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Powaqqatsi (1988) Life in Transformation Official Site *** of **** Rated G Length: 100 min. Credits: Written by Godfrey Reggio and Ken Richards Directed by Godfrey Reggio Music Composed by Philip Glass

Definition: po.waq.qa.tsi  (from the Hopi language, powaq sorcerer + qatsi life) n., an entity, a way of life, that consumes the life forces of other beings in order to further its own life.

Powaqqatsi focuses on the effects of technology on human society in the southern hemisphere.  Because this film was made in 1988, it doesn't really bring up the imperialism as it has now become the internal colonization by the subjugation of the people within the industrialized nations. "The term "third world" proceeds from a point of view that I thoroughly reject.  The name comes from the industrialized first and second world, the capitalist and socialist blocks. Hence, people have bought into the Truman Doctrine of the Third World being underdeveloped, therefore they have the need to develop.  It's salacious form of terminology.  These societies are not undeveloped or unprogressive, they're societies of tradition and tenacity that need to develop, but without aid, without our pattern, along their own lines." - Godfrey Reggio The message is not as clear as it was in Koyaanisqatsi, but it is there.  The natural flow of human activity is transformed by the mechanization of the less developed nations.  The significance of the statement is left for the audience to decide.  It is worth seeing if you ever get the chance.

Phillip Glass' music is infectious, entrancing, and uplifting.  Soundtrack Album, digitally remastered and re-released in 1998: 1. Serra Pelada 2. Title 3. Anthem (Part 1) 4. That Place 5. Anthem (Part 2) 6. Mosque And Temple 7. Anthem (Part 3) 8. Train To Sao Paulo 9. Video Dream 10. New Cities In Ancient Lands, China 11. New Cities In Ancient Lands, Africa 12. New Cities In Ancient Lands, India 13. Unutterable 14. Caught! 15. Mr. Suso #1 16. From Egypt 17. Mr. Suso #2 With Reflection 18. Powaqqatsi ______________ next movie: Naqoyqatsi (2002+, production began in late 2000!)  A way of Life as War Credits:   Directed by Godfrey Reggio   Music Composed by Philip Glass "War is not just involved in the overt military activities, but intrinsic to the nature of centralized complex societies, that in fact it provides stability to the society" - Godfrey Reggio

APPENDIX: SOURCES FOR OBTAINING THE QATSI SERIES MOVIES: The home viewing distribution rights are being disputed, which makes this rare film very difficult to come by.  Previous releases were on VHS and LaserDisc.  1) It always helps to know someone that has a copy of the film. 2) Your local public or college library may have a copy. 3) Some video rental stores may have a copy.  I found two rental stores that had Powaqqatsi. 4) Online auctions do have these movies, but they are expensive.  On ebay, the VHS goes for $US 75-105, and the LaserDisc goes for $US 180.  Yahoo is much cheaper than ebay.  When the dispute is resolved and distribution begins, prices will plummet.  5) There is an autographed limited edition DVD that may still be available through the Official Site for $US 180.  $155 of this is a charitable tax deduction.  There are no extras with this DVD.  6) Campaign your local cinema!  Local art houses, classic movie houses, and colleges would be the place to go.  The first movie made good box office.  With the third movie, Naqoyqatsi, likely coming out in two years, They may be interested in preceding the opening with a prior movie.  The committee of students choosing movies can be very flexible.  REFERENCES: Koyaanisqatsi (1983) Life out of Balance Powaqqatsi (1988) Life in Transformation Naqoyqatsi (2002+) A way of Life as War Apocolypse Now (1979) Requiem For A Dream (2000)