BEFORE THE CLOSE OF DAY
The Dead of Winter
The Staten Island Ferry Crossing the New York Harbor
Passages from Dante’s Purgatorio
The feature documentary Before the Close of Day evokes something very ancient; the gathering of humanity waiting for the ferry, the snow falling outside, the boarding of the vessel, the crossing of the waters, the quiet looking out to sea, the passing of other boats, the docking and the descent to the shore. Once again people return to their way station, even in the wind and the rain, a crowd of souls fall into step for the late bell. Woven throughout are passages from Purgatorio as a spiritual invocation. Prayer in motion. But there is no deliverance in this journey, no paradise on the other side, only the liminal waiting and the reflection of that destined voyage in the hereafter.
A Film by Peter Lucas
Motion Graphics: Garry Waller, Sound Design: Ben Kruse
Running time: 75 minutes
Inquires: peterlucasnet@gmail.com
CANTO VIII
It was now the hour that turns back the longing of seafarers and melts their heart the day they have bidden dear friends farewell and pierces the new traveler with love if he hears in the distance the bell that seems to mourn the dying day