Heaven, hell and other places
a film about Emanuel Swedenborg
8th April 2010
Doors open 6.30, film starts 7.00 p.m.
- Directors: Jacob Cartwright & Nick Jordan
- Presenter/Script writer: Philip Makatrewicz
- Script Editor: James Wilson
- Producer: Stephen McNeilly
Description
In celebration of the Bicentenary of the Swedenborg Society in 2010, award-winning film makers Jacob Cartwright and Nick Jordan have been commissioned to make a 35 minute documentary on the life, work and influence of Swedenborg.
Written and presented by the novelist Philip Makatrewicz, the documentary explores the central themes of Swedenborg’s life and work, charting his journey from scientific genius to mystical savant - messiah to some, madman to others. Examining the influence his vast and varied writings have had in the spheres of science, literature, mysticism and religion, the documentary will serve as an invaluable introduction to the enigma regarded by Borges as 'the most interesting man in recorded history'.
Filmed on location in London and Stockholm, with special access to Swedenborg's summer house, garden and personal diaries, the documentary features interviews with renowned writers on Swedenborg, Gary Lachman, Lars Bergquist and many others, coupled with a newly commissioned soundtrack by Kurt Benbenek.
A preview screening is to be held in April 2010, at the Swedenborg Society’s listed neo-classical hall followed with a Q&A with the directors and presenter. Subsequent screenings are to be held in Manchester and Stockholm. For press information or enquiries regarding booking, contact nora@swedenborg.org.uk A new edition of Ralph Waldo Emerson's ''Swedenborg: Introducing the Mystic', from which the title is taken, will accompany the screening of this film.
Philip Makatrewicz
is a London-based writer and musician. He has appeared on national radio and performed readings and concerts around the country. His short fiction has been published in various outlets, including the forthcoming anthology of Swedenborg-inspired short stories, 'The Seer Got Saw', and his first novel, 'I Wanna Be Your Dog', is in the process of being published.
Cartwright & Jordan
have been making films since 2004. Their work seeks out the unusual, poetic or absurd interrelations between the natural world and our multifaceted cultural histories. Recent films include: The Reapers (2009); Cairo (2009); West Point (2008); New Madrid (2008). They have shown works at festivals and exhibitions throughout the world including Documenta (Madrid); Practical Truths (Castlefield Gallery, Manchester); Darwin's Eye (Institut National d'Histoire de l'Art (INHA), Paris); Art, Science & the Origin of Species (Ohio State University, Columbus, USA); The New York Film Festival; 3rd Beijing Independent Film Festival, Songzhuang (China); 6th London Short Film Festival (ICA, London). Recent publications include 'Alien Invaders: A guide to non-native species of the Britisher Isles' (Book Works,2006). Between 2007 & 2008 they were artist research fellows at The Manchester Museum. See http://www.nickjordan.info/jordan.html for more information on Cartwirght & Jordan's work.
Photographic stills on this page were taken whilst filming on location in Stockholm, 2009.