ian mackenzie - documentary filmmaker + speaker
Earlier this month, I spent 24 hours in a solidarity fast with the 2 hikers currently detained in Iran. I locked myself in my spare bedroom in a small attempt to feel what it would be like for them. During the fast, I was finally able to write a poem that had been rattling around …
Another here come and gone. Rather than my traditional roundup of experiences and resolutions (see 2008, and 2009) I’ve decided to paint a visual picture of the year. I think I first saw this done by Mike Hedge. So without further ado: January – I don’t actually remember much of what happened. I barely have …
The most telling scene in The Social Network was between Eduardo Saverin (Zuckerberg’s best friend and CFO) and his unhinged girlfriend. She confronts him after his return from a business trip, and demands why his Facebook status still lists him as “single.” He confesses that he actually doesn’t know how to update his relationship status. …
Someone asked me recently “what do you do?” I replied “I’m a storyteller.” In the moment, I was referring to my work in documentary film. I tell stories (or more accurately) the stories of other people through the medium of film. My personal worldview is revealed through the types of stories I share. Later on, …
On the side of a bus, the new poster for Inception says “The dream is real.” Tantalizing movie tag-lines aside, I decided to pose the exact opposite. The real is a dream. And then I played with a thought experiment: You sitting in morning traffic is a dream. Working a job (you may, or may …
Photo: akakumo In 2004, I learned our society was in serious trouble. I’d wandered onto Life After the Oil Crash, which aptly opens with the line: Civilization as we know it is coming to an end soon. The site chronicles peak oil and the ensuing economic downfall that will have us all in mud huts, …
This is a bit late in coming, but like most things… it was put off until the right time. Last year, I wrote my resolutions for 2009. Looking back on them, I realize I actually did a pretty good job. I attended Burning Man. I spoke some (passable) Spanish in Colombia. I spent 3 weeks …
Continue reading “Less Certainty, More Fun, And Other Resolutions For 2010”
I have a problem…and admitting it is the first step. I have a problem doing nothing. It’s not as bad as some people I’ve met. These are the people who literally do six things at once. If you try to have a coffee with them, they can’t keep their fingers from wandering onto their Blackberry …
Photo: hypergurrl I have a confession to make. Buddhism has been my philosophy of choice for the past 5 years. The smiling face and rounded belly of the Buddha never fails to put me at ease, along with thoughts of non-attachment, meditation, and peace. But there’s a new kid in town. Well, technically, this kid …
Photo: oliphant These questions are in response to a post on Brave New Traveler, asking readers to chronicle their current spiritual beliefs. 1. Why is there poverty and suffering in the world? There is poverty and suffering because it serves as a catalyst for people to learn and grow. Buddhists would say it exists because …
“There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way.” – The Buddha This year is coming to an end. There was never a year like it, and there will never be ever again. A brief list of highlights: I moved back to my hometown. I interviewed naked hippies on bicycles. I stood 5 feet …
Continue reading “More Yoga, Less Drinking, And Other Resolutions For 2009”
Recently I had the pleasure of organizing the boxes of my childhood that didn’t get thrown out in the last move. I found decaying ribbons of achievement, a tiny cub scout uniform (complete with sash), and my art scrapbook, brimming with crafts and stories. One story in particularly caught my eye as I flipped through …
Continue reading “Childhood Memories: Ripping Off ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’”
I read somewhere that 80% of people settle within 25 miles of their place of birth. The reasons made sense: people generally like their own culture, they enjoy living near their family and friends. Basically, it was the safe choice. I remember thinking, “That’s not going to be me.” I didn’t want to count myself …
Continue reading “You Can Never Go Home Again…Oh Wait, You Can”