The documentary will be followed by a 15 minute guided chant
Advance tickets available at https://tickets.demand.film/event/6572 [1]
Tickets at the door $17
“For those who have been moved by a unified "om" at the end of a yoga class or harmonized in church, Mantra: Sounds Into Silence will resonate. This documentary examines the quiet power of shared singing, looking beyond religion and focusing on the connection between those who have found solace in mantras.
“Director Georgia Wyss explores a variety of experiences around mantras and meditation, from well-known singers like Deva Premal and Miten to those who have simply found that it enriches their daily lives. The most powerful moments are in a chapel in San Quentin Prison, where inmates come alive with the chaplain's visits and their melodies.
“Wyss captures the benefits across religions and countries with gorgeous cinematography from Daniel Arvizu, Jordi Azategui, Ismael Joyera and Wari Om.
"Mantra: Sounds Into Silence radiates acceptance, refusing to judge any form of chants as any lesser than others, whether in Sanskrit or English, traditionally sung or rapped over modern beats. It shares that each of its subjects has made the practice his or her own, and it's an attractive message for an audience that may be hungering for its grounding effects.” - The Los Angeles Times
About the post-film chant: ShantiMaya Kirtan is Betty and Bill, a husband and wife team from KW, who have been practicing Bhakti Yoga through Kirtan since January 2009. Having trained with David Newman, Sean Johnson, Brenda McMorrow and Russill Paul, ShantiMaya started leading Kirtan in 2014, taking traditional Sanskrit mantras and layering them upon original melodies played on harmonium and classical guitar.
Kirtan is the musical mainstay of the practice of Bhakti (Devotional) Yoga. ShantiMaya will be leading you through a Call-and-Response chanting of ancient Sanskrit mantras which quiets the mind, heals the body and soothes the soul when practiced with intention and an open heart.