Luminous Journey presented in Edinburgh
Tim Perry speaking at the Dazzling Spark Arts Foundation artist retreat in Edinburgh, Scotland
Three films were presented at the first Dazzling Spark Arts Retreat and we hope that film, video and documentaries will play an important part of our Visual Arts Creative Circles in future. We will be seeking reviews from guest writers and also be talking to film makers and producers about their work. I want to share some thoughts about the first of these we viewed in Edinburgh. Our retreat was held at the Edinburgh Baha’i Centre and coincided with the Centenary of the visit of Abdu’l-Baha, the head of the Baha’i Faith to Edinburgh in 1913. The story of Abdu’l-Baha, who endured a lifetime of imprisonment and exile for his teachings, is a remarkable one and continues to inspire thousands of artists, musicians, writers and filmmakers around the world. It was fitting therefore that a new film documenting part of his epic journey to the West received its first UK screening in Edinburgh.
Excerpts “Luminous Journey- ‘Abdu’l-Baha in America -1912” were played at our opening ceremony with the full screening the following evening. Faced with the challenge of documenting 239 days of a remarkable journey across the USA and Canada, Director and producers, Tim and Anne Perry explained the painstaking process of researching, documenting and assembling such a talented team of writers, photographers, actors, musicians, technicians and production personnel in so many locations. As an example of individual initiative they have achieved outstanding results and, regardless of the film itself, we were all left astonished at the sheer scale of the enterprise involved and the remarkable faith and tenacity they demonstrated in pursuing such a complex project. We were all heartened by the stories of how when repeatedly faced by obstacles, criticism or lack of resources, they never gave up and continued to have faith in their artistic vision. In watching the long list of credits one was reminded of the potential of arts based projects to draw so many people together. In this case hundreds volunteered their talents and contributed in so many ways to the making of such an important film. Two points are perhaps worthy of reflection.
Anne Perry performing a dramatic monologue during the Edinburgh artist’s retreat
First, that where spirit leads form will follow. Many artistic creations are a labour of love and often involve personal and material sacrifice, but the financial and logistical challenges of such a major production as this were huge and represent a real triumph of the spirit. Above all, it seems that it is often the clarity of vision and degree of faith in the project that attracts interest and support and makes such achievements possible.
Secondly, that the harmony most of us hunger for in our lives, in our personal relationships, family, community and beyond, is an outcome of a process and is not a product or solid state. We come together through going forward in pursuit of a common objective, a shared vision. In some ways perhaps, art-based projects offer greater potential to create unity, in that they can bring diverse people together in so many imaginative and joyful ways and engage them in meaningful and memorable experiences.
Tim Perry on location in Edinburgh, Scotland
The film itself maps and documents in great detail, the places visited by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, with a subtle blend of archival photos, published commentaries and personal reflections which set the context for a thoughtful narrative on the spiritual and historical significance of the ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s “Voyage to the West”. By faithfully following the exhausting itinerary, the viewer is invited to share this journey and imagine themselves as a traveling companion on a sacred mission to raise the banner of peace and reconciliation. We visit grand halls, churches and universities, seats of government and temples of healing but also spend time with the downtrodden and dispossessed, the disenfranchised and forgotten. We travel by train, by coach and ferry, we walk through parks and streets and sit on porches, we travel coast to coast for thousands of miles and are present for the layng of the foundation stone of the first Baha’i Temple of the West. The imaginative retelling of stories of personal transformation by some of those fortunate enough to meet ‘Abdu’l-Baha, helped engender a stronger emotional connection and were for me definitely a highlight of the film. They suggest that there are many more such tales waiting to be explored in depth by future generations of film makers and perhaps’Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to Europe will also soon be given such serious treatment.
Anne Perry speaking about ‘Luminous Journey’ in Edinburgh, Scotland
There is much to be praised in this film which has aimed for high production values. The filming and editing is of a high quality, as is the sound and original music. Great patience and care has obviously been taken to ensure a consistent quality and style and we can have great confidence in the historical accuracy of this visual record which has been created and will surely stand the test of time. Indeed, such is the power and intensity of the message that I felt quite overwhelmed at times by the sheer length of the narrative and largely familiar sequence of events. I suspect that many viewers who purchase the DVD may prefer to watch this in segments, rather than all at once and perhaps a shorter ‘highlights’ version will have broader appeal. It is certainly a film to be revisited and used in many ways.
One understands that the filmmakers stated goal was to provide an authentic record of broadcast quality and they have certainly achieved this. All those associated with the production have contributed to a remarkable piece of work and we hope that efforts in marketing and distribution will meet with equal success. I am sure this film will both inform and inspire millions for many years to come and will prove to be a great resource for writers, artists and musicians around the world.
“Luminous Journey- ‘Abdu’l-Baha in America -1912” is currently being screened at a select number of venues in the USA
1 LUMINOUS JOURNEY – TRAILER Summer 2012 from Perry Productions on Vimeo.
The Dazzling Spark Foundation works to foster arts in service to humanity. It seeks to carry forward a vision of oneness and global civilization through excellence in the arts.