Sara Dosa's cinematic journey continues with 'Time and Water', a captivating sequel to her Sundance success, 'Fire of Love'. But this time, the focus shifts from volcanoes to glaciers, and from a love triangle to intimate family bonds. A powerful exploration of environmentalism and human connection is about to unfold.
After the acclaim of 'Fire of Love', Dosa reconnected with Andri Snær Magnason, a scientist, poet, and eco-activist, whose involvement in the 2019 Icelandic film 'The Seer and the Unseen' left a lasting impression. Magnason, a prominent figure in Icelandic environmentalism, is a writer of poetry, science fiction, and environmental journalism, and even ran for the presidency. His multifaceted talent and passion for nature set the stage for an extraordinary collaboration.
'Time and Water' delves into Magnason's personal life, revealing a family captivated not by volcanoes, but by the majestic glaciers of Iceland. Here's where it gets intriguing: Magnason's unique perspective, described by Dosa as 'cosmic', weaves together seemingly disparate elements, creating an emotional and human narrative. This narrative is further emphasized by the film's focus on the funeral of Iceland's first dead glacier, prompting a profound question: How do we bid farewell to the natural wonders that are disappearing around us?
The inspiration for this thought-provoking theme came from Magnason's article, 'How do you say goodbye to a glacier?' Dosa was deeply moved by the concept, recognizing the lack of language and rituals to cope with the unparalleled losses people are facing, be it the climate crisis or the global pandemic. And this is the part most people miss: The film aims to bridge this gap by presenting the story of a glacier and a family through a cinematic lens, offering a new way to process and understand grief.
The film's narrative is further enriched by Magnason's grandparents' archive of glacier photography, capturing a time before the world knew glaciers were vanishing. The beauty and boundlessness of their imagery serve as a powerful backdrop to the story. Dosa and her team, including producers Shane Boris and Elijah Stevens, were captivated by the archive and successfully pitched the project to NatGeo, securing their support.
The family video archive, according to Dosa, is not just about glaciers but also about human and planetary memory. This theme of love and memory is a recurring thread in 'Time and Water', much like it was in 'Fire of Love'. Magnason, as the narrator, guides the audience through the film, sharing writing credits with Dosa and her editors, Erin Casper and Jocelyn Chaput, as they navigated the complexities of storytelling.
The film draws inspiration from Magnason's 2019 book, 'On Time and Water', but is not a direct adaptation. Instead, it serves as a companion piece, providing a rich source of language and themes. Dosa and her team maintained a close collaboration with Magnason, sending him frequent cuts and scripts, ensuring his voice was seamlessly integrated into the film.
Filming on glaciers presented its challenges, but Dosa's team was well-prepared with experienced glacial guides and an exceptional Director of Photography, Pablo Alvarez Mesa. Mesa's skill in capturing water systems, fog, waterfalls, streams, and ice on both digital and 16mm formats was crucial in showcasing the grandeur and magic of the ice. The use of a Bolex and an Ari camera further enhanced the visual storytelling, creating a dialogue between the present and the archival footage.
The film opens with a mysterious scene, featuring blue objects and Magnason's voice addressing a person in the future, perhaps a descendant. This sets the tone for a thought-provoking journey, inviting viewers to connect with the idea that we may never meet due to living in different times. But here's where it gets controversial: Magnason's question, 'Would saying the name Iceland be summoning a ghost?' challenges us to consider a future without glaciers and the impact of our actions on the environment.
Dosa's emotional response to this question highlights the urgency and importance of the film's theme. She acknowledges the uneven impact of the climate crisis but emphasizes the profound loss surrounding us. A bold statement: Working on a film about grief while experiencing collective grief is challenging, yet it underscores the film's relevance and emotional depth.
Dosa's upcoming projects include several short films and a collaboration with Mexican director Otilia Portillo Padua, set to premiere at South by Southwest. Additionally, they are developing a project about cyclical earthquakes in Mexico City, exploring themes of geologic time, memory, and the legacies of colonial violence. This project promises to delve into the complexities of living in a place where the earth itself is a source of both beauty and potential destruction.
'Time and Water' is set to make its world premiere at Sundance on January 27, leaving audiences eager to immerse themselves in this captivating and thought-provoking documentary.
