Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: EXPOSURE [DOC NYC 2021 - Virtual]

The aspect of an Artic expedition depends on the structure of what is to be accomplished and the circumstances surrounding it. "Exposure" [US Competition] follows a group of women put together by Felecity Aston who herself has walked across Antarctica. She sought to assemble a team of women from the West as well as the Arab world to make a trek to the North Pole. Like a film we covered at Camden Intl Film Festival called "After Antarctica" it is about a journey of discovery of the people involved both in their view of life but also how their culture (be it French, Arab or British) informs their choices and approaches. While that film ("After Antarctica") was approached reflectively looking back at a much longer expedition in 1988 with an all male team on a much longer journey, this film takes it through the eyes of Holly Morris and an all female crew following the women in their preparation and eventually taking on of the trek in mid 2019 of 100km to the North Pole over a series of days.

The perspectives of the women from such places as Oman or even a Muslim mother/wife out of Manchester UK are intrinsic because the reflection of their belief system imbues them but also connects them with other women in the West. There is a distinction of mutual respect but also, like any alpha/beta relationship, there are ones who lead and ones who support. Watching a woman approaching 50 living in London connecting with a younger member of the royal family in Qatar is beautiful because they find commonness in their want for adventure and concern for climate change. An earlier training trip in Oman is an interesting irony in the aspect of the heat versus the cold though the trek elements are the same. The conversations in the shade are intrinsic in their dialogue and perspective. The different forms of lifestyle are discussed but the key is asking questions since every voyage is individual. The voyage is not just one of stamina but one of community and sisterhood. "Exposure" doesn't necessarily hit it over the head but makes the focus and intent clear of women bonding together despite any differences or ambitions they might have. B

By Tim Wassberg