CITY Screen, York, will give two screenings to Renata Heinen and Rolf Winters' globe-travelling documentary Down To Earth, "an unconventional film, launched in a very unorthodox fashion".

"Made totally independently, the film is now self-distributed by engaging the audience in the process," says Sahil Gill, director of the Down To Earth Collective, ahead of Friday and September 29's shows. "The film aims to generate a new dialogue and that starts in the cinema. Every screening will be followed by a 'facilitated dialogue'. Picturehouse [the independent cinema chain that runs City Screen] has embraced the film and is launching it in all of their 25 cinemas around the country."

In Down To Earth (U), filmmakers Renata Heinen and Rolf Winters leave behind their cosmopolitan London life with their three young children, aged ten, seven and six, to travel to the ends of the earth, searching for a new perspective on life. In their five-year journey across six continents, they live with some of the oldest indigenous communities on the planet; gaining access to tribal sages never filmed or interviewed before, without a crew or schedule, only one backpack and one camera each, and the curiosity to listen.

The film reveals the deep wisdom the family discover in their conversations with these "Earth Keepers"' and its power to transform lives. Many of the Earth Keepers were hesitant to be filmed but as the family lived alongside them, a mutual trust grew and they embraced the idea. Having lived in hiding for centuries, they saw that now was the time to share their insights with those who were ready to listen. Their messages portray a way of living with "a clear and transcendent vision of life on planet Earth, unaffected by man-made laws".

Filmmaker Renata Heinen says: “I believe that the energy of the recordings of the contributors in the film is so special because of the intimacy. We filmed every individual in their natural environment." Rolf Winters adds: "We wanted to create an experience and not make a ‘talking heads’ film. To capture the journey across the globe."

York Press:

Down To Earth filmmakers Renata Heinen and Rolf Winters and their children

Sahil says: "Down To Earth is a mirror to humanity, a poignant and timely reflection on our civilised world. The movie invites us to see the world through the eyes of the Keepers of the Earth. It takes us on an inner journey, connecting us with the source and the mutual path we are walking.

"Down To Earth is both a wake-up call and a resurgence of hope for our world to come. It's not just the launch of a film. It’s the launch of a thought, a vision for the future."

Should you be wondering what a "facilitated dialogue" involves, Friday's 9pm show and next Saturday's 1pm show will have an introduction and an open dialogue with the audience after each screening, hosted by the filmmakers or Down To Earth ambassadors.

"Down To Earth is a call to action for people to find purpose and personal relevance," says Sahil, who was delighted that actor Sir Mark Rylance attended the London premiere on September 11. "The film is the most successful documentary in the Netherlands in recent years and the narrative has been carried by the people and the changes they made in their lives to make a better world."

Tickets are on sale on 0871 902 5747 or at picturehouses.co.uk/york