The Garden of Peace

I love this beautiful state that I live. In the serene landscapes of Utah, filmmaker Walter Mirkšs created a seven-minute documentary, “The Garden of Peace,” telling the story of Chris Newton, a certified forest bathing guide, and his discovery of the Japanese art of self-care. The documentary provides a glimpse into the beauty of nature and the rejuvenating practice of forest bathing.

Mirkšs, the producer and director of the documentary, shared the origins of the project during an interview with me earlier in the week. Mirkšs recounted that the idea sprouted from a chance encounter with Chris Newton over a year ago while working on a different project for an advertising agency. Mirkšs, having a deep connection with nature, was immediately drawn to Newton’s passion for forest bathing, sparking the inspiration to create a short film on the subject.

The filmmaker’s favorite aspect of crafting “The Garden of Peace” lay in the immersive experiences of capturing the footage. Over a 10-month period, Mirkšs ventured into nature regularly, letting the beauty of the surroundings speak for itself. 

“I definitely enjoyed just being outdoors, seeing the sights and breathing the fresh air” said Mirkšs.” “All I really had to do was point the camera and press record and nature did the rest.”

While the production was relatively hassle-free, Mirkšs acknowledged the challenges of balancing the project with a full-time job. Finding time and energy for a passion project can be demanding, and coordinating with Newton for additional shots added an extra layer of complexity. Despite these hurdles, the filmmaker found solace in the overall process.

Reflecting on the journey, Mirkšs revealed a desire to delve deeper into the subject of forest bathing. He acknowledged that the documentary, though intentionally short, could have explored the history and art of forest bathing more comprehensively. This reflection serves as a testament to the filmmaker’s commitment to continuous improvement in his craft.

As for the audience, Mirkšs revealed that the hope is for “The Garden of Peace” to premiere at the Utah Film Festival, given its close connection to the state. Most of the footage was shot in Utah, and both Newton and Mirkšs reside in the picturesque region. However, if the premiere doesn’t materialize at the festival, Mirkšs remains open to sharing the documentary online for a broader audience to experience.

For those curious about future projects from Mirkšs and Newton, the filmmaker humorously admitted to having no social media presence. Instead, he suggested keeping an eye on the Utah Film Festival’s schedule, teasing that viewers might discover his works through festival screenings.

“The Garden of Peace” promises to be a visual and introspective journey, inviting audiences to explore the transformative power of nature and self-care. As the anticipation builds for its premiere, the documentary stands as a testament to the beauty that can be found in the quiet moments of reflection and the embrace of the natural world. 

I love relating the stories of filmmakers like Mirkšs and Newton. At the Utah International Film Festival, we get to showcase the final work of talented filmmakers every year. And the deadline for submissions is looming around the corner, December 31st. Mirkšs will not have to wait much longer after the deadline as films will be selected by January 15th. Now it’s time for me to hit the road and discover more fantastic storytellers. See you on set.