.png)
A CRACK IN THE MOUNTAIN
2022
ENVIRONMENTAL | ENGLISH & VIETNAMESE | 100 MIN
Hang Sơn Đoòng which translates as “mountain river cave”, is located in the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park in Quảng Bình Province in Vietnam. The national park is also a UNESCO world heritage site.
First found in 1990 by a local farmer, it wasn’t explored until 2009 when a British expedition team rigged ropes and descended down.
Many people have described Sơn Đoòng as a lost world. It has its own lake, jungle and even a unique weather system.
In 2014 plans were announced to build a cable car into Sơn Đoòng.
With many arguing that this would destroy the cave’s delicate eco-system and the local community divided over the benefits this development would bring, the film follows those caught up in the unfolding events.
The documentary also uses the narrative as a lens through which to investigate related themes such as the challenges of modern day exploration, environmental conservation & sustainability, and the perils of operating as an activist in a country such as Vietnam where freedom of speech is severely curtailed.
"COMPELLING... BREATHTAKINGLY IMMERSIVE"
SIGHT AND SOUND
★★★★
"STIMULATING... STRIKING"
TOM DAWSON, TOTAL FILM
"THE FILM IS BREATHTAKING, AS ALASTAIR EVANS CAPTURES HANG SON DOONG'S BEAUTY INCREDIBLY. THE IMAGERY ALONE NAILS DOWN THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING THESE CAVES UNTOUCHED BY ANYTHING RESEMBLING CORPORATE GREED."
FILM THREAT
DIRECTED BY: ALASTAIR EVANS