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Bali Visions

This is an impressionistic documentary showing the wonders of Bali dance, music and art. We observe different generations of performers - in rehearsal, on stage and back stage, as well as in a family compound. Mythological creatures that inhabit the art are encountered and a religious event is visited. The people of Bali radiate the unique and vibrant culture of the island - so the viewer can enjoy their vision of themselves. This is communicated with very little discernible dialogue and no commentary - so we don't have subtitles.

  • Bob Bentley
    Director
  • Bob Bentley
    Producer
  • Ricardo Sleiman
    Editor
  • The people of Bali
    Contributors
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Short, Television
  • Runtime:
    25 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    June 28, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    Indonesia
  • Language:
    No Dialogue
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • None so far
Distribution Information
  • None so far
Director Biography - Bob Bentley

Bob Bentley is an English film & television director. He is also a University lecturer and artist.

As a filmmaker he is known for 'Recluse' which won the BAFTA Best Short Film in 1981. Other notable achievements were as director on 'Available Light' (1990) with Tom Bell, Joely Richardson and David Morrissey. In 1990 he won The Grand Prix Video Danse for 'Never Again' (1989) with DV8 Physical Theatre. Significant TV documentaries include two opera profiles 'Janet Baker: Full Circle' (1981) and 'Jessye Norman-Singer' (1983). Also for the BBC were two in The Private Life of a Masterpiece series - Hokusai’s 'The Great Wave' (2004) and Rodin’s 'The Kiss' (2004). Among many other television arts and science documentaries 'Tiffany Tomb Raiders' (2003) in the BBC Art Crime series was highly praised.

His recent feature documentary 'The Pleasure of Rope' (2015) is about Kinbaku/Shibari, the Japanese art of rope bondage. It has been shown worldwide on television and screened at a number of festivals and events.

'Bali Visions' (2021) is his latests documentary, an expression of Bali dance, music and art.

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Director Statement

When I first visited Bali I was so intoxicated by the art, culture and the people, that I wanted to express my feelings in some of my own visual art. Then, on a subsequent visit, I was able to film scenes that eventually became the basis of 'Bali Visions'. So this is a very personal film, incorporating some of my own work alongside traditional artists.

'Bali Visions' is primarily an observational film, so my documentary knowledge helped, along with the experience of directing a number of dance screen productions,

There is no commentary and very little discernible dialogue, so no subtitles. I wish that drama in the traditions of dance, music, costume and art will speak to the viewer directly and unencumbered.

I'm showing my love for Bali art and culture in the only way I can - with 'Bali Visions'.