Shot in Rome, The Hedge Theater is inspired by the Baroque architecture and stone carvings of Francesco Borromini and St. Martin and the Beggar, a painting by the Sienese artist Il Sassetta. Robert Beavers contrasts the sensuous softness of winter light with the lush green growth brought by spring rains. The Stoas includes images of the deserted industrial arcades (stoas) of Athens during siesta and the refreshing waters of a bountiful river. A recurring shot of the filmmaker’s hands outstretched, as if holding something that is not there, is the only literal human element in the film. The Ground uses seemingly simple components—the sunbaked landscape of a Greek island, the blue waters of the Aegean Sea, and images of a man chiseling stone—to conjure the fundamental experience of holding something close to one’s heart.