Transcendental Media
Film still from In Pursuit of Silence

In Pursuit of Silence

2016 | 81 min

Credits

Director
Patrick Shen
Producers
Andrew BrummePatrick ShenBrandon VedderCassidy Hall
Cinematographers
Patrick ShenBrandon Vedder
Editor
Patrick Shen
In Pursuit of Silence film poster

Beginning with an ode to John Cage's seminal silent composition 4'33″, the sights and sounds of this film delicately interweave with silence to create a contemplative and cinematic experience that works its way through frantic minds and into the quiet spaces of hearts. As much a work of devotion as it is a documentary, In Pursuit of Silence is a meditative exploration of our relationship with silence and the impact of noise on our lives.

From the Desert Fathers and mothers of the third century AD who became a model for early Christian monasticism to John Cage's 4'33″ which would go on to inspire a generation of artists, humankind has had a long fascination with silence. Yet in our race towards modernity, amidst all the technological innovation and the rapid growth of our cities, silence is now quickly passing into legend.

From causing aggressive behavior to hundreds of thousands of heart attacks around the world, there is no aspect of human life that noise does not infringe upon. Silence as a resource for respite and renewal from the sensory onslaught of our modern lives is now more important than ever before.

Opened in theaters in the U.S., U.K., Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Austria, and Luxembourg in 2016–2018.

Selected Screenings & Awards

  • SXSW Film FestivalOfficial Selection
  • CPH:DOXOfficial Selection
  • Planet in FocusBest International Feature
  • Full Frame Documentary FestivalGrand Jury Award Nomination
  • Sheffield Doc/FestStorytelling & Innovation Award (Runner-up)
  • Santa Cruz Film FestivalBest Documentary Feature
  • Dallas Int'l Film FestivalBest Documentary (Special Jury Award)
  • Cinema Eye HonorsBest Original Score Nomination
  • Wild & Scenic Film FestivalJury Award
  • Wild & Scenic Film FestivalAudience Choice Award
  • Visions/VoicesSpecial Jury Award
  • SeeYouSound Music Film FestivalBest Storytelling Award

“Half visual essay, half verbal investigation, “Silence” is thoughtful and informative as well as contemplative and restorative. It both tells you why you perhaps yearn for silence and shows you what it would look like if you could find it.”

Kenneth Turan / Los Angeles Times

“…this elegant sermon by Patrick Shen on why we should dial down the racket of our daily lives will make you consider turning off and tuning out.”

Jeannette Catsoulis / New York Times

“…one of the most truly meditative and deeply inventive films of the year.”

Kate Erbland / IndieWire

“…beguiling, meditative and elegantly photographed documentary.”

Joe Morgenstern / Wall Street Journal

Trailer