Rumi Turning Ecstatic 2007
Distributed by Choices, Inc., 3740 Overland Ave., Ste. F, Los Angeles CA 90034; (310) 839-1500
Produced by Tina Petrova and Stephen Roloff
Directed by Stephen Roloff and Tina Petrova
DVD, color, 48 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Religious Studies, Poetry, Islam, Middle Eastern Studies, World Literature
Date Entered: 12/04/2007
Reviewed by Lisa Forrest, E. H. Butler Library, State University of New York College at Buffalo, Buffalo, NYThe writings of the 13th century Sufi mystic and Middle Eastern poet, Mevlana Jalalludin Rumi, continue to influence readers all around the world. This high quality docudrama, Rumi- Turning Ecstatic, by Canadian actress and filmmaker, Tina Petrova, chronicles her intriguing journey into Sufi mysticism through the teachings of Rumi. Following a horrific car accident in the California desert, Petrova had a dream telling her to organize a celebration of Rumi’s work. She enlisted the participation of Rumi translator, Coleman Barks, and successfully organized a Rumi festival in Toronto. This was only the beginning of her quest to explore Rumi’s thought provoking lessons. She soon finds herself embarked on a physical and spiritual journey—one which leads her across America to the Middle East, into Turkish whirling dervishes (beautifully filmed), meeting with Rumi scholars, and ultimately to finding peace within herself. Also featuring UN award-winning architect, Nader Khali; activist and author Andrew Harvey; authors Camille Helminski; and Shakh Kabir Helminski, who leads Rumi’s spiritual order, the docudrama provides a unique glimpse into the lives of those who have been transformed by Rumi’s poetry and philosophy. Readings of Rumi’s work, snippets of historical facts, and recordings of Sufi music, are included throughout. The film would be an excellent tool to promote classroom discussion on issues of Interfaith. Recommended.