The cynics among us will be tempted to see in "Gratitude Revealed", director Louis Schwartzberg's new documentary, spirituality for the masses.
He is indeed like that in a certain sense, but not only.
As the name implies, it presents a strange concept of people being happy in their parts.
Whether a cowboy, a jazz player, a surfer or a mountain climber, what they all have in common - and Schwartzberg doesn't really apologize for the clichés - is the recognition that nothing is taken for granted.
Life is a privilege, and we should be thankful for every moment we have on this ball.
"An unprecedented journey towards science, mystery and understanding the basics of gratitude," is written about it in the description of the Spirit Festival for spiritual cinema (November 24-26 at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque), where it will soon be screened alongside other films from the New Age worlds.
For Schwartzberg, who is remembered by many as the one who introduced the wonders of the world of mushrooms to millions in the spectacular 2019 docu "Fantastic Mushroom", this is definitely a journey.
Even the psychedelic kind.
"In the film about the mushrooms, I talked about diving underground, to accept and understand the wisdom of the ecosystem - the thriving system of nature," he explains.
"The new film is actually a journey into people's souls. It also talks about the wisdom of nature, but once you understand this wisdom, what will you do with it? It's a film that deals with integrating this understanding into your everyday life."
One of the moments in the film implores us to be surprised that we have eyes, to recognize that this is a miracle. It's not an easy thing to do.
"Yes, but this is another example of valuing the obvious. Until the Corona crisis, you didn't appreciate the fact that you could see your friends all the time, and suddenly the time with them seemed precious to you. It's the same with your health, only when it is taken from you do you realize that it is the thing Most importantly. We are dealing with reawakening."
Is this a lifestyle you have adopted with age?
"I am the son of holocaust survivor parents who gave thanks for everything they have, but it's probably age as well. At the same time, we are going through a technological revolution in which the networks control our lives. Mindfulness is actually a growing counter-movement that desperately tries to create balance in our lives."
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