Embrace of the Serpent (2015)

It is comforting that there are many ways to beauty, wisdom, healing and splendor. Yet, by neglect and ignorance, we risk losing many of them. This compelling and radiant black and white film takes viewers on an ethno-botanical journey to a faraway place, deep into the Colombian Amazon. The film blends fact and fiction and traces the parallel canoe explorations by a German explorer, Theodor Koch- Grunberg in 1909, and an American scientist, Richard Evans, in the 1940s. Both explorers meet the same native medicine man, Karamakate. Their ensuing explorations together, ostensibly in search of an elusive flower with amazing medicinal properties, leads them to discoveries within themselves as well as in the forest. "Listen to what the river can tell you," says Karamakate "every tree, every flower brings wisdom."

The only way to heal is by learning how to dream. They emerge from the forests as different men. What unites them is their love of plants. The film takes a balanced view of each character and puts no one on a pedestal. The cinematography is enthralling, the soundtrack is mesmerizing and the acting is superb. The only downside is that the film might benefit from more money and support (or it could detract from it as well, I'm not sure). The film creates a needed space for consideration and dialogue between diverse cultures. We neglect and abuse other cultures, and the environment, at our peril. Seen at the Toronto International Film Festival 2015.