Crisis and victory?

We had begun recording Shokouh Rezaie in Los Angeles as the main narrator for the Persian Version of Luminous Journey when she had a stroke.  This is a deep and tragic situation for us. Shokouh is doing much better--recovering now in the rehabilitation area of St. Joseph's Medical Center in Burbank, CA.  Her family members have been there; a number of people have come to visit; she is well loved. Please send forth thoughts and prayers for her healing!

Ojan Missaghi is our audio co-producer

Tim, Anne, Shokouh, Ojan

We will soon be back in the studio, recording other voices for the film.  It is not yet known whether Shokouh will be able to finish the narration, but we will use her voice for the first part. 

And share the Kickstarter link below, if you can! Only 8 days left to make our goal. . . . 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/9432662/luminous-journey-persian-language-version

Persian version Kickstarter!

Just launched a kickstarter for the Persian-language version of Luminous Journey!  

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/9432662/luminous-journey-persian-language-version

In production again!

Since we are doing a PERSIAN VERSION of the film, with script now being translated and fundraising in process, we are embarking on another KICKSTARTER to meet some of the financial needs. (The voices will be recorded in LA; Shokouh Rezaie, a well-known singer and radio speaker will be doing the main narrator's part; we'll have to rent a studio out there for a month and have Ojan Missaghi do all of the voice recording and audio editing.)

Yesterday, in the new audio editing suite at the Art Institute of Dallas, we did a video shoot for the Kickstarter campaign.

Petra

Petra, our current intern, was director and camera person; we had three production assistants--first quarter video students thrilled to get an opportunity to be part of a real shoot; two Persian spokespeople, our friends Sina and Melody, came in to do the Persian parts.

It was wonderful--and reminded me again of how much I love the PRODUCTION part of film!

Petra and crew

Sina & Anne

Melody

Sina, preparing his cue sheet

Great teamwork!

Brady with boom mic

AJ on bounce board

Melody, Sina, Anne

Petra & AJ

Melody (right)
 

Recent Screenings

We've had great adventures, recently, screening the film.  In Little Rock we premiered the film at the Market Street Theatre (see website image to right)

and then had a follow up screening of the short version at a public library with discussion on peace, race unity, gender equality, and so forth. Enthusiastic audiences, both!  Some people from WAND, a women's peace organization, came.

With Canadian filmmakers Mary Darling & Clark Donnelly

We also attended a conference in Phoenix and had 4 screening presentations--the whole film and some workshops with behind-the-scenes clips. People were very excited to hear about the Chinese subtitled version in the works, as well as the Persian language version.  We need to raise funds for the latter.

at one of our workshops

Performance of Smith & Dragoman

Ideas, anyone?

Jon Rezin did a great job of selling our wares along with his many CDs

Some great new tributes have come our way: Jacqueline Walker writes:  "This is a beautiful and interesting film, amazingly so for a reportage. We watched it in one sitting, although we usually don't like long films. Thank you so much!"

Alaska!

Sam Jordan, of Juneau Alaska, writes: 

This past Tuesday, the Day of the Covenant, the Local Spiritual Assembly of Juneau sponsored a free showing of ‘Luminous Journey’ at the local art-house theater The Goldtown Nickelodeon.  It was a bitter cold and foggy night here in Juneau, but 24 folks braved the elements, grabbed some popcorn and watched the film.  Included in the crowd were several non-Baha’is, several children ranging in ages from ages 5-11 and one of our dear elders.  Folks were very concentrated throughout the film, but several times there were laughs, some oohs and ahhs, and occasionally someone recognizing a familiar face in the actors who played in the film.  Everyone walked away having learned something new about that glorious 8 months of Abdul Baha’s visit.  In its totality, the film brought into clear focus the tirelessness of Abdul Baha’s service on behalf of the Faith here in America.  It left many humbled.

Our assembly, and I personally, thank you for helping us host ‘Luminous Journey’ here in our small town.  The promotional cards and booklets allowed us to share with friends and family, and we have already had requests for a second showing for those who could not make the first one.  We plan to host as many showings as folks want, as well as offer the opportunity for folks in neighboring communities in Alaska.

So, bravo!  And thank you for the obvious care and thoughtfulness of your work.  It has been well received here in Juneau!

‘Luminous Journey’ in Alaska’s Capital City

A new tribute

We just got another glowing tribute to the film, from Derald Hendry, sent via email:

“I have just emerged from a breathtaking experience. I was actually immersed in the time of 1912. I have been anxiously waiting for my Blu-ray edition and viewed it with rapt attention today. What a marvelous production! As a former history teacher and a Bahá’í of 53 years, I KNOW what difficulties you must have experienced in this visual 'love letter' to the world—all the data, the photography, the script, the music, and so forth. Quite an undertaking and well worth the effort. I was actually stunned by its impact. For years I have been hoping someone would undertake this valuable task and I don't see how it could have been any better or more interestingly presented. It is time the world comes to know what His visit and love was all about. BRAVO! Your love, dedication and perseverance were obvious. I watched it again this morning . . . it touches me so much and will live forever in my heart!"

Derald also said that the film seemed SHORT to him. This is good; a few people have said it was too long--but then they also say that they were tired when they started to watch it! I like Derald's comment! 

Other Travels . . .

William Jennings Bryan house

 I've been remiss about recounting all of our travels.  From Colorado, we went to Lincoln, NB and then to Minneapolis--so I'll post a few photos from these places.

We can hardly keep up with everything!  And more traveling to come--Bellevue, WA, and Little Rock!

In Lincoln, we visited the home of William Jennings Bryan and took many photos inside and video footage of the outside. 

Bryan house

See mention of 'Abdu'l-Bahá in text above

Lincoln Woman's Club

Speaking about the film

We showed our film at the Lincoln Women's Club--and more people came from advertising than Baha'is! It was a great evening--very receptive and responsive audience.

Reception after Film Screening

Reception

Reception

Young man we met at Persian Conf. & saw here!

Brian and Jenina--a delightful pair!

Jenina and I at a restaurant

One of the Bridges of Madison County

Saman, a young man we met at a cafe in Des Moines

With Tim's brother Steve in Minneapolis

 We traveled to Minneapolis through Madison Country--and stopped to see some sights & take a few photos. Then, my longtime friend Dede Moum set up a little rendezvous for us in Des Moines and a few friends of hers came--and we sat in a cafe & spoke about the film to several people. I met one person, Alan, who is online with the Baha'i Writers' Group, so it was nice to meet him in person.

In Minneapolis, we got together with Tim's brother, Steve, who took us out to lunch and helped us set up for our evening film event--one of the best ever! The space was great; the audience receptive.

Minneapolis Baha'i Center