What is consciousness? Is it in all living beings? What happens when we die? Why do we seem to be hardwired for mystical experience? In these times of existential crisis, there has been an explosion of research into consciousness. After four centuries of silence, scientists are confronting the "Big Questions," cutting a window into a realm previously held tight by philosophy and religion.
AWARE: Glimpses of Consciousness follows six brilliant researchers, approaching the greatest of all mysteries from radically different perspectives, from within and without: through high-tech brain research and Eastern meditation, by scientifically exploring inner space through psychedelic substances and by investigating the consciousness of plants. Scientists are arriving at new insights - some have been integral to Indigenous knowledge for millenia.
AWARE opens as a science film but emerges well beyond the explicable, ultimately leading one on a voyage upon the ocean of consciousness, a contemplative, sensual, cinematographic meditation. The networks of consciousness are reflected in 'grand' imagery revealing the vast interconnectedness of Nature - from the smallest organisms, to the world of plants and animals and on to the cosmos. It invites one to experience the awe and mystery of life as the researchers do, to dive in with them, returning to see the world anew, to review long-held beliefs and assumptions and initiate one's own oceanic journey. Ultimately, to be aware one is aware.
AWARE is the second film in the Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth Trilogy.
"Perhaps you don't need to rely on the latest A.I. technology to attain immortality. The scientists in Frauke Sandig and Eric Black's Aware: Glimpses of Consciousness don't try to reconstruct a mind artificially to uncover its secrets. They examine the evidence that exists, physical and spiritual, in hopes of learning how consciousness works - and how it can be extended." Peter Keough, The Boston Globe
"Aware is an awareness-raiser all by itself. This is an extraordinary film, for its informative scenes in the labs and inspirational interviews with an amazing group of people, and also for its evocative cinematography and music. When used in a group setting, the film will stimulate much post-viewing conversation about the benefits versus challenges of various ways to alter consciousness for personal peace and growth." Tyler Volk, Professor Emeritus of Biology and Environmental Studies, New York University, Author, Quarks to Culture: How We Came to Be
"Aware is a captivating introduction to consciousness, expertly weaving insights from science and spirit, persuasively inviting mind and heart to embrace and explore the mystery within." Don Hoffman, Professor Emeritus of Cognitive Sciences, University of California-Irvine, Author, The Case Against Reality: Why Evolution Hid The Truth From Our Eyes
"Aware is a deeply moving cinematic and philosophical achievement. The film cuts to the very heart of our mystical nature as humans, of consciousness, and of 'what is.' The viewer cannot but walk away with a restored sense of the sheer interconnectedness of the universe. Powerfully shot, fundamentally mind-expanding, and profoundly healing." Anita Hannig, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Anthropology, Brandeis University, Author, The Day I Die: The Untold Story of Assisted Dying in America
"Drawing on new work in science and indigenous wisdom alike, Aware is a lyrical and often moving journey into the prismatic question of consciousness - the wonder of it, the power of it, and how it connects us to the universe that surrounds us." Cary Wolfe, Founding Director, 3CT: Center for Critical and Cultural Theory, Rice University, Author, What Is Posthumanism?
"Aware is a beautiful mix of pacing, cinematography, and material that gives a vehicle for contemplating one of the deepest mysteries of the mind: consciousness. Instead of trying to instill a view on the viewer, Aware opens the mind to possibilities beyond our current concepts, and the interconnectedness that may exist with all living beings." Judson A. Brewer, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Director of Research and Innovation, Mindfulness Center, Brown University
"Aware is an elegant, multi-dimensional meditation on the ultimate nature of human and non-human consciousness. It will be a valuable tool for students and other interested individuals who are just beginning to explore the beautiful, perplexing, awe-inspiring conundrum of Being. Leave your need for concrete answers at the door and prepare to roll around in the mystery." Hillary S. Webb, PhD, Coordinator, Consciousness Studies, Goddard College, Author, Traveling Between the Worlds: Conversations with Contemporary Shamans
"Science and spirituality join forces in the mindful if heavily meditative documentary, Aware...The investigation brings together individuals from both disciplines to provide colorful perspectives...Consciousness-elevating food for thought." Michael Rechtshaffen, Los Angeles Times
"Whether it's an elephant finding amusement at play or a deep introspective psychedelics-induced journey into inner space to find meaning, the film surfaces existential mysteries at the core of the human experience in an entertaining and enlightening fashion." Bradley Gibson, Film Threat
"The very nature of science is at the heart of Frauke Sandig and Eric Black's absorbing documentary, which asks more questions than it can answer in ways that leave you wanting to learn more...Ultimately, we get a touching portrait of a variety of different human beings all circling around the fascinating, perhaps unsolvable, problem of the mind." Bilge Ebiri, Spirituality & Health
"A fascinating look at who we are, and how we fit into the cosmos and life's continuum...Humans are not nearly at a place where we have answered who we are, what we're doing here, and what happens to us when we're gone. Given what is happening to the environment and climate around the world, we could benefit mightily from answering questions about our place in nature and in the universe. A lot would change for the better if we truly knew how interconnected we are. With Aware, Sandig and Black show us some brilliant people getting closer to figuring out something essential to us all." Leslie Combemale, Alliance of Women Film Journalists
"Aware: Glimpses of Consciousness is a heady experience - dare I say spiritual? - that stirs feelings of awe and wonder, humility and connection...The film creates a contemplative openness that words alone might find hard to describe. It's a remarkable film." Valerie Kalfrin, Alliance of Women Film Journalists
"Scientifically and spiritually dense...Aware will leave you feeling like you've unlocked a cheat code for a new level of otherworldly understanding." Morgan Rojas, Cinemacy
"Stunningly deep, wise and visually arresting, Aware: Glimpses of Consciousness is the most mind-blowing film the Maui Film Festival has presented in twenty years! It cracked open my coconut and filled it with insight, mystery, and visions of what might be. See it as soon as you can!" Barry Rivers, Founder and Director, Maui Film Festival
"This film will change your life forever." Alex Ferrari, Indie Film Hustle, Next Level Soul Talks
"It is quite a task to create a film to represent something as ineffable as awareness, and yet the filmmakers, Eric Black and Frauke Sandig, managed to create a work of art that is highly compelling...The cinematography is stunning, offering us abundant images and sounds of nature that evoke both peace and awe, accompanied by a rich and varied soundtrack that contributes to the contemplative mood." Kelly Birch, LA Yoga Magazine
"Not only do words fail. It's notoriously difficult to visually depict a psychedelic state of mind on film. Sandig and Black do so in subtle but powerful ways. Not with cheesy special effects, but with mystical footage of the cosmic dance between sea and sky, forests and ferns, birds and bees...There is awe and wonder coming from all the 'experts' interviewed in Aware, whether they are scientists or mystics. In the end, this is a hopeful film, and God knows we could all use some of that right now." Don Lattin, Lucid News
"A work of such startling beauty that it provides something of a psychedelic experience in itself." The Curb, Australia
"I found Aware to be in many ways the most moving and beautiful depiction of deep understanding of consciousness and of who we are that I have seen depicted through film. I was really stunned and touched and inspired. Underneath it, I see the film as an invitation for us as human beings to step out of our sense of separateness...and realize and understand that we are life itself, that we are part of the living fabric that breathes us and thinks us. And that changes everything." Jack Kornfield, author and Buddhist teacher
"One of the best and most beautifully crafted films on consciousness I have ever seen. And I've seen quite a few. Thought-provoking and inspiring, with exquisite cinematography. Highly recommended for anyone interested in leading edge ideas on consciousness." Peter Russell, Author, From Science to God and Letting Go of Nothing
"Aware is an aesthetically beautiful and philosophically challenging introduction to experimental and experiential explorations of consciousness. This is a compelling immersion in personal journeys of panpsychic mysticism from Buddhist meditation through indigenous healing traditions to psilocybin research in the lab." Patrick Grim, Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Stony Brook University, Philosopher in Residence, Center for Study of Complex Systems, University of Michigan
