Mircea Eliade: His Name, His Destiny

Associated Movie: Youth Without Youth - Francis Ford Coppola's feature film, based on the work of Mircea Eliade. "Recommended. This documentary is an overview of the life and work of the late scholar, Mircea Eliade. Perhaps best known for his work as editor of an encyclopedia of world religions, he was also a novelist and a scholar of the highest magnitude. The program focuses on Eliade's study of Hinduism and how that influenced his own view of religion. This influence has in turn influenced much of Western religious thinking, at least in the mainstream, since before the Second World War." -EMRO Review This is a fascinating account of one of the noted pioneers in the systematic study of the history of the world's religions, the Romanian-born thinker, novelist, and poet, Mircea Eliade (March 9, 1907, Bucharest - April 22, 1986, Chicago). Presenting Eliade's life, from his experiences in Europe, India, and the United States, including being an Avery Distinguished Service Professor of the History of Religions at the University of Chicago, this insightful documentary weaves visual images of his life while inviting viewers to contemplate the mysteries of life, to consider our spirituality and to remember the sacred. An intensely prolific author of fiction and non-fiction alike, publishing over 1,300 works of literature in his lifetime, he too was a scholar of languages; he spoke five languages fluently (English, Romanian, French, German, Italian) and had a reading knowledge of three others (Hebrew, Persian and Sanskrit). One of his most significant contributions to religious studies, which brought him international fame in 1949, was his theory of "Eternal Return," along with his interpretation of religious symbols and imagery, in his book, The Myth of the Eternal Return. Produced by Angela and Dan Jelesco. 07DR SCA 90 min.

Exile - The Dalai Lama and His People

Associated Article: Presence of Mind -Smithsonian Magazine The history of the original Dalai Lama dates back to ancient Mongolian times in the 13th century. Since then, believers have accepted each new Dalai Lama as a reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama, and all are incarnations of the Buddha of Compassion. For over two hundred years the Dalai Lama was the head of the Tibetan Government; then, in 1950, China's military took control of the capital of Tibet, Lhasa, and began to dismantle the country's feudal class system, leading to further social and economic integration of China into Tibet; by 1959 China completed its occupation of Tibet and the 14th Dalai Lama had to seek refuge in India. Serious controversy continues today about China and Tibet, and though he remains in exile, the Dalai Lama continues to be the spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people. This classic documentary, narrated by William Conrad, tells the Dalai Lama's historic story and focuses on the holy man's attempts to perpetuate the Tibetan culture. Thanks to the painstaking efforts of producers Walter and Patricia Arnell, we see rare footage of the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, which is in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India; here, thanks to the efforts of the former Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, the Dalai Lama and his fellow Tibetans found safe refuge; then too established the Central Tibetan Administration (or Tibetan government-in-exile). Also we witness trips to refugee camps in India and Pakistan made by the Dalai Lama; we see examples of the century old Tibetan tradition of Thangka painting; and, overall, we gain a comprehensive picture of this holy man's life - in exile. Produced by Lenra Productions. 08DR/CL JSCA 60 min.

John Paul Jones: Father of the American Navy

Associated Article: Home is the Sailor: John Paul Jones -Smithsonian Magazine Jack McKenzie stars in this historical re-enactment on the life of the Revolutionary War hero, John Paul Jones (1747 - 1792), the "father of the American Navy." Andrew Faulds hosts and narrates throughout the biography, as we learn the story of the man who, as Commodore of the Bonhomme Richard, rejected the British demand for surrender, uttering the famous saying, "I have not yet begun to fight," and went on to defeat the larger vessel, the Serapis. Here we learn the story of this heroic American, who was actually born John Paul in Scotland. Having killed a mutinous crewman in the West Indies, he escaped to Virginia and added the surname of Jones before joining the Continental Navy. Though hailed a hero in Paris and Philadelphia for his great cunning and courage, he encountered such stiff political rivalry at home that after the Revolution he never again held a major American command at sea. Victimized in Russia, he retired and died in Paris, where his remains stayed buried until after much effort, when they were ceremoniously returned to America in 1913 and today are interred in a bronze and marble sarcophagus at the United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, Maryland. Produced by Interama, Inc. 08DR/CL IJSCA 30 min.

In Search of Lawrence (of Arabia)

BAFTA Award for Excellence Associated Movie: Lawrence of Arabia, starring Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness and Anthony Quinn "Highly Recommended. Unique and engaging, this program follows biograher Michael Asher as he repeats two of Lawrence's famous journeys across the Midde East, dispelling any doubts about the accuracy of the facts in Lawrence's book, 'Seven Pillars of Wisdon.' The quality of the production is superior, beautifully filmed with dramatic shots of the desert." -NAMTC/NMM Review Thomas Edward Lawrence, "Lawrence of Arabia," rose from obscurity during World War I to become one of the greatest military heroes of the 20th century. He fought with a band of Bedouin desert fighters in the Middle East during World War I and his expertise in guerilla warfare helped the Arab people gain their freedom after 500 years of domination by the Ottoman Turks, and yet he refused any honors and spent much of the remainder of his life out of the public eye serving in the military. His name became world famous with the release of the feature film, Lawrence of Arabia, but that movie told only part of his story. In this remarkable documentary, Arab scholar and award winning writer Michael Asher (Lawrence: The Uncrowned King of Arabia) fills in the missing details. Here Asher and his wife, photographer Mariantonietta Peru, travel through the deepest deserts in the Middle East to the coast of Jordan, retracing the footsteps of this legendary figure and using the same methods of transport, equipment and resources used in Lawrence's day. Along the way they find untouched remnants of his work and campaigns, including destroyed Turkish military trains, and tell the unique story about the man who has now become synonymous with the history of the Middle East. A Fulcrum Production. 08DR JSCA 52 min. Associated Book: Lawrence: The Uncrowned King of Arabia

Lenin and Me

CINE Golden Eagle Award "Highly Recommended. With the U.S.S.R. gone, many of those raised in this cult were confronted with the necessity of reconciling the official Lenin with the real Lenin as evidenced in the collapse of his legacy; this dilemma of having one's worldview turned upside down is described by Arthur Chidlovski in this highly recommended documentary." -EMRO Review Arthur Chidlovski, a Russian-born immigrant now living in the U.S., attempts to link his own past with that of his former country's. The story branches out from his single vantage point to encompass Russia's political, cultural and economic history in the 20th century. Specifically, he is trying to realize the enormous past that Vladimir Lenin, the "father of the Russian Revolution," played in shaping the former Soviet State and how the myths that surrounded Lenin influenced his childhood. At 5 years of age the producer was brought to see the preserved remains of "Uncle" Lenin; today he travels to view the once towering statue of Lenin, reduced to a junk pile in Willimantic, Connecticut. Throughout his journey, he tries to understand Lenin: a man driven by hate, who had no respect for human life, who ruthlessly condemned his countrymen to death; but, nevertheless, was portrayed as a brilliant leader in Communist Russia for many years. Produced by Arthur Chidlovski. 08DR JSCA 60 min.

Martin Luther: Protestant Reformer

"Recommended. Robin Crichton’s documentary has much to recommend it. This reenactment of Luther’s life is nicely narrated by Andrew Faulds. The photography and acting are well done and the presentation of the important aspects of Luther’s life is concise and clear. This film should be of value to those with and interest in European history and the Protestant Reformation who are looking for an introduction to the life and times of Martin Luther. It is appropriate for viewers from Jr. High through adult." -EMRO Review Ulrich Thein stars in this historical re-enactment on the life of the Augustinian monk, Martin Luther (1483 - 1546), who on October 31, 1517, it is believed nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church, a symbolic attack on papal abuses and the sale of indulgences by church officials which, though his intent was only to reform the catholic church, started a chain reaction through all of Europe that led to the Protestant Reformation. Here we discover only a clever plan prevented Luther from being executed for his actions. Andrew Faulds hosts and narrates throughout the biography, as we learn about the life and struggles of this controversial reformer whose translation of The Bible contributed greatly to a uniform written German language. Produced by Interama, Inc. 08DR/CL IJSCA 30 min.

Who Was Alfred Nobel?

"Highly Recommended. In addition to relating the facts of Nobel’s life, this program explains the science behind dynamite as well as dynamite’s impact on history. Period illustrations are used effectively and the narration is well organized." -EMRO Review The Nobel Prize is regarded as the most prestigious prize in the world. As stipulated in Alfred Nobel's will, Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature and Economics are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, and the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway. Since 1901, the Prizes have been presented yearly to the Laureates at ceremonies on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death. But who was Alfred Nobel? This documentary examines the life of the Swedish-born inventor, international industrialist, and philanthropist. The man who patented dynamite and blasting caps, and by the time of his death in 1896 had 355 patents. Today, many companies founded by Nobel still play a prominent role in the world economy. Produced by InterFilm. 08DR JSCA 30 min.

Domenico Trezzini (Builder of St. Petersburg)

"Highly Recommended. This excellent production profiles the architect and planner of St. Petersburg, Russia, Domenico Trezzini. This reviewer can personally testify to the beauty, charm, and majesty of the city that Dostoevsky called 'the most premeditated.' The narration is an overall chronological retelling of the most salient points of Trezzini's life, illustrating views of the town of the architect's birth and the valley in which it sits, views of St. Petersburg and its environs, as well as historic plans, drawings, and engravings of the city. All of this is done exceptionally well." -EMRO Review This is the biography of one of the great, though lesser known, architects in the world, Domenico Trezzini, whose name is inseparably linked to the construction of St. Petersburg in Russia. Born in Switzerland around 1670, Trezzini was trained as a builder mainly in Rome, and contracted to work for the Russian crown in 1703. He dedicated thirty years of his life and work not only to the construction of such famous structures as the Fortress of St. Peter and St. Paul, the first Winter Palace, the Nevsky Abbey, and the Twelve Colleges, but also he designed the city's roads and overall concept of the residential buildings. Produced by TSI, Inc. 08DR JSCA 45 min. Associated Programs: St. Petersburg and Russia 2: St. Petersburg and Santiago Calatrava's Sundial Bridge: Angle of Inspiration and Italy: Florence - Old Bridges, New Friends and The Bridges Series

Home