In this feature documentary, Toronto-born Peter Mettler takes on the elusive subject of time. He traveled the world to explore a vast array of perspectives on the subject. Just a few examples include his visit with scientists at CERN, who hope to examine time itself in an immense, twenty-seven-kilometre long concrete particle accelerator miles beneath the surface of the earth. He also spent time with squatters in an abandoned area of Detroit near where Henry Ford built his first factory, now a derelict behemoth that evokes the broken statue of Shelley’s “Ozymandias”. Mettler also visited Buddhists who themselves visit the tree where Buddha was enlightened. In this extended examination of destruction and renewal, Mettler trains his cameras on the lava flows in Hawaii (pictured above) which have overwhelmed all but one home on the south side of Big Island.

In this expansive exploration of time, Mettler has crafted a film that is personal and visionary, resulting in a work that is as compelling and magnificent as its subject. The End of Time had its world premiere at the 2012 Locarno Film Festival.

109 minutes – documentary
Release date: December 12, 2012
Canadian distributor: Mongrel Media
Peter Mettler talks to Northernstars about the making of The End of Time.