Movie spotlight
World Uprising: Earth Sound Transmission Ritual
Camera person unknown, 1971, B&W, silent, 18 min. Courtesy of Kumiko Matsuzawa. This film documents actions performed for World Uprising by Taii Ashizawa and Taku Furusawa, who worked together as Satsuma Workshop. According to the art magazine Bijutsu Techō, Ashizawa acting on behalf of the Interstellar Vibration Association and conducted an Earth Sound Transmission Ritual consisting of three parts. In Ritual One, four people respond to the four fundamental elements (fire, water, earth, air) and emanate earth sounds through psychokinesis. In Ritual Two, the sound of the earth is transmitted via radio waves. Ritual Three shows the sound of the earth extinguished in a fire on an altar, and reproduced and transmitted into outer space through the wisdom of a fire deity. The film documents Ritual One, as well as Taku Furusawa is performing Ritual One / EVENT at the same site and going into convulsions.
Insights
Plot Summary
This avant-garde film captures a unique, unscripted event from 1971 where artists and musicians gathered to 'transmit' sounds to the Earth. It documents an experimental ritual aimed at exploring the relationship between human sonic creation and the natural environment. The footage is raw and observational, focusing on the process and the atmosphere of the gathering.
Critical Reception
As an experimental and largely unreleased work, 'World Uprising: Earth Sound Transmission Ritual' has a limited critical footprint. Its significance lies primarily within niche circles of sound art and experimental film enthusiasts. Critical discussions often focus on its avant-garde nature and its exploration of unconventional artistic practices.
What Reviewers Say
A fascinating, albeit esoteric, exploration of sound and environment.
Presents a rare glimpse into an unusual artistic experiment from the early 1970s.
Its experimental nature may alienate mainstream viewers but rewards patient observation.
Google audience: Information regarding audience reviews on Google is not readily available for this niche experimental film.
Fun Fact
The film's lack of a credited director and its release through underground channels contribute to its enigmatic status in experimental cinema history.
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