Archive of films Devil´s Playground / Devil´s Playground

USA
2001, 77 min

Section: Documentary Films in Competition
Year: 2002

A fascinating documentary offering a glimpse of the isolated world of the Amish, a sect that allows its 16yearolds the chance to go out into the world for five years of unrestricted experimentation and independence. This trial phase is intended to help them decide to return to the fold or to remain in the “devil’s playground.”


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

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.

About the film

Black & white, 35 mm

Section: Documentary Films in Competition
   
Director: Lucy Walker
Dir. of Photography: Lucy Walker, Daniel Kern
Music: Aphex Twin
Editor: Pax Wasserman
Producer: Steven Cantor
Production: Wellspring Media , Inc. ve spolupráci s / in co-production with: Stick Figure Productions
YouTube

© 2024 FILM SERVIS FESTIVAL KARLOVY VARY, a.s. [email protected] +420 221 411 011 All contacts

AccommodationsAccommodations Festival Pass, tickets, reservationsFestival Pass, tickets
HistoryHistory ContactsContacts
Archive of filmsArchive of films KVIFF TalksKVIFF Talks
Industry Days Programme 2021Industry Days Programme KVIFF Eastern PromisesKVIFF Eastern Promises
VideogalleryVideogallery PhotogalleryPhotogallery
ContactsContacts Posters of the 57th KV IFFPosters of the 57th KV IFF
HistoryHistory Festival GuideFestival Guide