A Letter of Motivation by Benoit Rouilly
A Letter of Motivation by Benoit Rouilly to Contemplation Cinema
It is an experiential kind of filmmaking that invites the spectators to slow down and feel the pace of real life. Rather than being manipulated by an overpowering musical score dictating every emotional beat of your roller coaster ride, silent pauses will accompany you through a journey to rediscover yourself. Characters will say very little, but you’ll be in touch with them all the better, through eye contact and non verbal communication.
Silence makes way for body language, and your intuition shall take over after a deeper exposition to all sorts of novel stimuli.
"Sometimes, sitting down and watching the world go by is enough."
Patience is key. Care is paramount. That is what Contemplative Cinema is doing, allowing you to rekindle an uninhibited look on people and their environment. Real world, real life, real time, real people.
You don’t have to abandon mainstream entertainment. There is a time and a place for every kind of cinema. But recognising that sometimes you need something different will give you peace of mind and respite.
"Contemplation helps to focus on the real life issues and allows for intimate memories to resurface and enrich your day."
Contemplative films could feel a bit unfamiliar and paralysing, even discomforting or boring at times… You may have left a screening wondering whether you understood what you’ve just seen. You might feel unable to put into words your deepest sensations. No two people live through such films in the exact same manner. They produce personal, moving reactions.
There is no correct way to apprehend these films.
There is no wrong way to comprehend them.
There is only your way: genuine sincerity, as long as you give them a chance to reach out to you.
This blog is an open invitation to share with the world your impressions after watching a contemplative film and compare it with other responses of your fellow audience members.
Contemplative Cinema does not produce uniform viewing experiences, therefore each feedback is unique and deeply personal. This is precisely what makes discussing it so rich and rewarding for all involved: spectators, reviewers, curators or even filmmakers.
Whether you’re writing about a film for the first time, or simply mustering the courage to share an emotion, positive or negative, this space is for you.
Go on and say what unsettled your day because of that film. Write about the image that lingers with you, long after the film ended. Detail an impression that moved you discreetly. A question is bothering you, ask away. Or answer to others who have already posted an inquiry.
If you believe a poem is the best reaction to an unspeakable film, then that’s it. One word, a sentence, a review, an essay… all forms are welcome.
"No technical knowledge nor critical expertise is required.
The act of writing itself is helping to better grasp the film
you couldn’t place in your mind during viewing. "
You’re curious, hesitant, enthusiastic, critical, perplexed, helpless, puzzled, surprised, conquered, you are invited to be a witness. Share your point of view with everyone, and learn from them. This blog is yours.
Every response you post here becomes part of something larger: a living conversation about cinema, about attention, about what it is to truly see… You already belong here. Don’t keep it to yourself. We are listening.
Benoit Rouilly
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Thank you very much Benoit for your wishes and motivation. We should continue our conversations about contemplative slow cinema and work towards making it more accessible and widespread among the general public.
- Contemplation Cinema
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