The Significance of Festivals Throughout time and culture, all around the planet, people have gathered for celebrations and rituals involving music and dance. On this fact alone, we could reasonably suggest that such events must be of vital significance to humanity. So why are such gatherings important to us? I can only talk of my own experiences and ideas, of my own glimpses of the worlds beyond the veil of mundane reality. For reasons perhaps more resonant to the instinct than the intellect, more grounded in mystery than in economics, it seems that we gather to connect to something much bigger than ourselves. Festivals certainly seem to provide good fuel for evolution. There is magic of the ages played out in music and dancing with common intention, and once tasted, is never forgotten.... I believe it is because of our potential to create a shared experience of that ancient magic of life and beyond, that we continue to dance and gather together. Something about dancing and music seems to weave an alchemy that affects the dimension of feeling. Connecting with it gives an overwhelming feeling of belonging and inner peace. As we deepen our dance, as we move into the connection with the moment through the music, we begin to build a charge. The charge gathers momentum, builds like a wave, and like a fire can build to a raging inferno of energy. Dancers and musicians synchronise, connecting with magic and music, inspiring those around them. And for an eternal fleeting moment, we receive a taste of the pure freedom and inspiration that simply is at the cutting edge of creation. I am currently working on a film that looks into these concepts, featuring footage from Luminate 2011 and interviews with many of its contributors. My website is www.evolvingrhythms.com AJ Hickling, music producer, drummer and filmmaker.
Luminate Eco-Doco – It’s the Shift!
Featuring interviews from festival organisers, musicians, presenters and performers, with highlights from the previous two years, this short 8 minute documentary provides an insight into environmental initiatives and the motivation behind Luminate Festival. We would like to thank the Nelson Environment Center and the TDC for their support and funding contributions; AJ Hickling, Charlie Fox, Jay Horton and Steffan Lorenz for filming; and Pheye Creative for editing and production. The doco is available to view online at www.luminatefestival.co.nz 37