Working with a dedicated team of translators, journalists and cameramen, Yann Arthus-Bertrand spent three years collecting real-life stories from 2020 women and men in 60 countries and 63 languages. The result: Human, a profoundly personal and emotional film interspersed with stunning aerial footage that offers insight into life on earth.
The filmmaker says: “I dreamed of a film in which the power of words would resonate with the beauty of the world. Putting the ills of humanity at the heart of my work – poverty, war, immigration, homophobia – I made certain choices. Committed, political choices. But the people talked to me about everything: their difficulty in growing as well as their love and happiness. This richness of the human word lies at the heart of Human. The movie relates the voices of all those, men and women, who entrusted me with their stories. And it becomes their messenger.”
Testimony of the Earth
The narrative is an inspirational odyssey, a movement to encourage reflection on the human condition and to stimulate conversation around the meaning of our existence. From freedom fighters in Ukraine, to farmers in Mali, to death row inmates in the US, the film examines some of the challenges our civilisation faces.
A beautiful, humanistic doccie the filmmaker ponders why do we keep making the same mistakes generation after generation? The production has three voices: the voice of the people, the testimony of the Earth, and the lyrical voice of the music.
Following the success of Arthus-Bertrand’s previous work, Home, seen by more than 600 000 million people, Human’s premiere was the choice at the United Nations to honour the 70th anniversary of the United Nation General Assembly.
Armand Amar’s soundtrack enhances the imagery, providing a rhythm to the narrative. The music underscores the diversity of the stories in the film. Through the prism of his compositions, he magnifies the voices of both the people and the Earth.
Youssou N’Dour, Divna and Ravid Kahalani
Musicians from around the globe contributed to the soundtrack. The 47 soloists include Youssou N’Dour, Divna and Ravid Kahalani, plus a symphony orchestra. The Bettencourt Schueller Foundation financed the production for philanthropic reasons, giving GoodPlanet Foundation total screening permission to the widest possible audience.
Where and when: Labia Theatre, Cape Town. Daily 6pm
Running time: 130 min
Tickets: R50, www.webtickets.co.za
Info: Labia 021 424 5927
Visit: www.human-themovie.org
WS
