Film festivals involve total immersion and generally, cover a wide range of topics. But what if you could spend five days watching nothing but inspiration, thought-provoking films? That’s what’s happening at the Illuminate Film Festival in Sedona starting May 27.
It may not be mainstream—yet!—but there’s no shortage of star power of various kinds. A few highlights:
Sold, an award-winning drama executive produced by acclaimed actress/producer Emma Thompson, based on real-life events revealed in Patricia McCormick’s best-selling novel. It tells the story of a young Nepali girl’s struggle for survival after being sold into prostitution in Kolkata and how her faith, Bhakti practice and the memories of her mother give her the courage to endure. American photographer (Gillian Anderson) and humanitarian aid worker (David Arquette) attempt to rescue her and other young women against all odds.
Dying to Know, narrated by Robert Redford, about two conventional Harvard professors – Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert (aka Ram Dass) – who began probing the edges of consciousness in the 1960s, one ending up in jail and the other becoming a notable spiritual teacher.
The Pilgrim: Paulo Coehlo’s Best Story, a dramatic biopic depicting the rise of renowned Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, whose 25-year old spiritual classic, The Alchemist, still remains on the New York Times bestseller list.
iGod, a probing exploration of a higher power featuring spiritual trailblazers Neale Donald Walsh, Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Alan Cohen, Gregg Braden and Barbara Marx Hubbard.
The landmark film Landfill Harmonic, which was featured on “60 Minutes” in 2013 and had its world premiere this March
at SXSW 2015. A heartfelt, moving story of how instruments made from recycled trash bring hope to children whose futures are otherwise spiritless.
The world premiere of Plant Pure Nation, from John Corry, writer/director and producer of Forks Over Knives. Featuring nutritional scientist T. Colin Campbell (author of the New York Times bestseller The China Study), the film tells the story of one of the most important health breakthroughs of all time.
A special sneak peek of clips from The Connected Universe, featuring Nassim Haramein. This groundbreaking marriage of science and spirituality directed by Malcom Carter is now the highest grossing documentary in Indiegogo history.
Festival passes are available now; individual tix based on availability after May 1.
