Qatsi

Qatsi is the name commonly applied to a trilogy of non-narrative documentary films directed by Godfrey Reggio and produced by Francis Ford Coppola's American Zoetrope. The films—Koyaanisqatsi (1982), Powaqqatsi (1988), and Naqoyqatsi (2002)—use imagery of landscapes, cities, and human activity set to music by Philip Glass. They eschew conventional narration and dialogue in favor of visual sequences and an experimental score, with the aim of exploring the relationship between humanity, nature, and technology.

Koyaanisqatsi translates from Hopi as life out of balance. Powaqqatsi is commonly described as life in transformation or life in transition. Naqoyqatsi is often translated as life as war or life in the digital age, reflecting its emphasis on modern technologies and conflict. The titles reflect a Hopi-derived linguistic motif; translations vary slightly among sources.

Koyaanisqatsi presents juxtapositions of natural and man-made environments to critique industrial modernity. Powaqqatsi broadens the scope to cultures outside the Western world, emphasizing traditional life under pressure from globalization. Naqoyqatsi examines the modern, weaponized, and digitized world, using largely digital imagery and montage.

The trilogy is noted for its pioneering use of image, pace, and Philip Glass's minimalist score. It has influenced artists, filmmakers, and scholars and continues to be screened with live orchestral performances. The project is recognized as a landmark in experimental cinema and a notable example of non-narrative documentary filmmaking.