chromaphob "Every mystery of human existence…explained in one movie!" proclaims the film's poster advertisement. This film certainly asks many questions about the existence of humans, but doesn't provide any solid answers — a plethora of opinions, but no answers. It is the film equivalent of the world religions class I took at Santa Barbara City College.Roger Nygard, the film's 'creator' (pun-intended), is experiencing a sort of mid-life existential crisis; instead of enrolling in the city college class, he has the luxury of traveling the world to ask adherents of each religion the questions you could find in a textbook or google. Evangelists, Mormons, Jews, Christians, Druids, Taoists, Buddhists, Hindus, etc. are given the chance to stand on their very own soapbox to proclaim their deeply held beliefs.Although this film seems to hold a slightly cynical perspective, it does not provide an answer. Although Nygard appears to be open and curious to other ways of living and believing, the editing of the movie tends to poke fun of the interviewees. I found myself laughing along with the others in the theatre, but I suppose I had some slight guilt about it, or felt that perhaps Mister Nygard should have some slight guilt about it. Everyone interviewed spoke with the utmost sincerity and passion concerning their viewpoints on the world and religion. I can't speak for them, but many of these people may not have agreed to speak if they knew about the atheist agenda of mocking other's beliefs. Atheists are capable of being just as militant in their convictions of non-religion as any practicing religion.Perhaps it is unfair of me to attend an atheist film festival and be shocked that the audience and films are making light of organized religions. Allow me clarify: this is not a bad film, it is entertaining and informative – two key components for any documentary. The Nature of Existence makes rather substantial claims: not only to provide an explanation for everything, but also to change your perception of everything. It just seems a tad over zealous is all.

skcfilms Roger Nygard, a smart, talented filmmaker who has given us fun documentaries in the past, delivers his best film to date. The Nature of Existence is fast moving, hilarious, sharp, film about the meaning of life. If anyone can make an enjoyable film about a personal and controversial topic as religion, is Mr. Nygard. He gives everyone a chance to voice their opinion without judgment and he himself seems to have learned something while making this film. Although the film is hilarious, it is also a personal journey about finding "what it all means." Laughed from the beginning to the end but also leaves you thinking... Thoroughly enjoyed the film and recommend it to all who ever asked "why?"!

rroberto18 "The Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy" was a quest for THE answer to everything. This intelligent, thought-provoking and witty documentary provides many answers that at first make about as much sense as Douglas Adams' "42" because they come at you so quickly. Almost as quickly though, the viewer realizes that posing big, probing questions is key to moving forward, both in life and on the screen. Filmmaker Nygard's double role as tour guide and tourist is never self-serving. His impish approach to philosophy, science and religion as three sides to the same multi-dimensional coin is essential to the film's success. It's corny to say this, but when the film is over, you want to meet him for a friendly chat over some pancakes (reference explained in the film's opening sequence). An obvious choice for Best Documentary because of its scope and all it gives you to ponder on the way to the exit (figuratively and metaphorically). The film itself is a fast-paced 96 minutes that whets your appetite for a forthcoming, mind-blowing 7 DVD set. A digital equivalent of an encyclopedia to spark the search for knowledge even in a high-school drop-out. Just when it seems that cable TV's Discovery, National Geographic and History Channels are morphing into network "reality shows," this is the right film at the right time.

ediblelogic210 I saw a special screening of this film last night in Professor Richard Brown's Film 101 Class. Professor Brown introduced Roger Nygard as ,"…a film maker , artist and storyteller…a unique talent…one who is important to listen to." I must say that Professor Brown was indeed correct. This film turned out to be quite an ambitious attempt to give insight to the question of why we exist. The questions that Nygard tackles are too numerous to mention, but he did say that they were all listed on the film's website. When first reading the questions, it's easy to understand how people might think that this is an extremely heavy and serious film. Although the questions & answers show incredible depth & insight – many of the answers are extremely and surprisingly funny ! I genuinely had some of the biggest laughs that I've had in a long time. I really hope that this film does well in the theaters and has an extended run in all the cities that it's playing in. This type of film is really the kind of film that should be experienced with a group of your best friends, followed by a visit to the local diner . Order lots of coffee to prep yourself for some of the most stimulating & engaging conversations that you've had in long time.