The exotic title reveals some of the 1992 film’s core themes — religious, spiritual, and human expression. Baraka is a Sufi word that means “blessing” in several languages, and the daily rituals of monks, tribes, and other people are explored in Ron Fricke’s film (also photographed in 70mm). Baraka was shot in 24 countries across six continents over a 14-month period. Fricke’s guided meditation, captured through incredible time-lapse photography, is a universal cultural perspective on the complex web of nature and man. You’ve seen Fricke’s work as a cinematographer before in Koyaanisqatsi — a film that is frequently compared to Baraka, and the next non-narrative favorite on our list.
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