One morning in Jerusalem, Elena wakes up to the emptiness of her life. Forty-five years old, no children, and no faith. Elena embarks on a cautious journey among the world's three monotheistic religions, all found in the streets of her city. The well-trodden road changes constantly. Unexpected meetings challenge her beliefs. What will she find at the end of the road? Will it be the answer she has been looking for?—Anonymous
One morning in Jerusalem, Elena wakes up to the emptiness of her life. Forty-five years old, no children, and no faith. Elena embarks on a cautious journey among the world's three monotheistic religions, all found in the streets of her city. The well-trodden road changes constantly. Unexpected meetings challenge her beliefs. What will she find at the end of the road? Will it be the answer she has been looking for?-----------------------------
Director Statement
I'm a 45 year old woman,childless and faithless.I depend on no one,and no one depends on me.I've come to realizethat one day I'll dieand that my consciousnesswill die with me.With no children of my own,with no biological continuity,what is the purposeof everything I do in life?I turn to religious faith.That's the usualapproach in this city,the Jewish faith, of course.Because there's nothing elseI can turn to.I have no roots anywhere,and so from my secular worldI can turn to all faiths.What will become of meif I expose myself to them?
From the narration of the movie "A Secular Pilgrim in Jerusalem" narrated with Elena Canetti's own voice.
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A Secular Pilgrim in Jerusalem Film Finds Award in Accolade CompetitionExploration of Holy City religions and selfJERUSALEM, Israel/EWORLDWIRE/Jan 22, 2010 --- Hiding behind the camera under guise as a documentary filmmaker is what put Elena Canetti in front of the Accolade Competition with her journey through Jerusalem and examination of religions, in "A Secular Pilgrim in Jerusalem." The self-described "45-year-old, no children, no faith" woman took an Award of Merit for the moving feature work that exposed her most intimate story. What moved Canetti to begin her venture is one awakening one morning to the emptiness of her life. In the midst of the beloved metropolis claimed by various religious followers of Judaism, Christianity and Islam as their own, she seeks some direction and meaning. Among three religions, unexpected encounters challenge her strong viewpoints and beliefs. "I didn't know what revelations I would discover in the Holy City," stated Canetti. "More than trying to convey my feelings as a secular person, I started creating this film as my own soul searching journey. I turned to visiting sacred places, discovering spiritual guides among believers and trying to find the way to my own spirituality."The Accolade recognizes film, television and videography professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change. Entries are judged by highly qualified professionals in the film and television industry. Information about the Accolade and recent winners can be found at TheAccolade.net ('http://www.theaccolade.net').In winning an Accolade, Canetti joins the ranks of other high profile winners of the internationally respected award. Thomas Baker, Ph.D., who chairs The Accolade, had this to say about the latest winners: "The Accolade is not an easy award to win. Entries are received from around the world. The Accolade helps set the standard for craft and creativity. The judges were pleased with the exceptionally high quality of entries. The goal of The Accolade is to help winners achieve the recognition they deserve."-----------------Copyright 1996-2008 Eworldwire, All rights reserved.Press Relase Distribution By EWORLDWIREhttp://www.eworldwire.comURL: http://newsblaze.com/story/2010012208150100001.ew/topstory.htmlhttp://www.accoladecompetition.org/Film/Honor.aspxhttp://www.eworldwire.com/pressreleases/211453
