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Self Discovery for Social Survival

Name: Self Discovery for Social Survival
Director: Chris Gentile
Released: 2019
Duration: 54 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

2019

Director

Chris Gentile

Runtime

54 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Self Discovery for Social Survival is a sensory documentary that prioritizes aesthetic and experiential storytelling over traditional character-driven narratives. Its strength lies in its global scope and its ability to connect music with diverse geographical landscapes. The film presents a decentralized view of culture by highlighting local customs in Mexico, Iceland, and the Maldives, which prevents it from being purely Western-centric. However, the documentary lacks verifiable data regarding specific identity-based representation, such as LGBTQ+ or disability themes.

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Category Breakdown

Does Self Discovery for Social Survival have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ themes or characters. It focuses on surf culture, music, and environmental stories.

How does Self Discovery for Social Survival portray gender?

Fair

The film explores human experiences through a fluid, atmospheric lens. Although specific gender dynamics are not detailed, the avant-garde style avoids rigid character archetypes.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Self Discovery for Social Survival?

Good

By focusing on local cultures in Mexico, the Maldives, and Iceland, the film provides a multi-vocal exploration of global landscapes and disrupts a Western-centric perspective.

How does Self Discovery for Social Survival represent religion and culture?

Good

The documentary highlights a symbiotic relationship between humans, music, and nature, emphasizing interconnectedness and subjective artistic truths over singular moral perspectives.

Does Self Discovery for Social Survival include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented portrayal of visible or invisible disabilities. The film's focus remains on the intersection of music and surfing.

Present on Screen

The film's global settings provide a framework for diverse cultural and ethnic perspectives.
The avant-garde narration and non-linear structure challenge conventional documentary formats.
The focus on local cultures helps disrupt a strictly Western-centric viewpoint.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks documented representation of LGBTQ+ identities or themes.
There is no visible or invisible disability representation within the narrative.
The focus on environmental and musical symbiosis leaves specific social identity dynamics unaddressed.

Official Synopsis

Self Discovery for Social Survival is a collaborative surf and music film produced by Brooklyn based record label, Mexican Summer and Pilgrim Surf + Supply, a New York based surf and outdoor brand. Filmed in Mexico, the Maldives and Iceland in three separate vignettes, musicians (Allah Las, Connan Mockasin, Andrew Van Wyngarden of MGMT, and Peaking Lights) alongside pro-surfers,embark on a journey that combines a symbiotic relationship between music and the waves, the environment, and local culture. Poetically narrated by the legendary avant-garde film maker Jonas Mekas.

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