Friends in High Places

A rare glimpse into the contemporary world of spirit worship in Myanmar. Nats are the incarnate souls of certain individuals, usually of royal and aristocratic origin, who were killed by their relatives. Channeled through mediums in a variety of settings, from tableside consultations to elaborate ceremonies involving dance, music, and performance, Nats are believed to possess formidable powers, among them the ability to foretell the future and to cure health ailments. Stunningly filmed, weaving together dramatic performance and intimate interviews, this impressionistic portrayal of several mediums, their profitable businesses, and their believers (who range from farmers to members of the military) underscores the critical role the Nat culture provides, both as a spiritual practice and as a relief from daily life under a harsh political regime. "Remarkable for its combination of sensitivity, humor, and anthropological rigor" (Pärnu Int'l Festival Prize).

This page may by only partially complete.