Watch Spark: A Burning Man Story

"Spark: A Burning Man Story" explores the intricacies of creating one of the world's most unique festivals - Burning Man. The documentary, directed by Steve Brown and Jessie Deeter, takes a closer look at the individuals behind the event, their intentions, expectations, struggles, and their commitment to putting together an unparalleled experience for the thousands of people who come to the Black Rock desert in Nevada each year.

The movie starts by introducing the viewers to the early days of Burning Man, when it was a simple gathering of friends and family, and eventually grew into an annual event that welcomed people from all over the world. The founders of Burning Man, Larry Harvey and Harley K. Dubois, explain the artistic and cultural elements of the festival.

The festival's ethos is based on a few core principles that guide every aspect of the event. These principles include radical inclusion, self-expression, self-reliance, communal effort, and leaving no trace. The film delves deep into understanding how each one of these principles is vital in creating an experience that inspires creativity, personal growth, and a sense of community among the attendees.

The documentary also shows the effort it takes to create the event on the ground. Dubois and Marian Goodell, two of the key organizers, are shown working tirelessly during the months leading up to the festival, as they face countless challenges such as obtaining permits, organizing the logistics, and coordinating with volunteers. The film even follows them as they go through the various physical challenges, including dust storms and high temperatures, that are part and parcel of setting up the event and maintaining it throughout the week-long festival.

Throughout the movie, we are also introduced to various artists who created installations and structures at the festival. These individuals are the heart and soul of Burning Man, and this movie effectively showcases the breadth and depth of the art on display. Some of the pieces shown in the film include "The Man," "The Temple," "The Pier," and "The Kraken." The movie provides an inside look at the creative process and the dedication of the artists who spend months designing, building, and transporting their work into the rugged environment of the event.

There is tension and drama interspersed among the various elements of the film, but it always returns to the celebration and the summer of Burning Man. The audience catches glimpses of the revelers, the drum circles, and the theme camps that make up the patchwork of the city that is created every year in the desert.

The documentary is not just about the festival - it also explores the societal changes and cultural shifts that Burning Man has sparked. The founders wanted Burning Man to be a place where individuals could be free to explore their creativity and express themselves without judgment or fear. However, the cultural impact of the festival extends far beyond the desert. The film looks at Burning Man's influence on art, technology, and social movements, as well as its controversial relationship with capitalism and consumerism.

In summary, "Spark: A Burning Man Story" is a delightful documentary that provides an inside look at one of the most original festivals in the world. The film is a celebration of the people who make Burning Man happen, and the principles that guide them. It highlights the creativity, dedication, and passion that go into creating this unique event year after year. Anyone who has been to Burning Man or has an interest in learning about the festival will enjoy this documentary.

Spark: A Burning Man Story is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 55.