This feature documentary tells an extraordinary story of spiritual transformation. Through the life journey of the Trappist monk, Father Thomas Keating, it also encompasses a larger story of spiritual change. It is about a movement that is drawing thousands of seekers around the world, a movement that has sparked a remarkable interfaith dialogue.
Father Thomas Keating with Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, as seen in this film. Image Courtesy Temple Rock
Keating’s own journey toward a very personal relationship with God led him to develop a method of “centering prayer” — a form of meditation or contemplation within the Christian tradition. Over the past thirty years, the practice has spread through its network organization, Contemplative outreach. From its humble beginnings in a New Jersey garage, Contemplative Outreach now draws people from many countries, many Christian denominations, and from many faiths — a very grassroots story of spiritual yearning. Keating has said: “We are surfing the wave of a felt need. What we call God is really about the transformation of the whole human race.”
The personal, internal story of Keating’s exploration of faith is juxtaposed with the outward and future-looking movement that his journey has spawned.
Release Date USA: March 7, 2014
Distributor: TEMPLE ROCK
Running Time: 75 mins.
Color: Color/B&W
Production: A Temple Rock production
Genre: Documentary, Religion/Spirituality
Cast:
Thomas Keating
Credits:
Narrator: John Osborne
Themselves: Thomas Keating
Directors: Elena Mannes & Peter C. Jones
Producer: Peter C. Jones
Co-Producer: Elena Mannes
Photography Director: Dyanna Taylor
Editor: Drew Martinez
Music: Drew Martinez
Unit Locations: Boston, Garrison, Lawrenceville. Masjid al-Farah Mosque, New York Interview, St Bartholemew’s Church, Snowmass, Spencer, Union Theological Seminary.
The program was honored with the Aspen Film Festival AUDIENCE SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR DOCUMENTARY 2014.
Select Quotes
“…a loving portrait” — THE NEW YORK TIMES
“….an effective introduction to its subject’s unique approach to spirituality.” — THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
“In this elegant and enlightening film directed by Elena Mannes and Peter C. Jones, Fr. Thomas’ deep devotion, wisdom, tenderness, vulnerability, and charisma come to the fore.” — SPIRITUALITY AND PRACTICE
“Filmmakers Elena Mannes and Peter C. Jones are attentive to the beauty and discipline of meditative devotion, ” — THE LOS ANGELES TIMES
“Keating does not merely appreciate God, humanity, creation, science and nature but folds all of creation and reality, divine and earthly, into a zone for silence that is beyond even contemplation.” – NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER
