In Pursuit of Silence
- Patrick Shen
- Andrew BrummePatrick ShenBrandon VedderCassidy Hall
- Patrick ShenBrandon Vedder
- Patrick Shen
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.
- SXSW Film Festival
- CPH:DOX
- Planet in Focus
- Full Frame Documentary Festival
- Sheffield Doc/Fest
- Santa Cruz Film Festival
- Dallas Int'l Film Festival
- Cinema Eye Honors
- Wild & Scenic Film Festival
- Wild & Scenic Film Festival
- Visions/Voices
- SeeYouSound Music Film Festival
“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.”
“…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.”
“…one of the most truly meditative and deeply inventive films of the year.”
“…beguiling, meditative and elegantly photographed documentary.”
