Hollywood Enlightened: Spiritual Films

Celebrating a Genre

In 2004, “What the Bleep Do We Know?” starring Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin, expanded the consciousness of film viewers. The film’s content combined quantum physics with spiritual beliefs, while the format contained story, documentary and animation. In 2006, the popularity of “The Secret” with its interviews and vignettes seemed to be the ingredient that finally gave rise to a genre.

The Spiritual Cinema Circle has been sending their members DVDs to be viewed at home for years. But this year, “What the Bleep…?” can celebrate its 10th anniversary at a film festival dedicated to spiritual films, where like-minded fans can gather and take over a small town: the first Awakened World International Film Festival, just up the coast from Hollywood in Santa Barbara, California.

There are a growing number of such festivals, with just enough Hollywood to make them glitter. Let’s look at the latest in spiritual film.

Sustenance and Actualizing

Project Happiness: with Richard Gere, George Lucas and the Dalai Lama

Imagine being a young person who gets to ask just a few select people about true happiness. The students in this film come from North America, Asia and Africa and get to speak with Hollywood heavyweights Richard Gere and George Lucas (I bet their parents were envious!) as well as scientists, political and spiritual leaders, like the Dalai Lama.

A Place at the Table: includes Jeff Bridges

Too many children in the most prosperous nation in the world are going without meals. This documentary expresses the need to do more than philosophize, but to actualize our highest principles to improve the way we move in the world. Suggestions are given, but the power is in the hands of the viewers.

Reflecting the Best in Us

Rev. Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, President of the Association for Global New Thought explained, “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.”

Learn more about the Awakened World International Film Festival. Explore films that focus on Spirit, Society and Self, with workshops to deepen the experience, Hollywood notables in the mix, and gala events each evening.