As many people around the world continue to be confined to their homes, there has never been a better opportunity to escape to the furthest reaches – even if it’s just digitally. Sound of Life has teamed up with Suitcase Magazine and Eyelet, the world’s top destination for streaming indie films, to take you on a virtual journey into the world beyond our doorsteps.

We’ve put together a list of five indie films to transport you from your sofa to the streets of Japan, China and Colombia, among others, for a chance to refuel your wanderlust with all the sights and sounds of life we have so missed in our isolation.

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*Limited to the first 100 subscribers, this offer is valid until 3rd August 2020 only. Promo code will be sent via e-mail. 

Porro Hecho en Colombia

This music-fuelled documentary takes us to the eclectic streets of Colombia. Directed by Latin Grammy-nominated artist Adriana Lucía, this vibrant film explores the history, spirit and culture of Córdoba, Colombia. Set against a backdrop of infectious songs and a contagious rhythm, Porro Hecho en Colombia will introduce you to porro, a music style that originated from the Caribbean region of Colombia and that continues to evolve and shape the community of Córdoba.

Ramen Shop

Satisfying more than just hunger, Ramen Shop explores how food can play a vital role in understanding and honouring your roots. In this film, you’ll join Masato as he travels to Singapore after the death of his father who ran a much-loved ramen store in Japan. There, he reconnects with a long-lost grandmother in the kitchen. We’ve shortlisted this film because of the way we’re transported through sight and sound – you’ll understand why when you watch as fish curries, bak kut teh (a pork rib broth) and whole crabs dance across your screen.

A Secret in the Box

Get under the skin of post-war Ecuador with A Secret in the Box. Through politically focused journalism, this film delves into the literary veins of a country using a dreamed-up literary figure – Marcelo Chiriboga – to explore the South American country's identity. In a voyage that stretches the boundaries of fact and fiction, A Secret in the Box explores the sights and sounds of Ecuadorian culture across a landscape of different cities and a captivating reel of archived footage.

The Nightingale

A humbling tale of values and heritage, Nightingale touches on our longing for simplicity and the great outdoors. The heart-warming film tells the story of Zhi Gen, an elderly farmer who wishes to fulfil a promise to his late wife by travelling back to their hometown. While the early parts of the film traverse the glittering cityscapes and urban soundscape of Beijing, the real beauty emerges when grandfather and granddaughter embark on their road trip to Yangshuo, a rural province dotted with enchanting lakes, forests and rice paddies.

Just Meet

Considered to be one of the world’s most influential visionaries, the luminary architect Tadao Ando is responsible for shaping modern architecture in Japan. In this film, Just Meet, you will join Ando on intimate tour of his artistic journey. From a self-built studio in Osaka, Japan, to Casa Wabi, a design-driven artists' retreat on Mexico's Pacific Coast where he plays with natural elements and geometric patterns. Scattered across Japan, some of the architect's most notable works include the serene Church on the Water in Hokkaido and the Osaka Culturarium Tempozan that’s perched on Osaka Bay – both worthy of a real-life visit in the near future.

Cover Image: Robinson Recalde/Unsplash