Film Circle this Friday: Bab' Aziz

Bab’ Aziz
(the prince who contemplated his soul)

Director: Nacer Khemir
Starring: Parvir Shahinkhou, Maryam Hamid
Running Time: 1 hour 36 minutes
In Arabic and Farci, subtitled in English

“There are as many paths to God as there are souls on earth.”

a contemplative visual poem...a folkloric tale of love and wisdom...unforgettable images...haunting music of the Sufis... metaphoric spiraling motion......a peek into the exotic worlds of Tunisia and Iran...an exploration of mysticism...

...a few phrases that offer a glimpse of what’s to come. “The film begins with the story of a blind dervish named Bab’Aziz and his spirited granddaughter, Ishtar. Together they wander the desert in search of a great reunion of dervishes that takes place just once every 30 years.

With faith as their only guide, the two journey for days through the expansive, barren landscape. To keep Ishtar entertained, Bab’Aziz relays the ancient tale of a prince who relinquished his realm. As the tale of the price unfolds, the two encounter other travelers with stories of their own. Bab’Aziz is a fairytale-like story of longing and belonging, filmed in the enchanting and ever-shifting sandscapes of Tunisia and Iran.” --typecast films.com

Come savor the beauty of the desert and the wisdom of this simple, eloquent tale. Susan Growe, who recommended the film for us, will lead us in the discussion afterward: explore the films themes, tell tales of journeys through our own deserts and glimpses of our own individual truths about love, life, death and the journey itself.

Come at 7:00 PM for refreshments (with an associated Middle Eastern theme). $5 Donation to PMC. The film starts promptly at 7:30 PM.

DIRECTIONS to the PMC, 8 East Eagle Road, Havertown , PA :
From Main Line Area:
Take Haverford Road or Wynnewood Road to East Eagle Road.
PMC is off the NE corner of East Eagle and Darby Roads,
Address is 8 E. Eagle Road.
For parking, turn right onto Darby Road
Oakmont Public Parking Lot is on the right, directly behind PMC.
Entrance to PMC is on East Eagle Road address is 8 E. Eagle Road.

From Center City and West Philadelphia :
Take Market Street west to West Chester Pike (Route 3).
After crossing Township Line Road (Route 1), turn right on Darby Rd
When Darby Road splits, take left fork.
Cross Eagle Road, park in Oakmont Public Parking Lot on right,
directly behind PMC.
Entrance to PMC is on East Eagle Road, address is 8 E. Eagle Road.

From West Chester and points West:
Take West Chester Pike (Route 3) east to Lawrence Road (immediately after 476 interchange).
Turn left onto Lawrence Road . Follow Lawrence Road to Eagle Road.
Turn left onto Eagle Road. Follow Eagle road to Darby Road.
Turn left onto Darby Road and then right into the Oakmont Public Parking Lot.
Parking Lot is directly behind PMC.
Entrance to PMC is on East Eagle Road, address is 8 E. Eagle Road

From Delaware :
Take I-95 north to I-476.
Take I-476 north to exit 9 (West Chester Pike)
Turn right (east) onto West Chester Pike (Route 3).
Immediately move to left lane. Turn left at next traffic light (Lawrence Road).
Follow Lawrence Road to Eagle Road. Turn left onto Eagle Road.
Follow Eagle Road to Darby Road.
Turn left onto Darby Road and then right into the Oakmont Public Parking Lot.
Parking Lot is directly behind PMC.
Entrance to PMC is on East Eagle Road, address is 8 E. Eagle Road.