Watch With: A Journey to the Slow Life

With: A Journey to the Slow Life is an introspective and meditative documentary that explores the concept of "slow living." Directed by French filmmaker Noe Mekdachi, the film follows a diverse group of individuals as they contemplate and embrace a slower, more intentional way of living. The film opens with shots of bustling city streets and fast-paced lifestyles, accompanied by interviews with people who have experienced burnout and stress as a result of their hectic lives. This sets the stage for the exploration of slow living, inviting the viewer to consider what it might mean for their own life.

The first segment of the film focuses on Ulona Hooman, a 29-year-old artist from the Netherlands who has recently moved to Bali to pursue a slower pace of life. Hooman shares her journey of simplifying her possessions and routines, practicing mindfulness, and finding joy in simple pleasures such as gardening and cooking. Her story is supported by stunning footage of the lush Balinese landscape and her artistic creations.

In the next segment, we meet Karima Adams, a fashion designer from Brooklyn who has also embraced the slow living lifestyle. Adams shares her experience of leaving a high-pressure job in the fashion industry and shifting her focus to creating sustainable and ethical fashion. The film follows her as she visits textile factories in India and creates a new line of clothing made from environmentally-friendly materials.

The third segment of the film introduces us to Cecile Gohel, a French chef who operates a small restaurant in the countryside. Gohel shares her philosophy of cooking with seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients and creating a simple, yet flavorful dining experience for her customers. We see her preparing dishes in her kitchen and interacting with her patrons, who appreciate the slower pace and attention to detail in her cooking.

The final segment of the film features Fred Quota, an American musician who has spent decades living a nomadic lifestyle, traveling the world with his guitar. Quota shares his reflections on the beauty of living in the moment, connecting with people from different cultures, and embracing the uncertainty of life on the road. The film follows him as he performs in Bali and interacts with locals, showcasing the power of art to bring people together.

Throughout the film, we hear insights and reflections from each of these individuals as well as from other slow living advocates. They discuss the benefits of reducing stress, achieving greater self-awareness, and finding more fulfillment in daily life. The film also highlights the environmental and social impact of the slow living movement, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and community connection.

With: A Journey to the Slow Life is a visually stunning and thought-provoking documentary that invites viewers to reflect on their own relationship with time and pace of life. Each individual's story is a reminder of the power of intentionality and mindfulness in creating a more meaningful and sustainable life.

With: A Journey to the Slow Life is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes.