Ani

Abstract

This film and accompanying paper thesis delve into the intricacies of life within a nunnery amidst the landscapes of the Himalayas. Through the lens of sensory ethnography and observational filmmaking, the project offers a nuanced portrait of the daily rituals, spiritual practices, and communal relationships that define the existence of the nuns within this remote sanctuary. Employing asynchronous sound and poetic filmmaking techniques, the project reassesses traditional documentary conventions, aiming to evoke a visceral and immersive experience for the audience. As viewers exist within the nunnery's spaces, they are enveloped by the resonant chants of prayers, the whispers of mountain winds, and the rustle of prayer flags, inviting them into a state of contemplation and introspection. Drawing on extended periods of intimate engagement with the space, the film captures moments of quiet reflection, collective meditation, and acts of devotion that speak to the rhythms of monastic life. Through lingering shots and evocative compositions, it seeks to convey not only the outward manifestations of religious practice but also the inner landscapes of the relationships between the nuns and their environment. In tandem with the film, the accompanying thesis paper provides a theoretical framework for understanding the methodological and aesthetic choices underlying the project. It explores the intersection of sensory ethnography, observational filmmaking, and poetic representation, arguing for their collective potential to convey the complex dimensions of lived experience. Ultimately, Ani invites viewers to contemplate assumption, relationality, and human curiosity.