Life is tough. Life can be humdrum. Knowing this, should I encourage people to see the UFO documentary, “Phoenix Lights”?
It’s a good film for people who want to believe that unidentified flying objects in our skies are alien visitors. Local filmmaker Steve Lantz claims two UFO sightings, including “orbs” that were part of phenomena witnessed by thousands across Arizona.
The mass sightings in 1997 include what many believe was an alien spacecraft, reported by some to be as much as a mile across.
The one-time showing is at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad St., Nevada City, presented by Roundtrip Productions for the Nevada Theatre Film Series.
“Phoenix Lights” has drawn good crowds in Nevada City and elsewhere in previous showings. Its interviews and special effects strike a professional and engaging tone.
For a homegrown effort, the film lends watchable passion and commitment, exposing audiences to the possibility that “we are not alone” in our nano-speck-sized part of the universe.
As it goes with such presentations, it is heavy on associating the sincerity of eyewitnesses with the mystery, wonder and hope of possibility. It does not hesitate to expand beyond documented events to speculations about government and corporate cover-ups, mastered alternative physics and concern — beyond fear — for the fate of our planet.
And as it goes with such presentations, the film has some trappings of scientific credibility, including suggestions by a former astronaut. Despite passing nods to scientific plausibility, involvement in these considerations is not about scientific examination.
In fairness, whatever lit up the 911 switchboards in Arizona that night sustained more lasting buzz than most UFO action. Official explanations don’t completely satisfy.
The bonus for Sunday’s showing is a question-and-answer period with filmmaker Lantz. So, check your skepticism or your belief or your desire to believe in extraterrestrials against the case made at the Nevada Theatre. Who knows who or what might be sitting next to you.