SXSW 2021: Lily Topples the World, Subjects of Desire, The Hunt for Planet B | Festivals & Awards


It’s no bold statement to say that we have taken scientists for granted lately, especially in our pandemic of misinformation that has made belief more powerful than fact. Director Nathaniel Kahn recognizes this, and tries to combat this, with his impassioned and unabashedly intellectual documentary “The Hunt for Planet B,” which on the outset is about the engineering of the most powerful telescope yet, the James Webb Space Telescope. The JWST, with its 18 large gold hexagons, will help us see farther into space than we ever have before, and to understand what other planets are out there. This is true pioneer work, continued from what Galileo did hundreds of years ago, but with technology that has only improved because of collaborations. 

But beyond the focus on the telescope, Kahn has assembled a touching, incredibly pure profile on this “collective genius” that has lead to these breakthroughs. Kahn talks to astronomers from all over the country about their passion for finding intelligent life, and often presents them doing something unrelated to their space work: their hobbies are used as poignant reflections of their passion, like the chief engineer who compares the make-or-break usage of the telescope with progression in weight-lifting. “The Hunt for Planet B” talks about—and sometimes even imagines—what would be found on other planets, but is grounded by its narrative about the many who dedicate their lives to this science. We don’t often get such a personal view of these influential minds. 

The passion that Kahn has for these people, and their minds, is infectious, even if the doc itself maintains a somewhat dry tone when wanting to document these individuals, who are from all around and of various backgrounds, and their work, while beholding the telescope’s creation throughout the film’s runtime. It’s more about being a fan—Kahn can often be heard asking questions of his subjects (off-camera, and more than a usual documentary) and he airs our curiosities about what these brilliant minds are doing, and trying to understand how they can be so determined about it. Their dreams are for the benefit of our planet, and Kahn’s documentary helps us stand back and remember just how essential science to progress. 

You can view the original article HERE.

The Top 3 Fantasy Movies of All Time Are Totally Different
The Top 3 Fantasy Movies of All Time Are Totally Different
Tom Hardy Carries Promising Double-Episode Premiere of Paramount+’s “MobLand” | TV/Streaming
Tom Hardy Carries Promising Double-Episode Premiere of Paramount+’s “MobLand” | TV/Streaming
The Best British Detective Series on BritBox, Ranked
The Best British Detective Series on BritBox, Ranked
Every Movie Coming to Shudder in April 2025
Every Movie Coming to Shudder in April 2025
Morgan Wallen abruptly walks off ‘SNL’ before show’s end
Morgan Wallen abruptly walks off ‘SNL’ before show’s end
PS Plus April 2025 games
PS Plus April 2025 games
Listen to Mr. Milchick’s marching band banger from ‘Severance’ season two finale
Listen to Mr. Milchick’s marching band banger from ‘Severance’ season two finale
When is ‘Solo Leveling’ season 3 coming out?
When is ‘Solo Leveling’ season 3 coming out?
Jada Pinkett Smith’s Star-Studded Debut Movie Is a Mess
Jada Pinkett Smith’s Star-Studded Debut Movie Is a Mess
MobLand Season 1 Episode 1 Recap: Stick or Twist
MobLand Season 1 Episode 1 Recap: Stick or Twist
'1923' Season 2 Episode 6 Recap: 7 Deaths and No Sign of Mercy
'1923' Season 2 Episode 6 Recap: 7 Deaths and No Sign of Mercy
9 Best TV Rom-Coms of the 2020s (So Far)
9 Best TV Rom-Coms of the 2020s (So Far)
Duke dominates Alabama to reach 18th Final Four
Duke dominates Alabama to reach 18th Final Four
Dodgers beat Tigers to start 5-0 for 1st time since 1981
Dodgers beat Tigers to start 5-0 for 1st time since 1981
NCAA disallows spring game between Colorado, Syracuse
NCAA disallows spring game between Colorado, Syracuse
Broome powers Auburn to comeback win over Michigan
Broome powers Auburn to comeback win over Michigan
Chandler’s Mom Nora Bing On ‘Friends’ ‘Memba Her?!
Chandler’s Mom Nora Bing On ‘Friends’ ‘Memba Her?!
Russell Brand Praises Bill Burr’s Bold Move on ‘The View’ But Fans Are Divided
Russell Brand Praises Bill Burr’s Bold Move on ‘The View’ But Fans Are Divided
Richard Norton, Hollywood Martial Artist to the Stars, Dead at 75
Richard Norton, Hollywood Martial Artist to the Stars, Dead at 75
Russell Brand Stuns Fans By Quitting Rumble Show To Pursue Hip-Hop Career Full-Time
Russell Brand Stuns Fans By Quitting Rumble Show To Pursue Hip-Hop Career Full-Time
The White Lotus & CB@ Toast Their Collab At Thai Diner
The White Lotus & CB@ Toast Their Collab At Thai Diner
Clement Dubosq’s incredible journey which started with a single chihuahua
Clement Dubosq’s incredible journey which started with a single chihuahua
Remi Bader Claps Back, The White Lotus’ Drama With Duke!
Remi Bader Claps Back, The White Lotus’ Drama With Duke!
Levi’s 501 Original Cropped Jeans Review
Levi’s 501 Original Cropped Jeans Review