The Holy Mountain (1973) – Filming Locations
Drama · Directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky · Starring Alejandro Jodorowsky, Zamira Saunders
The Alchemist assembles together a group of people from all walks of life to represent the planets in the solar system. The occult adept's intention is to put his recruits through strange mystical rites and divest them of their worldly baggage before embarking on a trip to Lotus Island. There they ascend the Holy Mountain to displace the immortal gods who secretly rule the universe.
Where was The Holy Mountain filmed?
- Mexico City, Mexico, Mexico City – Opening sequences with the Thief character in the city streets and various urban surrealist scenes. Primary filming location used for the urban realist opening sequences before the surreal spiritual journey begins
- Churubusco Studios, Mexico City, Mexico, Mexico City – Various symbolic and surreal sequences filmed on studio sets designed by Jodorowsky. Major Mexican studio where Jodorowsky constructed elaborate symbolic sets including the alchemical and spiritual sequences
- Almería, Spain, Almería – Desert sequences during the spiritual ascent and mountain journey sequences. Spanish desert location used for the otherworldly landscapes representing the protagonist's spiritual journey toward the holy mountain
- Paris, France, Paris – Sequences filmed in Paris during post-production and additional filming. European location used for select scenes in Jodorowsky's surrealist narrative structure