This my final post on the soon-to-be-released documentary, 2012: The Beginning by writer/director/producer, Shannon Kring Buset. In Part One we looked at the contributions of the Mayan participants and in Part Two we looked at the contributions of the Western scholars.
In this final post I would like to take a look at the film as a whole and to offer a word or two of appreciation to the talented crew.
As I said earlier, the film was obviously done with heart and integrity -- it is completely devoid of any hype or sensationalism. Clearly it is committed to portraying the Mayan perspective on 2012 as authentically and accurately as possible. And by selecting both mainstream and non-traditional experts it shows its commitment to a balanced view of the phenomenon from the Western perspective.
I would assume that in large part this approach is due to Shannon Kring Buset who first conceived the idea for the film while living in a small Central American village. Apparently she walked away from a thriving and lucrative multi-faceted career in the U.S. and
...moved to a remote Maya Ch’or’ti’ village on the Honduras-Guatemala border, bringing with her just one suitcase and three goals for inner achievement: to heal her heart, to reconnect with her spirituality, and to discover her higher purpose.
It was there that she was recognized by local shamans as a "jaguar woman," one who "can see in both the darkness and in the light. Who can walk in both the spirit and earth realms.... One who tells the stories." (Perhaps not coincidentally she had actually encountered a wild jaguar on a winding path in Mexico several years earlier.)
Of course, when she notes in her Director's Statement that she has "an inexplicable connection to the Maya people and lands," I, as a regression therapist, immediately have to think about the possibility of her having lived a past life in the region. Now, that could be a fascinating exploration.....maybe even the focus of her next film!
As an aside I should add that you could in fact visit Honduras later this year with Shannon during her rather phenomenal weeklong tour, The Great Return. She will be joined by a number of the authorities featured in the film who will be giving presentations and workshops or conducting rituals just for the participants. The tour is scheduled for December 15 to 22 and you would actually be spending December 21, 2012 at the Mayan ruins in Copan. The day would start with a privately guided tour lead by David Sedat and end at sunset with a traditional Maya Sacred Fire Ceremony lead by AumRak.
How cool would that be!
But, back to the film now.... complementing its stellar content, the photography, apparently the work of producer and cinematographer Gabriel Noble, is stunningly beautiful. Whether it is a shot of a distant mountain wreathed in clouds, an aerial view of a vast temple complex, village street scenes, dimly lit tombs, or Mayan elders conducting their rituals, the photography is awesome.
There is one truly exceptional shot that merits special mention. It is of a full moon and brightly twinkling stars set in a dark, dark blue sky, seen through a latticework of inky-black, fractal-like tree branches. It will take your breath away. It could easily be printed, framed and hung on a gallery wall......or, better yet, on my wall!
The cinematography is well complemented by the melodious soundtrack, much of which was written, composed and/or performed by Neil Kring. And the narration by Adriana Sananes, with her beguiling inflection and lightly accented enunciation, is also a perfect match.
So, with all that I have said above it should come as no surprise that I recommend 2012: The Beginning produced by WildHeart Vision without reservation. Be sure to see it when it comes out. Hopefully you won't have long to wait.
In the meantime, you can enjoy this short trailer (seen at its very best with the full screen option selected):
