Woohoo! The first ever “Awakened World Film Festival Retreat” will be held in Santa Barbara, from October 27-30 this year!The unique feature of this film festival is that it presents both an exciting line-up of cutting edge films, as well as interactive workshops that will guide participants from inspiration to transformative action in three streams: SPIRIT * SOCIETY * SELF.
Film, at its best, touches, moves and inspires us to be our best selves – This festival expresses the voice of a spiritually mature and socially responsible movement that is committed to changing the world for the better. We intend to dazzle and entertain, but also to evoke an inner response that not only transforms the consciousness of attendees, but also inspires action.Rev. Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, founder of Agape International and president of AGNT.
Headlining the festival are films produced by several Hollywood notables, including A PLACE AT THE TABLE by Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges, and THE HUNGRY GHOSTS, produced by Michael Imperioli of The Sopranos fame. The new-culture film, WHAT THE BLEEP DO WE KNOW? premiered in the Fall of 2004, a dynamic new catalyst for consciousness in media. Ten years later, ”What the Bleep” creator and director, William Arntz, will celebrate its worldwide anniversary with members of cast and crew at the Awakened World Festival.Over four nights and three days, attendees will enjoy gala evening presentations and concerts in Santa Barbara’s landmark Lobero Theater, and select from a daily menu of films and workshops taking place at three downtown viewing venues: the Lobero, Center Stage Theater, and Unity of Santa Barbara Auditorium. Each session will begin with a brief contemplative practice guided by teachers from a diverse variety of spiritual traditions.After each film, a Q&A panel with filmmakers, actors, renowned teachers, directors or producers will take place followed by a facilitated workshop in which the audience, itself, will be invited into dialogue shaped by the film’s core concepts that inspire and transform us. The wide variety of films offered will include both feature films and documentaries from around the world.The Association for Global New Thought (AGNT) supported in part by Science of Mind Foundation, a non-profit organization with international outreach, is inaugurating the festival as an annual destination for conscious film enthusiasts.
Check it all out at: www.awakenedworldfilmfestival.com
The schedule is exciting! Won't you join us?