FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
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Locally-produced documentary focusing on Touchstone Farm community has Special Benefit Premiere at
The Academy of Music.
EASTHAMPTON, MA (Seraphimedia) May 1, 2008 -- Well-known dance community & yoga
center, Touchstone Farm, has been the focus of great interest not only by developers, but by local filmmakers, as well. A
special advance screening of a "home-grown" documentary coincides with the beginning of Touchstone's
Eco-village construction and with the rebirth of their community, after more than two years of virtual shutdown.
The film's New England Premiere will be at The Academy of Music on Friday, May 16th at 7:00 PM.
Two and a half years in the making, this is a story of the life, death and rebirth of a community. As a work of cinematic
art, it interweaves many strands from the Touchstone saga within its own tapestry.
Simultaneously, it is
also the personal story of the transformation of one of the Farm's co-directors. Integrated within the film,
is a candid, uplifting story of a transgendered soul's journey into an entirely new world.
While cameras rolled,
Shaker McNeil, who has for decades been a locally-respected farmer, guide, yoga & dance teacher and socio-political activist,
underwent a personal death and re-emergence as Deborah Hall-McNeil.
Joining filmmaker D.S. Fine, editor Rebecca
Rideout and associate producer Holly Danyliw at the screening will be Touchstone Center co-directors, Deborah Hall-McNeil
and Anja Daniel introducing the film, -- then hosting a question, answer & commentary session afterward.
As
a prelude to the film, Ms. Daniel, an internationally-known musician, will be sharing her heartfelt "Songs of the Earth."
Along with several of her friends, she has successfully published more than fifteen CDs.
The finished movie
(and companion soundtrack CD) will incorporate music from talented local artists such as Elric Walker, Peter Sky, Francie
& Lillian Jones, and Shana Anolik, -- in addition to inspiring folk ballads recorded and performed by Anja Daniel &
Deborah Hall-McNeil on-site, at Touchstone's own studio.
-- The documentary also features a panoply of interviews,
and extraordinary scenery & time-lapse footage captured at the Farm and throughout the Pioneer Valley. Following
the closing of the center's buildings over two years ago, producers questioned Touchstone and Valley residents about
philosophies & shared connections that may have "intersected" by way of the Farm's Valley-outreach during
the last two decades.
Amidst the center receiving an outpouring of local and international support to overcome
their troubles, Fine, an award-winning filmmaker & photographer, captured the dramatic story on tape.
Easthampton resident, editor Rebecca Rideout, who has worked for Florentine Films, joined in on the project in the
summer of 2006, -- scanning through 180 hours of footage, -- intercutting archival still images, movies, and original music
to create the finished film.
Their combined efforts have received funding from both the Easthampton Cultural Council
and the Northampton Arts Council.
Event Info: "Touchstone: Dancing With Angels" - a local story
of death, rebirth & transformation.
Friday, May 16, 7:00 PM The Academy of Music Theatre, 274 Main St., Northampton, MA
Suggested donation:
$10. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
This event is a also a benefit fund-raiser for Touchstone
Farm.
To purchase tickets
in advance: contact the Farm & Yoga Center,
-- phone (413) 527-8723,
or email: dreamers@sacredcircles.com.
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Film Synopsis:
"Touchstone: Dancing With Angels"
is a locally-produced documentary focusing on the people, history, and evolution of Touchstone Farm in Western Massachusetts.
It is the story of the life, death and rebirth of a local socio-political, nature, healing arts and spiritual
center. Members of this spiritual community, located in Easthampton, MA, are known for their uplifting music, recorded
in an on-site studio; for their world-renowned Sacred Circle Dancing; and the farm, itself, is recognized for wondrous herb,
flower, and meditation gardens.
Without a specific philosophy to limit them, founders and residents live with
"a different bottom line," -- one that is rooted in honoring each individual's worth in the world; one where
the heart and the human condition is the bottom line.
The documentary film captures the essence of the people of
Touchstone: a group of adventurous spirits and wondering souls who examine the boundaries of our society through their art,
music, conversation, and actions.
Filled with local music and captivating imagery, "Touchstone: Dancing With
Angels" is an unforgettable story not to be missed!
This film is made
possible, in part, by grants from the Easthampton Cultural Council and the Northampton Arts Council.
Click here to view the movie trailer!
