Rumi Turning Ecstatic - Reviews

Video Librarian - March/April 2007

Rumi: Turning Ecstatic
(2007) 48 min. DVD: $24.95. Choices, Inc. PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-933724-16-4.
Mevlana Jalal al-Din Rumi was a 13th-century Persian mystic/poet who was also the historical father of the Mevlevi Order of “Whirling Dervishes.” His writings—a mixture of fable, Islamic commentary, and straightforward description—follow the general teachings of Sufi mysticism, while his messages about personal spiritual growth through meditation and the hope of harmonious coexistence amongst peoples of all religions and cultures have resonated throughout the centuries, making him one of the most widely-read poets in the United States today. This treatment of Rumi’s life and influence takes the form of a personal journey of discovery by Canadian filmmaker Tina Petrova, who reads the first-person narration and portrays herself in dramatic recreations. The film recounts her discovery of Rumi’s work after a near-death experience, punctuated by interviews with spiritual leaders and readings by translator Coleman Barks, as well as footage of group rituals, including dances by dervishes. Rumi: Turning Ecstatic, somewhat devotional in tone, offers a solid introduction to Rumi, and the bonus features—printed poem excerpts, slideshows of artworks, a text bio of Rumi, and a link to a website guidebook—are useful additions. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)

Educational Media Reviews Online - December 2007

Reviewed by Lisa Forrest, E. H. Butler Library, State University of New York College at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Recommended

The 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.