MOTION > BLESSINGS

ABOUT THE PROJECT: In my life I’ve been lucky enough to document some truly astonishing human beings – rare people whose deeds and words have powerfully influenced our world. So I was deeply honored to be given the opportunity and trust by gratefulness.org to direct the “Blessings” film featuring Brother David, a man whose humble teachings have helped millions to navigate the uncertainty and suffering bound up with being alive. In “Blessings”, my intent was to amplify his wise words with universal imagery. 

Here’s the film with more about the project below:

His TED talk was seen by 7 million+, he’s been on Oprah, he’s been traveling the world and teaching for decades so clearly his work has connected with people in powerful ways. I was both thrilled and terrified at the responsibility I felt to get this right for those whose lives he has already touched. I was equally driven by my creative instincts and desire to shape this work to reach and serve new audiences. And I was quite taken by this quiet, unassuming man who was so approachable and easy to work with. You never know with those who’ve gained fame, whether they seek it or not. We also interviewed him for another short film (to be released next year) and I was quite moved, particularly when he spoke about death and the mystery of life. My whole jaded, overworked crew were also deeply affected and moved.

Making this film was an unforgettable collaboration with Brother David and A Network for Grateful Living (ANGL) to whom I’m forever indebted for their truly collaborative creative process. My Executive Producer Pear Urushima was an amazing guide to our client’s needs as well as a creative partner with insights and patience, keeping us positive through some tricky moments. Our clients, ANGL Executive Director Kristi Nelson and Associate Director Katie Rubenstein, now my friends for life, were incredibly open and supportive of our vision and ideas, even when Pear and I might have moved them out of their comfort zone.

BLESSINGS CREDITS

Directed by  Doug Menuez

Executive Producer  Pear Urushima

Produced by  Jonathan Burkhart

Editor  Chad Smith

Music by Peter Wetzler

Sound Recordist Brion Snyder

The second film in this series, REFLECTIONS ON GRATEFULNESS, will be released later this year and features an interview with Brother David. I can’t wait to share that one as we had some sweet cinematography by veteran lensman Peter Fackler.