CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Samsara

Spanish director Lois Patiño, who cut his teeth in experimental cinema, uses techniques from that world to astonishing effect with Samsara, bringing audiences a transcendental experience made for the

Samsara

About Samsara

Having played in the Encounters section of 2023’s Berlinale, Samsara beckons viewers to traverse time and space, across the universe and beyond in a film which Sight and Sound has described as ‘genuinely transformational.’

The story unfolds in two parts, across two continents, two communities, two cultures, and two sets of inner lives. One half is set in Laos among the monks of a Bhuddist temple, where a young man called Amid tends to a dying woman. He travels across the Mekong River to read to her from the Tibetan Book of the Dead, preparing her for the journey to the other side. The other half unfurls in Tanzania where a young girl named Juwairiya wakes up to the news that a baby goat has been born. She names it Neema, the Arabic word for blessing. Local women farm seaweed and make soap and the men catch fish. ‘Life is change,’ Juwairiya’s grandmother explains to her; there is regeneration in the air. Between these two stories lies a sensory pathway made of light and sound; the viewer is only asked to close their eyes to join the experience.

Like a conversation held on the border between one lifetime and the next, Samsara is a meditation on the journeys we take upon the wheel of life, and continues Patiño’s exploration of the moving image, expanding it as an immersive experience. In the same vein as Apichatpong Weerasethakul, the cycle of life and reincarnation acquiesce with the experience of watching.

Sponsored Links

Wonder & Co
Escape The Past
The Cookbook Shop
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK

Similar events you might like...

Screening: The Perfect Neighbor

Screening: The Perfect Neighbor

14th January 2026

Scottish Documentary Institute presents a gripping true crime watch when they host a screening of The Perfect Neighbor at Edinburgh's Filmhouse featuring a short Q&A with director Geeta Gandbhir.

READ MORE
Screening of L’Atalante

Screening of L’Atalante

23rd January 2026

L’Atalante was the only full-length film made by Jean Vigo before his tragic early death. The film is now considered to be one of cinema’s very greatest works.

READ MORE
Sing-a-Long-a Encanto

Sing-a-Long-a Encanto

24th January 2026

Gather la Familia! It’s time to celebrate something truly Magical! Don't miss Sing-a-Long-a Encanto at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Saturday 24th January!

READ MORE
Sing-a-Long-a The Greatest Showman

Sing-a-Long-a The Greatest Showman

24th January 2026

Singalonga Productions, producers of Singalonga Sound of Music and Singalonga Grease, bring the smash hit film musical The Greatest Showman to Edinburgh Playhouse on Saturday 24th January!

READ MORE
A Celestial Celebration Of Burns

A Celestial Celebration Of Burns

24th January 2026

Celebrate Scotland's most iconic poet in a way you've never experienced before... this Burns Night, Dynamic Earth invites you to step into the stars for an evening where tradition meets the galaxy!

READ MORE
Screening: Souleymane’s Story by Boris Lojkine

Screening: Souleymane’s Story by Boris Lojkine

28th January 2026

Prize winning film Souleymane’s Story, depicts the harsh reality of delivery cyclist Souleymane who recently immigrated from Guinea. Catch it at Institut français d'Ecosse on 28th January!

READ MORE
Hamlet

Hamlet

29th January 2026

Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare's famous tragedy from the National Theatre being screened at Festival Theatre Edinburgh.

READ MORE
RSNO 2025/26: How to Train Your Dragon in Concert

RSNO 2025/26: How to Train Your Dragon in Concert

30th January 2026

Featuring John Powell's Oscar-nominated score performed live to picture by the RSNO, How to Train Your Dragon in Concert is a thrilling experience for all ages!

READ MORE
National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step

National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step

31st January 2026

Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play The Fifth Step.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

The Chocolatarium
The Cogency
King Pins
Fayre Play
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Find other events in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Wonder & Co
Escape The Past
The Cookbook Shop
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK
The Chocolatarium
The Cogency
King Pins
Fayre Play
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Popular Events

Charlie Puth
Internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum and award-winning artist, producer, musician and songwriter Charlie Puth has announced the Whatever's Clever! 2026 World Tour, coming to Edinburgh in July!
Enlightenment: An Immersive Light Show
Watch the iconic McEwans Hall in Edinburgh come alive with Enlightenment, a spectacular sound and light show, set to the enchanting melodies of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons!
Community Connections
Each month in the beautiful and historic Abbey Strand Centre, Community Connections will explore themes from across the Royal Collection and the history of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Orchard Wassailing
Come along to Lauriston Farm Community Orchard for songs led by Penny Stone, and merry noise-making with bells and drums, to celebrate their beloved orchard trees and wish them a good year ahead!
Guid Crack: Ae Fond Kiss
Join the Scottish Storytelling Centre for another fun and friendly session of Edinburgh's monthly storytelling club, Guid Crack, held upstairs in the Waverley Bar!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall