UNC Films on Sufism and Saints
available from The Ellen-Fairbanks D. Bodman Collection of Middle Eastern and Islamic World Films (http://www.lib.unc.edu/house/mrc/bodman/
 
 

Aşkilar: Those Who Are In Love. 1995 38min V5204 [Turkey]

The tradition of the aşik, the Shi’a Alevi wandering minstrels who sing of love for humanity accompanying themselves on the saz, is almost extinct now in Turkey. The filmmaker roams through villages, interviewing old men - and one woman - who reminisce about their devotion to their saz, never played for money but always for the love of God and others. Insightful examination of Sufi practice. Turkish with English subtitles. Dir./Prod: David Grabias for Sinema Productions. Al-Tannoura. 1995 27min V5212 [Egypt] The religious ritual dance of the Sufi order of the Mehlevi dervishes of Turkey diffused to Egypt in the 13th century. Today it is found transformed into a folk artistic performance seen at public festivals as well as at international conferences. Dir./ Prod: Hani Fakhouri, Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan/Flint, Flint, MI. Bayt-al-Deen Revisited (AKA Durus al-Qalb) V2081. 33 min (U.S.) Bayt-al-Deen is a prototype madrassah [Qur’anic school] near San Antonio, Texas, with much of the teaching in English conducted by Shaykh Fadhlalla. This film offers an overview of the 140-acre institution, farming, family life together with vignettes of a ’Id al Adha conference, salat [prayer], and one scene of a Sufi zikr [ritual of ecstasy]. Produced by Abdullah Nouri and Charles White for the American Academy of Qur’anic Studies. Beaming One (Bahauddin Naqshband) V4816. 19 min [Uzbekistan] Dedicated to the 675th anniversary, this eulogy of Khayrat Bakhauddin Nakshband born in 1318 recreates moments from his life in the spectacular setting of Bokhara, quoting his adage that ’the soul should belong to Allah, the hands to work.’ One sequence addresses his Quiet Zikr; there is reference to the expansion of his brotherhood to 20 million today, of which a million are in Turkey. Dir: Shukhrat Makhmudov. Prod: Ibragim Ahmodov. Ozma Productions for the Foreign Trade Association, City of Bokhara. Celebrating The Prophet In The Remembrance Of God: Sufi Dhikr In Egypt. 65-V5692. 39 min Study of an Islamic mystical exercise that has evolved into a major communal ritual with important spiritual, social and psychological functions. Sufi dhikr, the chanting of the names of God, is a regular activity in the lives of many Muslims, particularly those who live in urban areas and villages that are home to the shrine-tombs of important saints. In Egypt, communal dhikr is performed to the accompaniment of music and song, and the film explains the interaction of music with excerpts from performances by several Sufi singers. It also examines the influence of social setting on dhikr, and such issues as the participation of women and children and the function of dhikr as entertainment. Directed by Prof. Valerie Hoffman.
 For Those Who Sail to Heaven. V2738. 48 min [Egypt] This splendid study of the moulid (festival) of Abu’l Hajjaj which is held annually in Luxor not only offers personal involvement in the rites, but stresses the ecumenical participation which has evolved. The content is enriched by clips from the films made by Henry Barnes of the same festival in 1925. Dir./Prod: Elizabeth Wickett. Habiba: a Sufi saint from Uzbekistan. V7097. 31 min [Uzbekistan]

Documentary about Habiba, a Muslim healer (Tabib) who represents the feminine side of the Naqshbandi lineage of Sufi teachers in Uzbekistan. Her clients include Russian Christians as well as Uzbek Muslims, and she employs a savvy New Age rhetoric that ranges from the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad to the Sufi master Baha'uddin Naqshband, the snakes, and the mother goddess. Narrator, Louise Landes-Levi. Director, Costanzo Allione. [Presented by] Where the Eagles Fly. New York, NY : Mystic Fire Video, Inc. ; New York, NY : Distributed by Fox Lorber Associates, Inc., c1997.


Inner Life: Traditional World of Islam #6). J206. 16 mm 30 addresses certain aspects of Sufism - the mystical aspect of Islam - the quest for spiritual union with God. Worship at saints’ shrines, retreats for ascetics, ritual chanting and whirling dervishes all exemplify different paths towards one goal. Lacking is any example of lay Sufism integrated into society, the personal rather than communal practices. Master Musicians of Jahjouka. VHS.1 min [Morocco] 62 This visually striking documentary preserves the rich musical heritage of Jahjouka, a remote Moroccan village south of Meknes. The lame, barren and mentally ill came to seek cures by listening to the music which had association with the local saint’s tomb, music believed to have special baraka - blessing power. The film studies the impact on the villagers and the music in the 1960’s when Westerners such as the Rolling Stones rock musician Brian Jones, counter- culture figure Timothy Leary and author Paul Bowles arrived with followers. Prod/Dir.: Mendizza/Schuyler Saints and Spirits. (16mm) 26 min [Morocco] The relationship of the individual to the super- natural through mediating influences is an aspect of Islam often ignored in orthodox literature and films. Here three such personal dimensions are explored through the experiences of one woman in Marrakech, Morocco. The indigenous music and sensitive narration compensate for the technically uneven footage. Detailed background for this film is essential for student understanding and appreciation; it is ably provided by the accompanying guide. Prod/ Dir.: Davie and Fernea, Granada TV. La Sama, Danse Mystique des dervishes. V3274. 20 min [Turkey] This careful, beautifully photographed study of the meaning of the whirling dervishes is valuable for the studies of religion and dance forms as well as of Turkish culture. In addition it is an aesthetic delight. Cine and Tele Production for the Ministry of Tourism and City of Konya. In French. Topkapi Palace, 5, The Sacred Relics .V4357. 23 min [Turkey] This video details the collection of sacred relics amassed by Yavuz Sultan in the early 16th century and also the special building in which these are housed. Viewers are given close examination of the robe, letter, seal, swords and other possessions of the Prophet Mohammed as well a pieces of the arm of St. John the Baptist. Turning (Whirling Dervishes). V2607. 48 min [Turkey] This beautifully presented memorial for the 700th anniversary of Jalul’uddin al Rumi’s death traces the evolution of the human concept and appreciation of Universal Nature from the Anatolian Neolithic city of Catal Huyuk through Ephesus to Konya. The ritualistic dance Sema of the whirling dervishes, in which Man is the link between God and Creation, is both displayed and explained. Dir./Prod: Dianna Cilento for Beshara Fouad Whirling Dervishes. VHS. 12 min [Turkey] Brief photographic essay of a performance of the Mehlevi dervishes dancing the sama, the Sufi ritual seeking spiritual union with God. Dir.: Giraard Vericruysse. Prod: Marc Mopty
Other films on Sufism available elsewhere (listed on WorldCat):

Dervishes of Kurdistan. Brian Moser, 1987. New York, N.Y. : Filmakers Library. The Disappearing world series. Describes the rituals and beliefs of the Qadiri Dervishes, Kurds who live along the border between Iran and Iraq. Explores the intertwining of religious and political power in the culture.

Heart of the Koran. Lex Hixon, 1989.  VHS tape  (29 min.) Wheaton, Ill. : Theosophical Society. Discusses unity of all major world religions, the Islamic world view, and daily practices in Islamic spiritual life.

An interview with Sheikh Muhammad Nazim Al-Haqqani Al-Qubrusi Al-Naqshbandi, Grand Sheikh of the Naqshbandi Sufi Tariqa. VHS tape  (60 min.). Altadena, CA : Islamic Information Service, 1999. The Shaikh talks about the role of Sufism in Islam, the Sufi approach to Islam and key terms.

Beyond the Pyramids lie fairgrounds of the faithful. Knowledge 2020, 1996. VHS tape  (45 min.). Venice, CA : Knowledge 2020. This remarkable film offers the viewer a rare opportunity to experience a world few westerners have ever seen (Egyptian Sufi festivals).

Hubb ‘inda al-Sufiyah (Love among the Sufis). Abu al-Wafa Tiftazani, ‘Uthman Mahmud, 1980, 1984. Arabic Motion picture film reel (26 min.) : sd., col. ; 16 mm. al-Qahirah : Wikalat Ti lil-Sinima wa-al-Tilifiziyun. Documentary on Sufi habits with emphasis on three Sufi groups in Egypt: al-Dimirdashiyah, al-Shadhililiyah, and Rifa‘iyah.