684 - Gabe Polsky (Filmmaker: The Man Who Saves the World?)

This one happened fast. A week ago, a publicist reached out to ask if I’d possibly be interested in helping to promote a documentary about a guy (a white guy) who thinks he’s supposed to bring together the native people of South and North America — whose combined teachings will then spread across the planet and save us all. My first impression was that this one sounded crazy, possibly racist, and not something I really want to spend time on. But the fact that the director had worked with Werner Herzog caught my attention. (I love me some Werner Herzog.) So I agreed to check out a screener, and last night, Anya and I sat down to watch at least the first few minutes — reluctantly.

WTF?! We were hooked immediately, watched the whole thing in amazement, and this afternoon, less than 24 hours later, Gabe Polsky and I sat down to talk about his film. If it’s playing anywhere near you, trust me, go see it. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll get a little confused and grossed out … but you will not — guaranteed — get bored.

Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. “I Saved the World Today,” by The Eurythmics. Outro: “Invocation (A Prophecy),” by Richard Bona.

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