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The Tree of Life "Seth's Journey to Otranto" INTRODUCTION Dating back to 1163, the imposing mosaic floor of the Cathedral of Otranto (Lecce - Italy) depicts a huge Tree of Life staging a vision of divinity which, whilst asserting its Uniqueness, also illustrates its interpretation of reality through a multiplicity of different creatures, cultures and religions. Calling us to understanding and compassion from beyond centuries, the Tree of Life is surprisingly pluralist and universalist at a time remembered for the Crusades and Holy Wars. Focusing on this all-embracing approach, documentary film director Michele Fasano aims to draw parallels in our day with the Tree of Life "Seth's Journey to Otranto" activity, challenging commonplace beliefs, stereotypes and prejudices concerning historical, political and cultural relations between East and West from a perspective of reciprocity. The activity involves a documentary film, a related book and workshops aimed at giving visibility to the common root of Mediterranean cultures through cultural productions and encouraging dialogue. The director has carried out research activities related to the Tree of Life studies in Italy, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Israel, Hungary and Slovakia. THE DOCUMENTARY FILM The documentary valorizes the sapiential contents of the mosaic floor of the Cathedral of Otranto, contrasting the universality of the mosaic with a confusing modern-day world that lacks compassion as seen through the eyes of ordinary people from different religions. The documentary film is the starting point for discussions and participating students are encouraged to take a broader perspective on the common foundations of Euro-Mediterranean cultures while learning a different approach to documentary film-making. THE BOOK The book, taking a deeper look at the mosaic, also offers all the elucidations and philological research required for understanding this masterpiece as well as the mature expression of the Basilian community originating from Cappadocia in the southern Italian region of Salento who created the mosaic. The mosaic depicts a universal vision of reality in which all forms of spirituality is embraced as a part of the common metamorphic movement of Being; the existential metamorphic movement includes ancient Greek, Persian, Afghani, Pakistani and Indian reflections, besides Christian, Jewish and Islamic mysticism. THE WORKSHOPS A series of workshops conducted by Michele Fasano related to the Tree of Life will be held in Istanbul and Ankara using the documentary film as a novel reference point to look at ethical implications, the European and international documentary film market and video treatment among other topics. International Maiaworkshops are also being held in Italy, Hungary and Slovakia where the focus is on the creative aspects, legal and business issues, as well as the marketing, developing and distributing content. All the participants of these workshops will have the opportunity to learn about documentary film-making in all its aspects, while reviewing their own set of values by interacting and working with youth and professionals involved in cinema from other countries. Partners: Italy: Sattva Film Activity Photos from Istanbul Presentation:
Activity Calendar
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| This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this document is the sole responsibility of Italian Institute of Culture - Ankara and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union |