Rhetorical questions about what kind of life lies beyond the sun often linger in the back of our minds. However, as technology advances and astrophysics progresses, these questions are slowly being answered. Gradually, we began to understand about rotation and revolution, galaxies, the cosmos, and the possibility of life on other planets.
Those are the big narratives that Behind the Sun (Bentley Brown, 2023) brings to the table. In this documentary, Brown acts as producer, director, editor, and cinematographer. In fact, he is also the sole narrator throughout the documentary. Brown seems to really want to communicate his anxiety to the audience in a more personal way.
Not only does Brown discuss social change within the framework of film and cinema, he also brings a personal story of romantic relationship failure. The two narratives are intertwined in a liminal way in a captured metaphor from the series of NASA footage. Opening our eyes to another universe goes hand in hand with the two main narratives of Behind the Sun (2023), relationships and change.
Other planets and stars in the galaxy symbolize the opportunities and hopes that we can reach if we are willing to grow and open up. Perhaps, the fear of change and indecision over relationships stems from our lack of understanding of the outside universe. Therefore, we are offered to open our eyes (read: hearts) broader throughout this movie.
Find symbolic hope in the universe behind the sun through Behind the Sun (2023). This film is selected in Spektrum Festival Film Dokumenter 2023. (Ahmad Radhitya Alam) (Vanis)
Film Details
Behind the Sun (وراء الشمس)
Bentley Brown | 18 Min | 2023 | Saudi Arabia, United States | Color | 17+
Screening Schedule
12.07 | Gedung ex Bioskop Permata | 15.00 WIB
12.08 | Auditorium IFI-LIP | 13.00 WIB
