February 2014, what a month for the world - seemingly everywhere you looked there's been unrest. Economic meltdown's, corrupt politicians, people standing up against dictatorships and oppressive regimes, or protesting the need for a major sporting event and the financial drain it brings in a developing country, struggling with crime and poverty. In South Africa alone we've seen so many protests in the last couple of years (many turning violent) that in a way it almost feels normal to see images like these; in a way it almost feels like 'we're not alone'. I wrote a piece on the 'culture of violence in SA' - which is something that many public figures have voiced concern over, but looking at the unrest in the world, it seems like that culture permeates all over, because when pushed to the edge, its only message politicians seem to hear. Here's a flash look at what's been going on, spanning across 4 continents. *Warning: Some images contain graphic material that may offend sensitive viewers.* Ukraine, Kiev: - What a difference a couple of weeks can make... innocent victims, a deposed president, and if outside forces (Russia) get involved, this will turn into a civil war: Bosnia and Herzegovina: "After 22 years of being bullied Bosnians are desperate, and must protest... Since the war we have been told to accept our status as victims. Now we are demanding change – and an end to corruption"- "The 85 wealthiest oligarchs in the state are collectively worth $9bn: this "wealth" was looted either via corrupt laws or by siphoning off money from the international community designed to prevent a return to conflict." - theguardian.com - this in addition to the economic crisis. Brazil: the posters say it all Thailand: Anti-Gov protests apposing the ruling party (dictatorship) which has won the last 5 elections. Venezuela, Caracas: "Caracas protesters vow to turn Venezuela into another Ukraine" Libya, Benghazi: "The killings of two more policemen in Benghazi on Wednesday (February 26th) sparked protests by angry young residents." [Image Credits: buzzfeed.com, thechive.com, theguardian.com, presstv.ir, dailymail.co.uk, bbc.co.uk, msnbcnews.com, latino.foxnews.com, ibtimes.com, youmiddleeast.com, latimes.com] From these images we're reminded again of how similar we all are, with the same desires and motivations... and how corruption is rife the world over. Here in SA, as in much of the world, those in power still fail to heed these old quotes “People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.” “A government afraid of its citizens is a Democracy. Citizens afraid of government is tyranny!”
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It may seem pointless to review an award winning film such as this, one that is part documentary, part tribute, part sports film and part ‘love letter to skiing’ – but it warrants a watch even from a neutral observer that has never seen snow in their entire life. Plainly stated, this offering from Sherpas Cinema is fine film all on its own and a complete feast for the eyes, and most of your other senses too. Up front it’s a record of the unparalleled power, majesty and inimitable call of nature and man’s unrelenting spirit, ever willing to answer that summons. Plot Yes there is a vague plot to this film despite it being a real-life sports film with no actors. Its divided into 12 chapters all chronicling various stages within the cycle of being a skier or simply an extreme sports adventurer, though many elements are quite relatable because it tackles issues on a human and even spiritual level. The plot line though is merely to have some kind of central mechanism around which to form the film, so that one doesn’t just have a bunch of random ski experts performing cool tricks and slaloms for over an hour. The true strength of this film however, lies in the truly spectacular cinematography and photography with an innovative cyclic theme running throughout, mastered with technical brilliance. Target This film is way more than a ski film, in fact it’s just so happens to ‘also’ be a ski film, because it transcends such conventions by delivering something artful and exhilarating; and in doing so, Sherpas Cinema have provided a window into the skiing world that appeals to anyone. I recommend this film to anyone. Bottom Line As a layman myself – having not skied once in my short life (which will soon be rectified) – I can say that what immediately appealed to me was the mountains and the climbing (featuring top climber Renan Ozturk – one of the few names I knew, along with photographer Jimmy Chin) and of course the crisp imagery, but soon I found myself lured by the notion of skiing. This of course is one of the goals, to draw more people to the sport, and it does so effortlessly. Another seemingly effortless achievement is the way they portrayed the link between the simplest of things, like old rattle toy, and how its likened to time, the turning clock, the spinning earth, the tides of the oceans, and even man – our cycle of living, dying and rebirth, whether spiritual rebirth or that which exists in nature. It does all this without too much though, but simply by connecting a stream of breathtaking images and footage, all amidst the multi-generational journeys undertaken on the slopes of many a snow covered mountain. Into the Mind is easily a technical achievement as much as it is an exciting and thrilling adventure sports film. For what felt like the first time, you actually feel like one of them as a few of the athletes wear head mounted cameras, waking up in a windswept tent, hiking up a frozen mountain and then waving at death as you ski down – made it all the more personal. There’s plenty of danger, and the tragic elements form a central focus, but it only serves to add another deeper dimension to this portrait, along with a stellar soundtrack. It makes for a well timed exploration of a rather exclusive sport, as the world is currently focussed on the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi – so that if you didn’t have an appreciation for it before, then you will after watching this film. Everyone, whether on a ski slope or in everyday life, goes on their own journey, but our paths are forever interlinked and entwined, it’s part of what makes us human – the personal connection, and another, perhaps final added dynamic to Into the Mind, is camaraderie between all these people, bound by a vision and similar passions, willing to go to extreme and often dangerous lengths to satisfy them… It’s also why (another Winter Olympic phenomenon) why all the athletes tend to get along so well – its more often not so much about the competition, as it is about the ride, or ski, itself. It’s about men and women, the spirit of freedom and adventure, and the endlessly varying echo of nature. (My rating, for what its worth: 90% ) *Apologies, due to technical difficulties beyond my control or prevention, this post is delayed by a week, so the Sochi ref would've made more sense then, but I left it there anyway... Russia has won, and congrats to them, for that and also owning that Olympic logo faux par.* Here's the second trailer for this breathtaking film. For the first trailer and my original preview of it in a post from last year, click here: "Mind Blowing - Into the Mind Film Teaser", along with a bonus trailer. [Image and trailer credits: Intothemindmovie.com] Finding cheer in the world can often be difficult when looking at current events. People tend to complicate matters further resulting in a distorted view of things. Many people allow themselves to be overwhelmed by all the negatives in the world and then ultimately only add on to that negativity. But this is not so much a post about people. I thought of this because there’s a lot of beauty in the world, but some of it you really have to look for. Some beauty needs to be searched for, and some are only revealed fleetingly, to a random observant passer-by, merely finding it in the right moment or a specific time of day or within a certain context. Some paintings can be intriguing and beautiful in their own way even if you can’t explain why, it may not be pretty, but it somehow carries its own haunting beauty that can often resonate deeper than the ‘louder’ more outwardly captivating piece. Sometimes the beauty can be an act of defiance, or even an inaction amidst chaos. It can be a glimpse of what once was – that unique air of ancient glory, now long gone, or it can be quietness of abandon – a place; beautiful simply because it was left alone, and in its solitude, nature and anonymity gave it a different message, a place with no purpose – a forgotten purpose or one that had been served, long since finished. One man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure – it applies greatly to art. Then again one man’s labour and ingenuity can mean another man’s woe, pain and death. Take weapons for instance, the craftsmanship, elegance, discipline and dedication behind sword making – there is a beauty there, in the craft as well in the result – the instrument itself is a thing of beauty, if only for man to complicate matters, for its purpose is ultimately a tool of death. Although some might bestow greater nobility in it, claiming it as a tool of defense, virtue and honour in servitude. Perhaps even something of an heirloom, something to be earned. For me, the concept or existence of beauty, that can be construed as ugly, is in many ways a symbolism of hope. A hope that can transcend place and time and purpose… for what would the world be like without beauty? So when one can see it, or read it, in the most improbable of places, it instils that inherent hope, that there is light even in the darkest of places. That there is life, even when all you see is desolation. Here’s an assorted gallery of examples of portraits of ‘Ugly’ beauty, just exemplifying the different faces of it, of how we perceive it, how we pursue it, because it is so changeable, so diverse – whether in a subtle message, a whisper, an arid landscape, or a fear and awe inspiring act of nature – beauty is something that cannot be harnessed or quantified, because it is not one thing – not in this natural and finite world. It is perhaps the one true signature of something beyond the natural, something elemental, but yet, something otherworldly, the signatures in this world that speaks vividly and subtly of a link, long ago severed, with perhaps a heavenly place... that this now is a distant shadowy relative of that place called Eden. ... I will never be their kind of pretty My pretty is like a sad song with lyrics that make you cry and a haunting melody. --- poem extract "My Pretty", poem by Blankpages on Allpoetry.com Until the end of the 19th century the goals of art were beauty and originality… The new theme was: Art must be a quest for truth, however brutal, and not a quest for beauty. So the question became: What is the truth of art? Upon the Arid Lakes Poem by Mark R Slaughter Someplace A field of flowers Rousing under remnants of the dawn: Out there! from death, I rose Above the silent many – A distant will-o'-the-wisp Reflecting under airs of minor ninths – How rich the ambience they threw! What theme of prosody Had rendered me? – Tho’ silent were its words: A broken soul in pulsing pain – Thou mustn’t guess what goes behind The sick and ghostly screen of war! In sallow-grey and other ashen hues, Disrobed of warming flesh That reassures the bones, A twisted pose Portrayed my physicality – Not unlike the carcass of a prey; --- read more... What would be ugly in a garden constitutes beauty in a mountain. Nothing is beautiful, only man: on this piece of naivete rests all aesthetics, it is the first truth of aesthetics. Let us immediately add its second: nothing is ugly but degenerate man - the domain of aesthetic judgment is therewith defined. [Image credits: 2summers.files.wordpress.com, northlandknives.se, pinterest,com, staticflickr.com, paintingsIlove.com, wandurlust.co.uk, wallmay.net, hotelclub.com, slimbolala.blogspot.com, business.mega.mu, Royalarmouries.org, blightly.co.za, lugaresesquecidos.com.br, talesfromfarpoint.blogspot.com, samouel.deviantart.com, osnatfineart.com, stories.namibiatourism.com.na, Orbiscatholicussecundus.blogspot.com, AviationIntel.com, inspirefirst.com, tactical-life.com, graffuturism.com, static.panoramio.com, buzzfeed.com] Interesting link: take a look at Chernobyl, 25 years after the Fallout... Firstly I have to clarify something for those in the dark: During the Cold War, at the height of the Soviet Union, it was Ukraine that fell under the hammer of the Kremlin the hardest. Why? Because they were the biggest country outside of Russia, with the biggest population (well over 45 million) and the Verhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) the greatest center of power outside of the Kremlin. In addition to that there was their military might – including army, air-force and navy. Of course these elements were absorbed by the Soviets, but to keep the people under the Soviet domination they became the subject of mass propaganda, intimidation and of course the attempted identity assassination. That is, the Kremlin sought to erase the Ukrainian identity, from art to literature, school curriculum's were changed, Libraries were burned and sanctions imposed as Russia attempted to erase the rich history of a country dating back 1000’s of years (much like the central subject matter in the new film Monument’s Men referring there to the Nazis in WWII). In short, Ukraine posed the greatest threat to Russia within the Union, and thus suffered the harshest treatment. The other countries (Bulgaria, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Belarus etc.) would thus toe the line as Ukraine would form the example of how they would be treated if they did not bend to the Kremlin’s will. So, Ukrainian sentiment toward Russia is not pretty. However, even though the Soviet Union fell, Ukraine,gaining independence in 1991, has never quite shaken off the shackles, and is still dependent on Russia for trade and gas. So why the protests? 1. Ukraine wants to join the EU, but to do that it would need to break the ties to Russia and agree to the EU’s terms. Among them would be higher gas prices, meaning every household would pay more for simple heating. President Yanukovych apposed EU integration, effectively rejecting the EU in favour of Moscow. This simple move has hit a strong nerve with the people. 2. Ukraine’s Prime Minister wants to maintain Russian links, but his recent behaviour, even his treatment and regard for the protesters, has left Vladimir Putin looking at alternatives. Although Putin has been rather forceful in his discouragement of any EU deal, threatening Russian sanctions if they “go” or a 15+ Billion stimulus package should they “stay”. “Russia without Ukraine is a country; Russia with Ukraine is an empire." - Foreign Policy Community College saying 3. The Ukrainian people want a different PM, but there’s no viable alternative in the opposition party ranks, so a lot of it has to do with frustration over bad governance. Adding to the tension is that Ukraine is divided, practically in two – the Russian sympathizing East half, and the EU inclined West half (which is also where Kiev is situated and forms the platform for the protests) 4. Ukrainian politics are greatly dependent on Oligarchs and mafia styled ‘family’ dynamics. The current President Viktor Yanukovych, has even mistreated the Oligarchs, mismanaged the economy and his government is said to be rife with corruption. 5. It boils down to Ukraine’s national identity and their ailing economy. The issues may seem simple, but they are deep rooted. Those roots are too deep and too sensitive for Western powers like the US to influence, and even if they tried, they’d only be poking around in a wound - and the ripple effects of that are a little scary, hence the stand-offish approach from the West… A different perspective - taken from a press briefing regarding the security concerns and particularly Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Rights and issues pertaining to the Winter Olympics in Sochi: Alexey Komov - responsible for international relations for the Russian Orthodox Church’s Commission on the Family and Motherhood and the World Congress of Families’ representative in Russia, at the National Press Club in Washington; he said, Russia is changing, perhaps too slowly for some. But its the Kremlin that remains an issue, and it is important to distinguish between the Government and its people, despite the fact that its the people who elected them to power. Their ideals and agendas remain selfish whilst the citizens (customarily) bear the brunt. It’s up to the Ukrainian people to decide their fate, to hopefully grow from this, and in some way better define who they are. My own opinion, is to work out something neutral such that Ukraine can stand on their own – however fantastical an idea that may be…if only… in an ideal world. What is clear though is that the initial riots and subsequent (seemingly reactionary) vehement protests came as a shock to even the president. When he made the anti EU announcement, protesters reacted by toppling a statue of Lenin in Kiev. The people of Ukraine are speaking. [Image credits: washingtonpost.com, "Walter Robotics" on tumblr.com, businessinsider.com, cyprus-mail.com, cnn.com, bbc.co.uk, aljazeera.com] *More of Ukraine on this blog: a look at Chernobyl in pictures, 25 years after the nuclear fallout. Follow up: "Children of Syria" (post from 2 weeks ago) With many children witnessing deaths of loved ones, the shocking UN report released recently claims that some have even been interrogated, tortured and beaten, in addition to basic struggles like finding refuge, aid, warmth (its winter in Syria)... suffering what many battle trained soldiers suffer through, having stressed the plight of PTSD and lack of schooling; these children have inherited the ignominious label of "The War generation". [Image credits: telegraph.co.uk, presstv.ir, nbcnews.com, albawaba.com, embraceme.org] |
[Banner illustration by Joel Kanar]
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