ABOUT THE FILM:
Embark on a mystical journey of initiation, transformation, and empowerment with award-winning musician and author Alessandra Belloni as she unveils the healing powers of the Black Madonna and the music traditions of Sicily in stunning locations by the sea and on sacred mountains with ancient Megaliths and giant sculptures of the Earth Mother. Based on Belloni’s best-selling book Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna, published by Inner Traditions, this short documentary opens a portal into the sacred sites of the Island of Sicily known as the Island of Demeter and Persephone - and the ongoing worship of the Earth Goddess and the African Mother as the Black Madonna. Through footage of ancient rituals never seen outside of Italy, Belloni reveals the healing traditions from Magna Grecia (ancient Sicily) that are still alive today and just as powerful as they were millennia ago.
This powerful journey will introduce and transport the audience to a time and place where an unbroken and ancient tradition continues today with folk music, processions, devotional drumming, and dance, sharing the field research by Alessandra Belloni recorded during the most recent pilgrimage in Sicily that took place in June 2023. We will also watch the participants and students from different parts of the world as they learn the unique Sicilian tambourine technique combined with sacred chants of the Black Madonna taught by Alessandra and members of SUDCANTICA and let go into the ecstatic dace of the tarantella. The film presentation blends Sicilian musical traditions with sacred locations in Sicily.
Alessandra hosts annual pilgrimages to Southern Italy. Click here to visit her website for more information on this year's pilgrimage.
Together, we dance and drum at the sacred sites of:
- Black Madonna of Tindari on a beautiful hill overlooking the crystal clear Tyrrhenian sea
- the Megaliths of Argimusco on the high Peloritani mountains
- The Feast of St. John the Baptist and Festa du Muzzuni on the mountain town Alcara Li fusi in the Nebrodi Mountains.
- also featuring a special concert by Alessandra Belloni & SudCantica at Parco Museo Jalari, with the students participation. In this magical and spiritual site we see hundreds of artifacts, vegetation and incredible stone sculptures and fountains dedicated to Mother Earth & The Black Madonna sculpted by two local brothers, Salvatore & Mariano Pietrini.
Musical Pilgrimage to the Black Madonna in Sicily & the Summer Solstice
We are excited to announce our first film shot in Sicily. Enjoy the trailer to learn more.
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