feel the music ~ open your heart
Welcome!
This post is the first in a series entitled
Stillness Creates!
(Creating Beauty!)
Meet my dear friend, Amar, a filmmaker.
An incredibly beautiful documentary film about Arab-Ottoman (Sufi!) music has been created through him.
The small portion of it that I saw touched my heart deeply.
I'd love to share it with you!
(click on the green arrow on the photo below)
Wajd: Music, Politics & Ecstasy
A visual journey exploring the sacred musical culture of Western Asia
and its delicate relationship with Islam and the state.
I'd love to see this film completed and in the world!
If you would, too, please consider supporting Amar's film with a financial pledge and/or telling your friends.
They've already raised $9,299 of the $15,000 that is required.
The deadline, though, is next Saturday, September 8th.
In order for them to receive any of the $15,000 they must meet the full amount by the deadline.
(I just made a pledge & it's super easy!)
Here's a letter from Amar:
Dear Friends,
We are very excited to present to you our current feature documentary WAJD: Music, Politics, & Ecstasy which traces Syrian-Canadian filmmaker Amar Chebib's journey along a path that many of us can relate to - one of belonging, alienation and spiritual yearning. As he explores the intricacies of Arab-Ottoman music, he discovers its deep connection to Sufism and the socio-political influences that led to its suppression. Ultimately the film is a story about this music's ability to invoke a heart-opening experience of universal beauty.
We have put our blood, sweat and tears into this project for over 2 years now, and shot over 70 hours of footage in Syria, Turkey, Europe and North America with top musicians, musicologists, spiritual teachers and young artists who are carrying this beautiful tradition into contemporary life. Some of the main people in the film are:
Kudsi Erguner
Hakan Talu
Munir Beken
Ali Jihad Racy
Julien Jalaluddine Weiss
Kabir Helminski
Cemalnur Sargut
Ibrahim Farajaje
Sirin Anna
Serif Baba
Esin Chelebi
Alper Akcay.. and many more!
We are very close to finishing the production (shooting) phase of the film but we need your support to help raise money for post-production (editing)!
Crowd-funding
Crowd-funding (or crowd-financing) is still a very new concept, however it is quickly becoming one the leading an independent film can be funded, produced and distributed by independent filmmakers. Basically how it works is that we launch a campaign on a platform (ours is on Kickstarter) where people can donate different amounts receive rewards for the contributions. Essentially we are not asking for charity because you are pre-purchasing you HD Digital Download for $25 and there are greater rewards depending on the amount.
The key word here is INDEPENDENT. The filmmaker retains all copyrights and is under no pressure to modify the film according to any government or private institution/corporation's interests. Therefore it cuts out the middle-man and enables films to be made, that otherwise wouldn't stand a chance, by putting the funding power directly into the hands of the viewer, which means YOU! This also brings up another key word: INTERDEPENDENT. Yes that's right, independent from government/corporate money and an interdependent global community of creators/supporters of content that deserves to be made, seen and shared.
Why support us? Why this film?
Because we believe in film for social/political/environmental change. We know what we are doing has a direct impact on our communities and all of our projects intend to address the global crisis we are currently facing.
WAJD: Music, Politics & Ecstasy is a film that addresses many issues in Western Asia (or "Middle East") such as Eurocentrism and religious dogmatism. It also speaks to many of the negative stereotypes of Islam in the West.
However most importantly, we believe that our global crisis is rooted in our feelings of separateness from each other and the lack of the sacred in our daily lives. This film speaks directly to that by showing us how traditional sacred music is a doorway to transcending our artificial divisions and experiencing a deep connection to something beyond ourselves.
Practical Stuff
Check out our campaign here:
You will see the video we put together, more details about the film, how much money we need ($15,000) and what it will be used for, as well as all the benefits you get by donating.
If you don't feel capable of donating money now there are many other ways to help:
1. Spread the word to those who you think might be able to donate, even forward this email to them right now. Social Media is key! Share our video/funding page on facebook/twitter!
2. Ask to host a screening of the film in your city or town, school, university, organization.
3. Talk about the film (word of mouth is one of the best ways we can get support).
4. Write to us and give us feedback
We hope that what you’ve just read will inspire you enough to help us make this film.
My details are all below and I look forward to your suggestions, comments, ideas, and/or concerns. Anything and everything is welcome. Thank you for your time. Your interest and contributions are deeply appreciated and the warmest regards coming your way!
Creator, Director & Producer for documentary
WAJD : Music, Politics, & Ecstasy
Currently in Crowdfunding:
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* salamfilms.com *
Happy long weekend of Love!
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