and me, are our society, and with every time someone sees it for the first time, or even for the 30th time, it changes us, and therefore it changes a piece of society.

You can view the full video here for free - it is well worth the watch. 

You can also learn more about the filming and other aspects of the film here.