A documentary about a group of pilgrims who travel to Nepal to worship at the legendary Manakamana temple.
It is a hypnotic and profound cinematic experience.
An intimate humanist experiment, the film provokes much delight in its playful structure and in how its rotating ‘protagonists’ act and interact for the omnipresent cameras, with absorbing, sometimes funny mini-narratives created for all of them despite their limited screen time.
Surprising how easy and instantly enriching the film is.
It’s a perplexing film, purporting to celebrate the minutiae of life, which can be undeniably beautiful, but often pretty dull.
If only the viewing environment were more suited to casual contemplation, allowing the audience (like the passengers) to dip in and out of the car in 10-minute stretches.
A shorter trip would have been more welcome but if you’re seeking a Zen escape from the scramble towards Christmas, you may enjoy Manakamana more than the goats.
Stephanie Spray and Pacho Velez on making Manakamana
Cameo, Edinburgh from Friday December 19, 2014, until Tuesday December 23, 2014. More info: http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/