Devil´s Playground

Colour, 35mm
USA, 2001, 77 min
Section: Documentary Films in Competition

Synopsis

After reaching the age of 16, Amish youth are allowed out into the world to get a taste of the “devil’s playground” in the form of wild parties, drug experimentation and sudden independence from their parents. This dramatic period of freedom and confusion, referred to as “rumspringa” (literally, “running around”)and practised in avarious forms since the first Amish came to America in 1690, is supposed to lead to the decision to return to the fold – or to remain in the “English world,” the world outside. Through numerous stays with the Amish, the director gained their trust and this allowed her to get incredibly close to the four boys and girls featured in the film. This fascinating work provides a glimpse of the spirit of the faithful as well as of isolated, little known places within their religious sphere.

About the director

Lucy Walker graduated from Oxford University. She studied film in New York and spent time writing and directing theatre. She has shot three shorts and is known in the world of commercials and music videos. She participates in triathlons and deejays in New York. For the last three years she has spent most of her time in Indiana, Pennsylvania and Florida surrounded by Amish communities.