People of the Wind (1976)

An Exercise In Nonsense

it is finally so absorbing because it plays like a lyrical road odyssey that’s also a detective story.

Blistering performances.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

One of the most beautiful film productions and the very greatest documentary I've ever seen. Perfection all the way: the story, the music, the cinematography, the narration, the direction. What can I say? I don't often use a 10 rating, but giving "People of the Wind" anything less than that would be gross injustice.

"People of the Wind" documents the seasonal migration of the Bakhityari people of Iran. The Bakhityari are herdsmen who drive their livestock (mostly sheep) from their coastal wintering ground, over towering mountains to summer pastures. The Bakhityari, to the person and tea-kettle, pick up and go with them. "People of the Wind" was nominated for an Academy Award, best documentary. And it does document well, with extraordinary photography of the migration. It is interesting that it repeats the migration documented 55 years before by screen legends Merian C. Cooper and Ernest Schoedsak in their silent documentary "Grass". [This team went on (10 years later) to make "King Kong", and with it screen history.] "Grass" is the better of the two accounts, in my view. My reason, primarily, is that Cooper and Schoedsak (along with Marguerite Harrison) were dealing with extraordinarily heavy and basic equipment. Yet seeing both, tells the story of how comparatively mild modern technology has effected this migration. "People" is an outstanding documentary.

Does anyone know where I can get a copy of this film? Is it on video, disc, DVD? I want this film for my collection!I was riveted by 'People of the Wind' when I first saw it in 1977 in Venice, California. I bought the record album then and enjoy the music to this day. The nomadic Bakhtiari tribe of western Iran make their annual ~200 mile trek from the high summer pastures to low winter pastures, passing through the Zagros Mountains and a 12,000 ft. pass.Interestingly, a 1925 silent film (documentary, inspired by the 1922 'Nanook of the North') is of the same journey, only the reverse trip. If you liked 'People...', it is a must see! It's title is 'Grass: A Nation's Battle for Life.' It has played on Turner Classic Movies. I intend to keep my eye out for it again and tape it.Cheers!