There are other worlds out there beyond the borders of our country. We tout ourselves as “the greatest nation in the world,” and with that comes a serious sense of nationalistic pride – and I'm not saying this is a good thing. It's one of the Seven Deadly Sins, after all. Americans like to think we have all the answers and anything “less” than our way of life is primitive. Of course, there is a kaleidoscope of cultures around the globe, and often those thought of as “primitive” have a depth and beauty we can't even imagine.

Filmmaker Olivia Wyatt set out to experience some of these cultures firsthand, and two of her films will be screened at the Dreamland Film Center tonight, courtesy of the Louisville Film Society. Ms. Wyatt herself will be in attendance for discussion.

First up at 7:30 is Staring Into the Sun, touted as “the latest ethno-folk cinema classic from Sublime Frequencies.” Wyatt took her camera to Ethiopia, believed to be one of the oldest cradles of human civilization, and explored the country via thirteen tribes. The result is “an enchanting look at these ethereal images, landscapes and sounds from the horn of Africa.”

Following Staring at the Sun at 9:00 is The Pierced Heart & the Machete, a phantasmagoria of sound, music, and striking images as Wyatt explores the island of Haiti and two Voodoo pilgrimages. The film has been described as “disorientating, ecstatic and explicit, homely and healing.”

The Dreamland Film Center is located at 810 E. Market Street. Admission is $5.00 for each individual film or $8.00 for the double feature.

Further information about Sublime Frequencies films can be found here.

Image: press release