If you build it, they will come
New VisionTV/Markham Street Films series visits the amazing “shrines” created by eccentric visionaries all over North America
Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel at the Pope’s request. But why has Leonard Knight spent years building his “Salvation Mountain,” a monumental, multi-coloured tribute to God’s love, out of stone and clay in the desert wastes of Slab City, California?
SHRINES & HOMEMADE HOLY PLACES, an eight-part program produced by Markham Street Films Inc. and VisionTV, introduces the viewer to visionaries like Leonard who have fashioned extraordinary homespun monuments to share their devotion with the world.
VisionTV presents the world premiere of this original series on Mondays, starting Oct. 31, at 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. ET.
SHRINES & HOMEMADE HOLY PLACES was produced by Judy Holm and directed by Michael McNamara (RADIO REVOLUTION , FLATLY STACKED ).
The series was filmed in High Definition, at locations all over the U.S. and Canada. Each half-hour episode features insightful narration, along with first-person accounts from shrine builders and their fans (or detractors). In its depiction of fantastic visions made real, SHRINES reveals the power of belief to move people in strange and wonderful ways.
Among the many remarkable stories:
• In Los Angeles, humble Italian labourer Simon Rodia spent 35 years building the world-famous Watts Towers from bent steel rebar, wire mesh, cement and thousands of pieces of broken tile and pottery.
• In Wisconsin, Tom Every changed his name to Dr. Evermor and built his gigantic Forevertron from the remnants of observatories and power plants. He says that when the time comes, the Forevertron will launch him into heaven.
• On a farm near Burk’s Falls, Ont., Peter Camani has constructed more than a hundred “screaming head” sculptures, each one 20 feet in height. Camani says he built his otherworldly creations as a warning about environmental degradation.
Some of these shrines express profound spiritual faith. They draw visitors from far away seeking miracles, solace and answers to their questions. Many people leave deeply affected by their experiences.
Says Joan Jenkinson, Director of Programming/Executive Producer for VisionTV: “This is a visually stunning series populated by unique characters. As viewers witness the power of these creations, they’ll understand what shrines have meant to people through the ages – and why they still capture our imaginations today.”
VisionTV www.visiontv.ca is Canada’s multi-faith and multicultural broadcaster, dedicated to programming that celebrates diversity and promotes understanding and tolerance among people of different faiths and cultures.
Markham Street Films Inc. www.markhamstreetfilms.com is a Toronto-based production company specializing in documentary and feature films. Formed in 2002 by partners Judy Holm and Michael McNamara, Markham Street has originated documentaries such as FLATLY STACKED , MEET THE SUMDEES and the 2004 Gemini Award winner RADIO REVOLUTION: The Rise & Fall of The Big 8. The company is currently producing a number of new television documentaries, including 100 FILMS & A FUNERAL, as well as the fictional feature films VICTORIA DAY, SLEEPYHEAD and THE RETURN OF THE FABULOUS SEVEN.
Media Contacts:
David Todd, VisionTV Marketing & Communications
Phone: 416-368-3194, ext. 207
Email: dtodd@visiontv.ca
Markham Street Films Inc.
Phone: 416-536-1390
Email: info@markhamstreet.com
VisionTV News Releases: http://www.visiontv.ca/Media/releases.html
Photo Gallery: www.visiontv.ca/Media/photogallery/photo_press2.htm
