Koyaanisqatsi is a Hopi Indian word that means “life out of balance.”

It refers, of course, to us and the supposed “civilization” we have created.

Are we civilized or are we insane?

An art-house circuit sensation, this feature-length documentary is visually arresting and possesses a clear, pro-environmental stance. Koyaanisqatsi is composed of nature imagery, manipulated in slow motion, double exposure or time lapse, juxtaposed with footage of humans’ devastating environmental impact on the planet. The message of director Godfrey Reggio is clear: humans are destroying the planet, and all of human progress is pointlessly foolish.