"The Sacred Run, the lotus and the feather"
a 55 minute lyrical documentary film
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Objective in making film and short synopsis
by Andrea Sadler of Dragonfly Films
My deep concern for the planet and all it's inhabitants
is the reason for making this film, "The Sacred Run".
Reflected in the film, is my view that if we pull together and
use our creativity, intelligence, willpower and love, there is
no limit to what we can accomplish in living sustainably and in
greater harmony. If we choose to believe that a vision of peace
and a more balanced way of life is possible, that is the reality
which is more likely to manifest than if we cling to a pessimistic
mentality. It does not mean that it is an easy path or that we
deny the violence and suffering that exists in the world but that
we take responsibility in healing our own pain and anger, develop
compassion, and then do what we can to inspire and create change
around us. With this film I hope to inspire people to believe
in their higher visions and to take positive action in whatever
way they can. I also wish to further the legacy of indigenous
peoples' wisdom, specifically in this film, of the North American
Indians and the Ainu people of Japan, who view life on this planet
holistically and with reverence. I am forever grateful to the
indigenous people for reminding me of my role on earth.
As a filmmaker, whether documentary, experimental or fiction,
my intention is to make innovative films which uplift the human
spirit and serve as reminders of our sacred connection to our
innermost self, each other and our natural world. With "The
Sacred Run" documentary, it is my intention to further the
message that all life is interconnected and sacred and to show
the importance of developing a respectful relationship with the
earth and all its inhabitants. The themes of environmental awareness,
peace and the ancient wisdom of indigenous people are integral
in the film.
THE RUN
Organized by Native American Indian leader, Dennis Banks, The
Sacred Run event, has taken place annually in various countries
since 1978. It began as an effort to strengthen Native culture
and has grown into an international annual event. Indigenous people
from Canada, the United States and Japan, joined by individuals
from 13 countries, traveled 4,000 km along the Sea of Japan on
a spiritual run. The purpose of The Sacred Run is to promote peace,
to encourage respect for the earth and all life, and to share
the rich cultural diversity of the human race. The runners carried
the simple message, that "All Life is Sacred".
Japan was chosen as the location of the 17th annual Sacred Run
because the journey ended in Hiroshima and Nagasaki on the 50th
anniversary of the atomic bombing of those cities. The runners
and other participants celebrated the diversity of their cultures
through dance, music and traditional ceremonies with the local
people along the route. In turn, the Japanese and Ainu natives
(indigenous people of Japan) shared their cultures, their struggles
and their hopes for a better world. Through the intensity and
hardships of running 4,000 km in 50 days, the runners experienced
an enduring spiritual commonality linking the different people.
The participants, from diverse backgrounds, and ranging in age,
from 2 to 72, were motivated by a common goal - a desire to live
in a more humane world. Although the event took place in 1995,
the film is not specifically about that year's run but rather
about the timeless and eternally precious message of the event
and the film, that "All Life is Sacred".
My film crew and I joined The Sacred Run as full participants,
for the entire six weeks of the event to produce an 52 minute
lyrical 16mm documentary film. "The Sacred Run" movie
aims to reveal the essence of the run and its message of peace,
as it explores the importance of developing a spiritual relationship
with the earth and all its inhabitants.
As holistic spirituality is an integral part of indigenous culture,
this film will show indigenous peoples as keepers of profound
spiritual knowledge, which can be shared with individuals searching
for their own spiritual identity. The film hopes to provide a
positive role model for affirmative action for world peace and
environmental awareness, as well as give inspirational messages
for individuals or groups who feel alone in their struggle for
greater balance; spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically.
This documentary aims to call upon all humanity to embrace cultural
and individual differences and to take responsibility as a global
family, for the environment in which we exist.
Although some characters are more featured than others in the
film, I intentionally did not closely follow one specific person's
journey. For me this approach is symbolic, in that each person's
unique contribution is a significant component of the whole and
that together they make the collective consciousness. By hearing
the personal views, efforts, dreams and experiences of the individuals,
including myself, who participated in the run, we are shown the
multifaceted expression of a large group taking positive action
towards finding balance in this world.
With the film, "The Sacred Run", my intention continues
to be about reminding people of all ages, what indigenous people
have known for thousands of years; to listen to their inner spirits
and of the vision that all life is interconnected. By hearing
the indigenous peoples' ancient wisdom that permeates the film,
perhaps we will remember the importance of taking care of our
Mother Earth and each other instead of destroying her and ourselves,
as we have been doing at an alarming rate. Although the problems
we face in the next century and beyond are complex, this film
aims to offer a celebration of the human spirit and a legacy of
hope, to people of all ages and future generations; a vision of
a better world to carry into the new Millennium.
SACRED RUN
BACKGROUND INFO
During the late 1950's and throughout the 60's, a group of Native
Americans traveled the many Indian Reservations explaining the
prophecies of native peoples and urging the youth to return to
the ancestral ways of our people. This group called themselves
the "Unity Caravan". Members were often elders of their
nations, requiring interpreters who knew both their native language
and English.
At every place they stopped, they made camp, set up tepees, hauled
their own water and cooked their food from campfires. The held
council daily, opening with prayers and ending the day in ceremony.
Each session concentrated on a specific teaching: the sacredness
of Water, the relationship between Humans and Mother Earth, Plant
life, the Four-Leggeds, the Winged Ones, Medicinal herbs and roots,
the meaning of Life and the need to continue the traditions of
our people. Every phase of our life was explained. Responsibilities
of the man, the woman and the instructions given to us by the
Great Spirit were told over and over again.
The gatherings attracted hundreds as the years went by and native
people began to see the importance of their work. However, the
economics of the times in the late 60's burdened the group who
could no longer support the finances needed to carry on summer
after summer.
In 1967, the last "Unity Caravan" was held. Fortunately,
what they taught began to take root and a renaissance of our people
commenced. The teachings of this group are still found in many
rural and remote areas of this land today.
The work of those individuals continued despite the hard times
and nine years would pass before many of the same group would
come together in Vancouver, British Columbia. This gathering was
and is known today as the Elder's circle.
At the first gathering of the Elder's Circle in 1976, a statement
was issued concerning the unique balance that exists between Humankind
and our Mother the Earth, and that this balance was in grave danger.
The statement called upon traditional people in the Four Directions
to strengthen the healing ceremonies and asked people to heed
the warnings of Mother Earth. The elder's Circle asked that this
Message be taken to all native villages and communities. It is
this Message that is the foundation of the revival of spiritual
running that began in 1977 and continues to this day.
Down through the ages messages have been sent to distant villages
by way of runners. In Roman times they were called "messengers",
"court runners' or "crown couriers". Her in the
western hemisphere, each tribal nation and its runners and messages
were delivered in a similar manner as their European counterparts
with one great exception: that ceremony was attached to the runner's
duties.
Before a runner left on his mission, he received "medicine"
in the form of a tobacco pouch which was put around his neck with
prayers offered by the village medicine man to ensure success.
A mixture of ground meat and dried berries was prepared for the
long trip and often the runner would participate in a sweat ceremony
prior to departure.
Runners were often chose by the clans and would be presented
to the chiefs. They were called "clan or nation runners"-the
finest young men and the pride of tribal nations from the Inuit
of the North to the Native people of the southernmost tip of South
America. Such runners needed to know the languages of distant
tribes, understand traditional ways and possess a knowledge of
survival skills.
To be selected was an honor and families would hold feasts and
give away prized beaver coats, quilled tobacco bags and buffalo
hides in respect of their family member being chosen to run. Many
villages were close but others were days apart. The mixture of
meat and berries was put in a pouch for long routes and it contained
the nutrition that long distance runners of today still use.
In 1978, this tradition of running from village to village with
a message was revived. That first Run was from Davis, California
to Los Angeles, a distance of 500 miles. We carried with us the
message that was issued in Vancouver. Since that time we have
conducted annual " spiritual runs" in California, Minnesota,
South Dakota and Arizona.
In 1984, we started our first continental cross country run from
New York City to Los Angeles, a distance of 3,600 miles.
We repeated the effort in 1988, then flew to Japan and ran the
length of the Islands ending on the northernmost island of Hokkaido.
In 1990, we ran across Europe going through thirteen countries
covering a total of 7,130 miles. The European Run took 88 days
beginning in London and ending in Moscow. In 1991 Sacred Run ran
53 days from Vancouver, British Columbia to Montreal, Quebec (Kahnawake
on the Mohawk Nation), with a team of Penobscot runners running
from Maine to Montreal providing the eastern link for a total
of 5,000 miles.
In each village, town, city, and country that we traveled and
stopped, the Message was the same: that all life is sacred. It
is this spiritual belief that lies at the foundation of each Run,
and is the cause of why so many runners join us.
Published in the San Francisco Chronicle
Presentations and Events:
The filmmaker is very interested in creating or participating
in multi media events including speakers, musicians, artists,
dancers and a circle ceremony which promote the issues in the
film. Andrea Sadler also intends on presenting the film in educational
institutes and workshops.
The filmmaker, Andrea Sadler, is available to accompany and present
"The Sacred Run, the lotus and the feather" in workshops,
educational institutions, conferences or special events. It is
also possible to invite a Native Elder or a Traditional Native
Dancer as part of the presentation. The presentation can be adapted
to suit students from Grade One to University. Dragonfly Films
also intends on creating an educational workbook and lesson plan
but is presently requiring financing to make this possible. (see
letter from Andrea Sadler)
Andrea Sadler is also happy to sing some of her original songs
with her guitar, as the songs are often about peace, environmental
awareness and love. Andrea is also open to planning events with
a community and inviting local speakers, organizations and musicians
to raise awareness about peace, social and environmental issues
in their region.
Please contact Andrea Sadler at Dragonfly Films for more details
or if you are interested in planning an event.
Previous Presentations
June 21, 2001, Montreal
Closing Night of Terre En Vues / Land Insights Festival
For the closing of the festival and the premiere of "The
Sacred Run, the lotus and the feather", Andrea Sadler organized
a grand launch of the film in the Just For Laughs ,Cabaret Hall
in Montreal, Quebec. Peace groups, environmental groups, Native
groups and Social Awareness groups were invited to set up information
booths so the public had immediate resources about how to contribute
to creating social change.
The evening began with Japanese musicians playing a Koto instrument
and a Shakuhachi flute followed by the welcome speech. Vegan snacks
were available throughout the night, kindly donated by sponsors,
Les Vivres, Chu Chai and Govinda Restaurant.
Native singer, Kathia Rock, graced us with her songs and drum,
followed by a spontaneous spiral dance led by a First Nations
Grandmother. This magically opened up the floor to create a circle
whereby Native elder, Bevan Skerrat, led an opening ceremony and
circle. About five hundred people, some of whom did not know what
a circle ceremony was, participated in the circle that noticeably
transformed the energy of the room into a feeling of unity and
interconnection.
The Montreal Taiko group called, Arachi Daiko, then gave a powerful
performance with the large Japanese Taiko drums. Rosie Emery,
who donated her beautiful song, The Shaman's Drum, for use in
the film sang the song live and then we all moved into the big
screening room to watch the English version of the film.
A raffle draw was held to give away the creative offerings of
generous artists, musicians and friends who donated their various
works to help raise completion money for the film and the costs
of the launch event.
A lot was packed into the night but we also managed to dance
into the wee hours with DJ's Gordon Field, Marion McNair, Ernie
Webb and Andy Williams.
My utmost thanks to all who contributed in any way, shape or
form to the success of the evening.
Schools
Autumn 2002, Montreal, Quebec
MIND School
Andrea Sadler presented "The Sacred Run, the lotus and the
feather" in an alternative high school to students between
15 and 16 years of age.
After the film was shown students were invited to join in a short
circle ceremony led by Andrea Sadler to remind students of their
interconnection with each other and with all living things on
the planet. (The Native elder was not available for this event)
Andrea spoke of her experiences with Native culture, the making
of the film and she also shared a couple of her original songs,
written during the filming period. The purpose of the presentation
was to sensitize the students to seeing the world in a holistic
way which encompasses not only environmental awareness but also
promotes non-violence, respect and tolerance for diversity. Andrea's
favorite topic is to encourage the students of all ages to follow
their dreams of a better world and to believe in themselves and
to dare to take positive action for change. In Andrea's words,
"If I could dream of making this film and actually realize
it through all the challenges and defeats I underwent… anything
is possible."
Summer 2002 and 2003, Montreal, Quebec
University of Concordia, centre for Continuing Education
The Institute in Management and Community Development
Andrea Sadler, showed excerpts of "The Sacred Run, the lotus
and the feather" during lunchtime sessions at the Institute
in Management and Community Development. Her focus in the discussion
was about the value of having a spiritual foundation in the struggle
for social change and the healing journey within oneself as part
of the activists' path.
Workshops
Autumn 2002, Montreal, Quebec
Community Building Workshop organized by Mec Quebec
Andrea Sadler presented "The Sacred Run, the lotus and the
feather" during this workshop which discusses how to build
community.
www.mec-quebec.webcentre.ca
Conferences
Autumn 2002, Montreal, Quebec
Central Committee for the Environment
Montreal School Board
COLLOQUE ARRIVE EN VILLE !
At a conference for promoting environmental awareness in schools,
Andrea Sadler set up an information booth and T.V. to show how
"The Sacred Run, the lotus and the feather" could be
used in educational institutions.
Theaters and Film Festivals
See list of festival where the film has participated.
At every film festival where "The Sacred Run, the lotus and
the feather" has played Andrea Sadler has been instrumental
in inviting a local Native Elder to open the evening with a prayer
and finish the evening with a circle ceremony.
We've had odd shaped circles in theaters but the feeling is always
wonderful and the viewers leave with a feeling of connection with
complete strangers. At the festival in Ft. Lauderdale an amazing
thing happened even though Andrea was not able to arrange for
a Native Elder to be present. The festival organizer had a flash
early one morning that it would be nice to make a circle after
the film and sings a couple of songs for Peace which was what
Andrea wanted to arrange as well but they had not spoken about
it when she had the flash. To always create a circle after the
film, preferably with a local Native elder, was Andrea Sadler's
intention way back at the beginning when the film was still in
production and so far there has been a circle at every screening.
Creating the circle and having a Native elder do a short prayer
or ceremony lifts the film off the screen and the concept of life's
interconnection becomes experiential and real. Andrea has also
played her guitar and sang some of her songs that were written
during the filming period at these events.
Pow Wows
Although Andrea has not shown the film at a PowWow as of yet,
her intention is to bring the film to PowWows to show as a special
film event in conjunction with the Native Groups who organize
the PowWows.
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