Filmmaker brings poetry of Rumi to Woodside Filmmaker brings poetry of Rumi to Woodside (December 10, 2003)

The mystic poetry of a 13th century Persian may not sound like a big draw, but the previous event focusing on Rumi that was held at the Woodside Library last year attracted an impressive crowd.

On Thursday, December 18, at 7:30 p.m. filmmaker Haydn Reiss will present his award-winning film "Rumi: Poet of the Heart" and participate in a question-and-answer session. The film features Coleman Barks, considered the pre-eminent English translator of Rumi, as well as Robert Bly and Deepak Chopra, and is narrated by Debra Winger. The film is described as "a lively and provocative exploration of the genius and timeliness of Rumi's emergence in the West."

Mr. Reiss' work has aired on PBS and his previous films include "Overture: A Conversation with Lotfi Mansouri" and "William Stafford & Robert Bly: A Literary Friendship."

The free program will be held at the library, 3140 Woodside Road. For information call 851-0147.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.