Documentary Film, A Rare Portrait

Official Trailer

The Back Story

When I first encountered Richard’s books they helped open up a new path forward for me, a path out of the worldview that was boxing me in. As I’ve heard so many people say over the years, his words felt like the articulation of truths that already lived inside me. I wanted to know if he was the real deal, if he lived the message he was sharing, but it seemed that the real man was always hiding behind the teaching.

After moving to Albuquerque and working with Richard directly, I encountered his humility, dedication, integrity, and humanity. I asked him if I could show a bit of this to the world. After a few years of saying “No” he finally agreed. Our first filming session was for five consecutive mornings in November of 2019. It was supposed to be one of many resulting in a much larger project, a film with a bigger scope.

But, the pandemic hit and Richard was safely isolated to protect his fragile health and he emerged from the pandemic with far less energy.

Richard and me on the CAC grounds in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 2019.

So, I decided to make what I could from the limited footage I had. And, rather than introduce new characters, talking heads, and try to tell the history of his huge life, I decided to keep the film small and focused: a look at Richard’s core message and ordinary existence. I hope it feels like a chance encounter, even an accident, but one that shows the spirit of a man that’s given so much.

Directed and produced by Nicholas Kramer
Edited by Patrick Gal-Szabo
Produced by Jenna Keiper
Original music by Hammock