Look Into My Eyes
Sunday 6th of July 8:00pm (Victorian Premiere)
LANA WILSON | USA | 2024 | 106'
Is it performance? Is it ‘real’? Does it matter?
A group of New York City psychics conduct deeply intimate readings for their clients, revealing a kaleidoscope of loneliness, connection, and healing.
In this intimate film, director Lana Wilson (‘Miss Americana’) follows a diverse group of New York City mediums and clairvoyants, offering an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look that is both touching and revealing. She observes their work closely enough that believing them is beside the point — rather the emotional depth of their interactions takes centre stage. When people come seeking answers from the beyond, both sides of the table experience unexpected transformation.
Wilson is careful to bring levity to the subject. Questions from clients range from ‘what will I do with my life?’ to ‘will I ever keep chickens?’
An intelligent and tender celebration of human empathy and a moving exploration of the therapeutic effect of being truly seen by another.
“Before seeing “Look Into My Eyes,” I had vague expectations of a humorous overview of human gullibility. Or maybe a useful primer on how to identify the grifters from the gifted. What I did not expect was to emerge with not only a deeper understanding of this strange calling, but far greater empathy for those who seek out its practitioners. Wilson gently frames the psychic-client relationship as one of mutual benefit. In cramped apartments and spare rental spaces, her subjects listen as intently as any therapist to the troubles of strangers. But later, when we visit the psychics outside the sessions (most provide the service for free and have other jobs), we learn that the healing, when it occurs, goes both ways.”
CREDITS
DIRECTOR:
Lana Wilson
PRODUCER:
Kyle Martin
EDITOR:
Hannak Buck
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY:
Stephen Maing
FEATURING:
Per Erik Borja
Eugene Grygo
Nikenya Hall
Phoebe Hoffman
Michael Kim
Sherrie Lynne
Ilka Pinheiro
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:
Emily Osborne
Nicole Stott
Shizuka Asakawa
Julie Parker Benello
Ruth Ann Harnisch
Regina K. Scully
PRESENTED BY:
