Samsara
A non-verbal documentary exploring the wonders of our world
Filmed over five years in twenty-five countries, SAMSARA is a non-verbal documentary from filmmakers Ron Fricke and Mark Magidson, the creators of BARAKA. It is one of only a handful of films shot on 70mm in the last forty years.
Expanding on themes they developed in BARAKA and CHRONOS, SAMSARA explores the wonders of our world from the mundane to the miraculous, looking into the unfathomable reaches of humanity's creativity and destruction.
Neither a traditional documentary nor a travelogue, SAMSARA takes the form of a non-verbal guided meditation. Through powerful images, the film illuminates the links between humanity and the rest of nature, showing how our life cycle mirrors the rhythm of the planet.
The Word “Samsara”
The word SAMSARA comes from Sanskrit and means “the ever turning wheel of life.” It represents the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that connects all living things. This ancient concept provides the thematic framework for the film's journey through sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial sites, and natural wonders.
Technical Achievement
Format
Shot on 70mm film using Panavision cameras
Filming Period
2007 - 2011 (5 years)
Locations
25 countries across 5 continents
Release
2011 (Toronto International Film Festival premiere)
The Filmmakers
Ron Fricke
Director / Cinematographer / Editor
Ron Fricke is a cinematographer and director known for his work on non-narrative visual films. He served as the cinematographer for Koyaanisqatsi (1982) and directed Chronos (1985) and Baraka (1992).
Mark Magidson
Producer
Mark Magidson is the founder of Magidson Films and has produced all of Ron Fricke's directorial work including Chronos, Baraka, and Samsara.
From the Archives
News and updates from the original release cycle (2012–2013).
Archived Updates from the Release