Into Great Silence.

A new film is being screened at the Edinburgh Film Festival called Into Great Silence. It is a soundless film by Philip Groening focusing on life at one of the strictest monastic orders in Christendom. It exists in true contrast to the noise filled environments of our cities. These monk only talk when absolutely necessary and seem all the better for that. It is being screened on Sunday 20th August (2pm) and Tuesday August 22nd (8.30pm) at Cineworld, Dundee Street, Edinburgh.

http://www.diegrossestille.de/english/
from the website:
"The Grande Chartreuse, the mother house of the legendary Carthusian Order, is based in the French Alps. “Into Great Silence” will be the first film ever about life inside the Grande Chartreuse.

Silence. Repitition. Rhythm. The film is an austere, next to silent meditation on monastic life in a very pure form. No music except the chants in the monastery, no interviews, no commentaries, no extra material.

Changing of time, seasons, and the ever repeated elements of the day, of the prayer. A film to become a monastery, rather than depict one. A film about awareness, absolute presence, and the life of men who devoted their lifetimes to god in the purest form. Contemplation.
An object in time."

Lord Beaumont direct response to Open Ear

Lord Beaumont got back to my letter that addressed his proposed 'Ban on Public Music Bill'. I advocate a better music design in public spaces to help people be conscious of the noise we create, rather than a total ban of music in public. Beaumont however, does not agree as he stated in his letter:
"Thank you for your interesting letter. My Bill will get through the Lords and then die for want of government support and time in this session. I am however hoping to introduce it again early in the next session, but in a truncated form, concentrating only on health issues. And in so far as our paths cross I am concerned only that listening to broadcast music be a strictly voluntary affair, no matter how well chosen and well-intentioned. Wishing you well on your endeavours."
I appreciate the reply and accpet his view point. I too believe that music should be a voluntary affair. However, in this day and age, it is completely unfeasible considering the amount of music that is currently played. This is the main reason for my viewpoint that if we can't ban background music altogether, it should at least be more tailored to the environment and space that it can be heard in.