Chasing the Present takes audience on a journey of self-discovery

‘Living in the now’ is something that has been promulgated by philosophers, mystics and others for many years.

In US director Mark Waters’ new film, Chasing the Present, this concept is taken to a new level as Waters explores the fundamental reasons behind the human condition, and how it is possible for all of us to enjoy happy, healthy and well-adjusted lives.

At the beginning of this journey, Waters focuses on a troubled and anxious, yet materially-successful young man (James Sebastiano), who travels the world talking to a range of spiritual and psychological experts to try and find the secret to happiness, and how human beings can find their place in this world.

In his quest, Sebastiano travels to India to meet Sri Prem Baba – a clear-thinking, likeable and forthright spiritual master – who divulges some amazing insights to Sebastiano.

Sri Prem Baba explains how the mechanics of the ego which, as many of us know, is centred mainly on the self, or I, continually get in the way of human beings’ happiness.

Sri Prem Baba says it is only through a process of silence and self-examination that the ego can be quietened; allowing a person’s true happiness to shine through.

Indeed, in Sri Prem Baba’s words, this turns the ‘poison into nectar’, allowing a person to fully surrender to their inner consciousness and feelings, and eventually experience bliss.

A deep and profoundly moving film, Chasing the Present is much more than just a ‘self-help’ tool for those searching for happiness.

It explores a vast range of areas, including trying to find the root cause of what is causing today’s seemingly worldwide epidemic of anxiety and discord: a situation that has not, of course, been helped by the recent Coronavirus pandemic, although the film was made before Covid-19 reared its ugly head.

Sebastiano’s quest takes him from New York to India and lastly to Peru, in his search for ‘the answer’, and the film includes interviews with some of the world’s leading thinkers and spiritual experts and philosophers, including Russell Brand, Alex Grey, Graham Hancock, Joseph Goldstein, Rupert Spira and Zelda Hall.

Chasing the Present starts on Thursday Aug 20 at Luna Leederville and Luna on SX.

By Mike Peeters

Mike Peeters Media