MONTE GRANDE what is life?

Switzerland, October 2004
FILM, Documentary, 80 min.

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directed by
Franz Reichle
Written by
Franz Reichle
Status
In distribution
Website
www.montegrande.ch

How is it possible for body and mind to exist as an integrated whole? The Chilean neurobiologist Francisco Varela devoted his entire life – from childhood to death – to answer this question. The structure of the film is based on Varela's non-linear thinking and focuses on autopoiesis, ethics, consciousness, meditation and dying. The film also includes narrative accounts and reflections from Varela himself, his relatives, leading scientists, friends and thinkers, such as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Heinz von Foerster as the father of cybernetics, Jean-Pierre Dupuy, Evan Thompson, Anne Harrington, Humberto Maturana etc. Three key concepts shape the film: the relationship between body and mind (embodiment), the meaning of self responsibility (autonomy) and spirituality.

credits

World Premiere
October 2004
Original Version
French, English, Spanish, German,  colour, 35mm, 80 min.
Production
T&C Film AG, SRF Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen, Teleclub AG
Producer
directed by
Franz Reichle
Written by
Franz Reichle
Cinemato­graphy
Franz Reichle, Matthias Kälin
Editing
Franz Reichle
Sound Design
Jürg von Allmen
Re-Recording Mix
Jürg von Allmen
Location Sound Mix
Franz Reichle

Cast

Francisco Varela

World Sales / World Rights

World Rights
Franz Reichle

Festivals

(a selection)

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