Monisme. 2023. Indonesia/Qatar. Directed by Riar Rizaldi. North American premiere. In Indonesian, Javanese; English subtitles. 115 min.
One of Indonesia’s active volcanoes, Mount Merapi, becomes the epicenter for different points of view in this riveting work of hybrid docu-fiction. Mixing eco-horror, ethnography, and investigative drama, Riar Rizaldi’s arresting confluence of cinematic modes channels the myriad relationships that exist between the volcano and those who live and work at its foothills. Featuring a screenplay cowritten with a volcanologist, a sand miner, and a shaman, the film’s dedication to collaboration dismantles hierarchies between knowledge and beliefs. Captured with stunning cinematography, Mount Merapi becomes an active participant, even protagonist, of a multi-character narrative in which a volcanic eruption would mean imminent death for some and a new beginning for others.