MC #168: Eat The Sun w/ director Peter Sorcher

In this special bonus episode, Andrew talks to filmmaker Peter Sorcher about his new documentary Eat The Sun, which was recently released on DVD and premieres on The Documentary Channel on June 21. The film follows Mason Dwinell, a man who believes that the practice of sungazing can potentially replace the human body's need for all other energy sources, including food. Is it as crazy as it sounds, or is it in fact possible to go for years without eating? SHOW NOTES: Interview w/ Peter Sorcher: 3:37 - Your movie follows sungazing enthusiast Mason Dwinell. How did you first hear about Mason and why did you decide to do this documentary? 5:34 - One of the most interesting things about the issue of sungazing is the idea that it could potentially replace the need for food. That seems like a very radical idea. It's hard to convince people to stop eating meat, let alone to stop eating entirely... 7:51 - You interview a man named Wiley who claims that in his prime he could lift over 1000 pounds due to sungazing. Tell me more about your interaction with him. 11:13 - Mason and many other people you interview seem isolated and almost arrogant about this lifestyle, perhaps due to low self-esteem. What do you make of that? 15:31 - There's a deleted scene on the DVD in which Mason locks himself in a hotel room for a month with no food. Why did you delete that scene? 17:51 - In the film, you follow sungazing guru H.R.M. around to see whether or not he eats anything. Did you do the same with Mason? 19:50 - The structure of the film allows you to come across as very objective. How did you approach the structure while you were shooting and editing? 23:50 - You were filming Mason in 2003 and 2004. The film screened at its first film festival in 2009. Why the long gap? 25:15 - Have there been any major development with Mason or other people in the film? 26:20 - Have you tried sungazing, and if so what's your opinion on the supposed benefits of sungazing? 29:02 - Tell me more about the DVD. What are the special features, and how can people find out more about the film? DON'T FORGET: Check out the website at www.randomchatter.com. And visit our good friends The Film Talk over at www.thefilmtalk.com.