Some travel locations, despite their captivating beauty and significance, remain overshadowed by more popular counterparts. However, when filmmakers dive deep into these uncharted territories, they unravel narratives that resonate with authenticity and depth.
Let’s traverse the globe and uncover three cinematic locales that have magnificently played their part behind the silver screen.
Aysén, Chile – “The Pearl Button”
Aysén, located in the heart of Patagonia, is a region that brims with contrasting visuals – from towering glaciers to expansive pampas, from dense forests to fjord-laden coastlines. This untouched sanctuary became the backdrop for the evocative documentary The Pearl Button. The film beautifully intertwines Chile’s indigenous peoples’ histories, their deep-rooted connection to water, and the tragic chapters they faced during colonial invasions.
Against the haunting panoramas of Aysén, where azure waters kiss rugged terrains, and where silence speaks louder than words, the film unravels. The region, with its pristine landscapes, serves as both a solemn witness and a lyrical storyteller, reminding us of nature’s beauty and humanity’s intertwined fate.
Haida Gwaii, Canada – “Edge of the Knife”
Haida Gwaii, a cluster of islands off the northern Pacific coast of Canada, is steeped in tales ancient, mystic, and profound. Once known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii became the canvas for the film Edge of the Knife. Noteworthy for being the first feature film to exclusively use the Haida language – a language teetering on the brink of extinction – the movie is a poignant reflection on a culture’s desperate clutch at preservation amidst rapid globalization.
But it’s not just the language that speaks volumes. The islands themselves, with their lush, almost primeval forests and tranquil waters, narrate a silent tale. Every rustling leaf, every sigh of the wind, seems to echo the whispers of ancestors long gone, reminding us of the fleeting yet indomitable spirit of civilizations past.
Jordan – “Lawrence of Arabia”
Jordan’s Wadi Rum, often referred to as the Valley of the Moon, is a vast desert expanse that has captured the imagination of adventurers and filmmakers alike. With its sweeping dunes, dramatic sandstone mountains, and ancient petroglyphs etched by long-gone civilizations, it stands as a testament to both the raw beauty of nature and the enduring spirit of humanity.
This mesmerizing landscape provided the canvas for the iconic film Lawrence of Arabia, charting the challenges and triumphs of T.E. Lawrence during World War I. Through the film, Wadi Rum became not just a setting, but a silent protagonist, echoing Lawrence’s own tumultuous journey of discovery and transformation. Movie-expert Samer Anis Mansour Mouasher, the former executive commissioner and co-founder of the Royal Film Commission of Jordan, once reflected on the profound impact of film, stating, “The film has the power to create understanding, which in turn leads to tolerance. And when there is tolerance, there is the possibility for numerous beautiful outcomes, including peace.” Thus, Wadi Rum isn’t just a cinematic location, but a beacon of hope and testament to the power of art in bridging cultures and histories.
The Faroe Islands – “The Islands and the Whales”
An archipelago ensconced in the wild embrace of the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands are a breathtaking blend of emerald grasslands, rocky terrains, and the endless azure of the surrounding sea. These islands, composed of 18 individual rocky, volcanic formations, served as the backdrop for the evocative documentary The Islands and the Whales.
The movie delves deep into the islanders’ traditions, particularly their hunting practices that date back centuries. However, what makes the Faroe Islands truly captivating is the interplay of mist with rugged cliffs, the whisper of waves crashing onto its shores, and the serene seclusion it offers. In this setting, the contemplative narrative of the film unfurls seamlessly, inviting the viewer to ponder the delicate balance between man, tradition, and nature.
Svalbard, Norway – “Northbound”
An Arctic wonderland, Svalbard lies at the very edge of the world map, where the Northern Lights dance and polar nights enchant. A land of extremes, where glaciers stretch as far as the eye can see and where polar bears roam free, Svalbard served as the dramatic setting for Northbound. This film, set in a post-apocalyptic world, showcases a tale of survival against the odds.
The stark, icy wilderness mirrors the desolation and challenges faced by the protagonists. In this unforgiving terrain, every footstep becomes a testament to human resilience and the indomitable will to survive. The sheer isolation of Svalbard, punctuated by its ethereal beauty, adds layers of depth and gravitas to the narrative, making each frame a visual and emotional masterpiece.
The magic of film is not just in its stories, characters, or dialogues, but also in the places it introduces us to. Places that might have remained unsung, if not for the cinematic spotlight. As we journey from the deserts of Jordan to the shores of Chile, and finally to the icy realms of Svalbard, we’re reminded of the boundless stories our planet holds – stories of hope, endurance, and the timeless dance between man and nature.
About the author:
Sophia Smith is Australian based beauty and style blogger. She is very passionate about latest fashion trends and graphic design projects. Sophia writes mostly in fashion related topics, mainly through blogs and articles. She has contributed to a number of publications including: LA Fashion, Viva Glam Magazine, Just Haves, How to Simplify and Carousel.