No Exorcism Film: Cosmic Entanglements and Thai Mysticism
Komtouch Napattaloong’s No Exorcism Film is a 20-minute exploration of cosmology and reality in Thailand. Through fleeting, vibrant imagery and enigmatic dialogue, the film blurs the line between the seen and unseen. It delves into the idea of cosmic entanglements, suggesting that our understanding of reality is shaped as much by the invisible as by the tangible.
Watching this film was like stepping into a dream—one where the mundane coexists with the mystical. The visuals, vibrant and layered, evoke a sense of wonder and unease. The dialogue, while sparse, feels deeply meaningful, as though each word holds the weight of entire histories and philosophies.
This reminded me of Non/Living, where microorganisms became metaphors for larger themes of decay and renewal. Both films invite viewers to reconsider their perceptions of reality, focusing on the connections between the material and the immaterial.
Razeh-Del: Iranian Girls and Impossible Dreams
Directed by Maryam Tafakory, Razeh-Del is a 28-minute poetic reflection on ambition, possibility, and the barriers faced by women in 1990s Iran. Inspired by a letter sent by two young girls to the first-ever women’s newspaper in the country, the film imagines their dream of making an “impossible film” while waiting for their words to be published.
Tafakory’s work is deeply moving, blending archival material with imagined narratives to capture the hopes and frustrations of these young women. Their dreams, while constrained by societal expectations, are depicted with a sense of resilience and creativity that feels timeless.
This theme reminded me of The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire, another film that celebrated the voices of women navigating restrictive societal frameworks. Both films are testaments to the power of imagination and storytelling as tools for resistance and self-expression.
Themes Across the Anthology
What ties these three films together is their shared exploration of memory, myth, and resilience. Each film, while rooted in its own cultural context, speaks to universal themes of longing, transformation, and the power of storytelling.
The landscapes in A Night We Held Between, the cosmic imagery in No Exorcism Film, and the dreams of Razeh-Del all serve as metaphors for the ways in which individuals and communities navigate grief, hope, and identity. Together, they form a tapestry of narratives that feel both deeply personal and globally relevant.
Cinematic Techniques and Emotional Impact
Each film in Collective Summoning employs unique cinematic techniques to tell its story. Abed’s use of archival material in A Night We Held Between creates a sense of immediacy and connection to the past. Napattaloong’s vibrant visuals in No Exorcism Film transport viewers into a world where the mystical and mundane coexist. Tafakory’s blend of real and imagined elements in Razeh-Del captures the dreams and frustrations of its young protagonists with poetic grace.
For me, the emotional impact of these films was profound. Each one left me reflecting on the ways in which stories connect us to our histories, our identities, and each other.
Why Collective Summoning Is a Must-Watch
For me, Collective Summoning was more than just an anthology—it was an experience. Each film offered a unique perspective on memory and resilience, creating a collective narrative that felt both deeply personal and universally resonant.
If you were moved by the reclamation of history in A Fidai Film or the poetic exploration of resilience in A Stream of Echoes, Collective Summoning will resonate deeply. It’s a reminder of the strength and beauty found in storytelling across cultures.
