The 2022 Sundance Film Festival begins this year’s fest with a hot premiere!
FIRE OF LOVE explores the fearless and passionate lives of volcanologist couple, Maurice and Katia Krafft. Mostly told through archival footage then stitched, styled, and purposefully edited together in a French New Wave fashion. The film is also calmly narrated by filmmaker, Miranda July (ME AND YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW, THE FUTURE, KAJILLIONARIE).
FIRE OF LOVE aims to expressively capture the love of volcanology, science, filmmaking, photography, the earth, and of course human relationship through the help of some of the most remarkable volcanic archival footage ever recorded. The film dives into how the Kraffts met, their love for volcanology, and their journeys when chasing these magnificent and usually ominous volcanic eruptions around the globe. Though the Kraffts were always awe-inspired by and easily drawn to these mountains of molten lava, they were out to better understand how and why volcanos erupt the way that they do–the blast radius, the lava flow patterns, and the overall character of these magnanimous beasts of nature. Their hope was to have a deeper understanding to build a better warning system and ultimately save lives. The story goes into some of the deadly eruptions that happened in and before their time on earth. It’s a fascinating and loving documentary trickled with a lot of fun and character.
Director Sara Dosa and her team do a great job making love the very focus of this film. There are also a lot of entertaining moments like when Maurice tosses a lava rock at his friend wearing a special heat helmet. Or, the occasional wit of the Krafft’s playful relationship. Cooking breakfast on newly cooled lava rock. Even the music plays its part in the charm of the film. And, again some of the most remarkable and incredible footage of volcanos and lava rivers flowing that are breathtaking to view.
Perhaps someday we’ll see a Wes Anderson adaptation of the Krafft’s story like he did Steve Zissou and his team in THE LIFE AQUATIC. The Krafft’s and sometimes their friends even wear the red hats like Team Zissou does. I’ll even throw in my casting suggestions; Maurice will be played by John C. Reily, and Katia will have Tina Fey. He can call it THE LIFE VOLCANIC. You heard it here first.
Overall, FIRE OF LOVE is a great film to get in at this year’s fest. Its educational, sweet, warm, loving nature will surely leave you feeling grateful the film exists.
Learn more about Director Sara Dosa here
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