3 Miles North of Molkom

The Lighthouse Cinema, Smithfield
€9


I trekked off to Dublin’s Smithfield to see this interesting 109 minute film. It’s a fly-on-the-wall documentary and concerns the ‘No Mind’ festival (more of which I will explain further on), held in Angsbacka, Sweden.

Nick is an Australian rugby fanatic and, like many Antipodeans, he is touring Europe. Siddhartha is a native Swede who is a Harbour Master and these two compete for arrogance throughout. Siddhartha is willing to embrace the hippy lifestyle of hugging trees and the far out lifestyle. Nick, on the other hand is sceptical of this “mumbo jumbo” (his words).

There are some others who feature in the movie: A frazzle haired hippy that has no problem attracting women. He, at one stage, starts to bleat like a goat and behaves in a childish manner, despite the absence of drugs. Worrying. Then there is a lady from Finland who cannot produce saliva in her mouth and is distinctly unhappy.

It seems that those attending the festival are missing something in their lives and through communing with nature, walking over hot coals and getting involved in tantric sex (among other activities), their lives become enriched. These activities and more form the basis of the ‘No Mind’ festival.

Financial concerns and total acceptance of each other is the free spiritual theme, throwing off the shackles of everyday life. Without being overtly religious, the communal atmosphere of 3MNoM is an encouraging way to live. It makes you think of your place in society, no bad thing. Maybe more people should consider making a journey to Angsbacka to participate – perhaps the reason for making this film in the first place.

This cinema-goer was expecting to see plenty of naked sexual exploits, as other reviews were accompanied by photos of naked human flesh from the film. It wasn’t pornographic but I had imagined that nakedness would be prominently featured. Instead the viewer is treated to a hippy flick. One’s attitude to hippies will determine how enjoyable the viewer will find 3MNoM.

It should be stressed that by the end of the movie all participants have their unhappiness resolved. The ‘No Mind’ festival brings a level of satisfaction. Just what is needed. This is a celebration of life and negativity is not part of the deal. Leaving the cinema, in darkest Smithfield, I yearned to see it again. Isn’t that the mark of a good film?