Sun Mar 3 — 7 pm

1hr 30min
Documentary
 

Preceded by:

Jeanne’s Hands

Margreth Olin’s Songs of Earth is a transcendent cinematic journey that beautifully and intimately weaves her personal connection to her aging parents into the breathtaking landscapes of Western Norway. Olin invites audiences to figuratively walk in her father’s shoes in this visually awesome doc that shares his love for nature hikes. Songs of Earth deftly considers the preciousness of seemingly inconsequential elements that form the rhythms of daily life. Olin crafts a richly cinematic study of the power of nature, its awe-inspiring magnitude, and its merciless power.

The heart of the film lies in the tender portrayal of the filmmaker’s aging parents, especially her 84-year-old father, Jørgen, a lifelong explorer of Norway’s wilderness. As we accompany him on his daily hikes through the awe-inspiring valley of Oldedalen, a genuine and palpable connection between the characters and the natural world unfolds. Songs of Earth, executive produced by Liv Ullmann and Wim Wenders, is a unique tapestry of sound and image as Olin traverses the Norwegian landscape with her father. Nature is equally beautiful and threatening in the picturesque views and the stories that Jørgen shares along the way.

It’s a documentary that should be seen on the biggest screen at your disposal — whatever showcases its epic cinematography to its best advantage. The cinematography by Lars Erlend Tubaas Øymo offers a grand sense of scale, too, that beautifully captures the call of the wild that draws Jørgen back to the woods. Songs of Earth is a grand essay film: a beautiful work of art that evocatively reminds audiences of the natural wonders to preserve for generations to come. And a profound and metaphorical exploration of our place in the world. It’s a testament to the enduring power of nature, a tribute to family, and an extraordinary cinematic experience that defies categorization.