Watch Three Miles North of Molkom

Three Miles North of Molkom is a 2008 documentary film directed by Robert Cannan and Corinna Villari-McFarlane. The movie follows the journey of 200 participants from different parts of the world who gather in a remote Swedish forest to attend a week-long New Age retreat known as the "No Mind Festival." The film begins by introducing us to some of the attendees, including a popstar from Japan, a mother of two from Manchester and an Indian philosopher. Each of them shares their reasons for attending the festival and their expectations from it.

We then see how the festival unfolds, starting with the opening ceremony where participants chant, sing and dance around a bonfire. The festival focuses on spiritual growth, personal development, connection with nature and creating a sense of community. The attendees participate in a variety of workshops and classes, including meditation, dance therapy, drumming circles, and tantra.

Throughout the film, we witness both the beautiful and the bizarre aspects of this festival. On one side, there are incredible moments of vulnerability, honesty and emotional breakthroughs that move the participants to tears. They share their deepest fears, hopes, and insecurities, and find empathy and support from their fellow attendees. There are also moments that are joyful, free-spirited and celebratory, as people lose their inhibitions and truly let go.

On the other hand, there are moments that are odd and sometimes cringe-worthy. Participants bark like dogs, hug trees, roll in the mud, and take part in "trust falls." We also see some conflicts between participants and facilitators when the boundaries of personal space and consent are challenged.

The documentary is a fascinating glimpse into the world of the New Age movement and the people who attend these kinds of retreats. It is clear that for many, this festival is a life-changing experience that helps them find meaning, purpose and connection. However, at the same time, it also raises questions about the extremes that people will go to achieve personal growth, and how much they are willing to sacrifice in the process.

One of the strengths of the film is how it manages to capture the diversity of the participants and their experiences of the festival. We see people from all walks of life come together, as they try to push beyond their comfort zones and open themselves up to new experiences. The documentary is an immersive experience that allows us to feel like we are participants ourselves, taking part in the ceremonies and workshops.

Three Miles North of Molkom also has a beautiful cinematic quality to it, with stunning shots of the surrounding forest and natural landscapes. The film’s soundtrack features a mix of world music and electronic beats that perfectly complement the hypnotic and meditative atmosphere of the festival.

In conclusion, Three Miles North of Molkom is a unique and thought-provoking documentary that offers an honest and immersive look at the New Age movement. It is a film that will challenge our ideas about personal growth and the limits of self-discovery. It is an experience that will stay with the viewer long after the credits roll.