Land of Silence and Darkness

Sunday, August 14, 2016

“A stunning documentary about 56-year-old Fini, blind and deaf since her late teens. After 30 years of being confined to her bed by her mother, she fought to overcome her immense isolation by helping others similarly afflicted. While some of these tragically incommunicable individuals make for painful viewing, Herzog also demonstrates the humour and joys of a day at the zoo, or of a first plane flight, where touch and togetherness in suffering offer the sole but undeniable reason for living. The courage on view is astounding, and Herzog’s treatment is never voyeuristic or sentimental, but sensuous and overwhelmingly moving.” –Time Out (London)

Image ©Werner Herzog Film

Part of the series Ecstatic Truths: Documentaries by Herzog

• Country West Germany
• Year 1971
• Running Time 85 minutes
• Director Werner Herzog

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.