Director IAN CHENEY (US 2022) 105 min
Amusing and eccentric, The Arc of Oblivion is both a philosophical and psychological exploration of how humans deal with impermanence. Trekking to various locations, including the Arctic and the Sahara, this documentary challenges viewers to rethink their understanding of time and memory—from photographs and fossils to libraries and salt mines. With ongoing commentary from filmmaker Ian Cheney’s parents, it’s the construction of a wooden ark on his Maine property that serves as both a physical storage space for archival materials and a symbolic representation of humanity’s desire to retain meaning in an ever-changing world. The film features a vast array of people with unique specialties — as well as executive producer Werner Herzog, whose philosophical influence is felt throughout — sharing different perspectives on the challenges of being human. With memorable moments like a chilled-out Arctic walrus and a quirky musical number, Cheney’s project presents a thought-provoking and entertaining journey into the human condition.