I am absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news with all of you who have supported and followed the journey of this project, "Soul Searching." At the recent Hermetic International Film Festival, held from December 14 to 16, 2023, "Soul Searching" was honoured with the Eco Award for Best Research. This recognition is a testament to the profound exploration and dedication that went into creating this film.
The Hermetic International Film Festival is a unique celebration of esoteric, occult, and metaphysical cinema. Set across four cinemas, this festival transcends conventional storytelling, offering a deep dive into the mystical and the unknown. Each film screening feels like a ritualistic journey, challenging viewers to expand their understanding of reality and the unseen. From avant-garde masterpieces to experimental narratives, the festival showcases the richness and diversity of indie cinema in the realms of Hermeticism, Alchemy, Gnosticism, and more.
"Soul Searching," my experimental film, delves into the multifaceted concept of the soul. Anchored in Western traditions, the film draws from a variety of philosophical and mystical ideologies, including Hermeticism, Neoplatonic Philosophy, and Gnostic texts. It is a visual representation of the extensive research undertaken in this project, taking viewers on an introspective journey through the ineffable nature of the soul.
The film invites contemplation and encourages tapping into inner knowing—knowledge beyond intellect. Through interviews with esoteric astrologers, Kabbalists, and a Catholic priest, "Soul Searching" explores the soul's dynamic interplay with corporeality, consciousness, and emotions. It suggests that the growth of individual parts contributes to a larger universal soul, or anima mundi.
Receiving the Eco Award for Best Research at such a prestigious festival is incredibly humbling. The Hermetic International Film Festival, since its inception in 2017 in Italy and its first live screening in Venice in 2018, has provided a platform for filmmakers to present their work to an international audience and to network within a global esoteric film community. The festival is certified by IMDb and supports a variety of genres including feature films, documentaries, experimental films, and more, all revolving around themes of Hermeticism, occult philosophies, and spirituality.
I am deeply grateful to the festival organisers, Sara Ferro and Chris Weil, for creating a space that celebrates visionary and imaginative cultures. Their mission to support storylines that revolve around neglected knowledge and the frantic search for the divine is truly inspiring.
This award is not just a personal achievement but a celebration of everyone who has been part of this journey. From the contributors who shared their profound insights to the viewers who embarked on this introspective exploration with me, your support has been invaluable. I am excited to continue this journey of exploration and to bring more thought-provoking and soul-stirring content to life.
Thank you for joining me on this incredible adventure. Here's to more discoveries and deeper understandings of the mystical and the divine!
With gratitude,
Dawn Eva Berry
Read more about the festival and its mission here: [Hermetic International Film Festival]
And check out Medium's review of "Soul Searching": [Unveiling Mysteries at the Hermetic International Film Festival]https://gifigo.medium.com/unveiling-mysteries-at-the-hermetic-international-film-festival-review-012cb71559ea
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