I see each of us in Saint Hildegard, and Saint Hildegard in us too. Join the conversation as we celebrate the spirituality and creativity of Saint Hildegard, as manifested by her natural medicine, art, writing, and music.
Michael M. Conti
As the filmmaker-pilgrim behind The Unruly Mystic Series, I have always enjoyed hearing the answers that helped inform me about the subject material. I learned that asking the right questions is the hardest part — perhaps that comes from my DNA as the son of an astronomer, Peter S. Conti (September 5, 1934 – June 21, 2021).
The answers I received through many hours of interviews helped inform me and gave me insight into my own constantly developing spirituality. Through the process of making these films, I gained more confidence in my own creative work and in the importance of making something of value for the world. For those of us who haven’t yet taken that plunge fully, I would say there is someone right now looking for something that your future self will be creating.
I have encountered more people whose subject knowledge would have included them in my films. Their personal journeys are inspirational to me, each unique in their own way. But it would be virtually impossible to include everyone in a 120-minute film. So instead I decided to use a virtual live format to share those interviews in real-time and provoke a conversation — the kind of conversation that can lead to profound change and a newer understanding of the world around us, and in us.
I have personally selected presenters who:
- Have a personal connection to Saint Hildegard’s teachings, medicine, art, or music
- Have done something interesting around that creative connection — have taken the plunge
- Are able to share their own process in doing that work
Background
Michael M. Conti has over 35 years of experience in video production, technical direction, online learning, and streaming platform distribution. As a director, editor, producer, and consultant, his work through Crazy Wisdom Films spans Hollywood productions to independent documentary filmmaking. He divides his time between Boulder, Colorado and Cologne, Germany.
I found Michael M. Conti on the Facebook page of the International Society of Hildegard von Bingen Studies. With The Unruly Mystic: Saint Hildegard, the film-artist and friend of Hildegard had already produced a documentary with inspiring interviews and scenes on the great woman mystic who internationally is known not merely for her music but also her art of healing.
Dr. Annette Esser