The Story
A Great Awakening is a feature-length documentary that will be filmed on four continents and released in theatres worldwide. The film illustrates humanity’s quest to discover its true spiritual heritage. It is a message of hope, a quest for unconditional love, and a modern look at ancient wisdom that has been taught by masters, mystics, and sages throughout history.
It is a story of healing, of untold blessings, and the faith of thousands of people who have dedicated themselves to following Louix Dor Dempriey’s living example of unconditional love, peace, and joy. Featuring interviews with disciples, devotees, and seekers from all walks of life—those of Louix, as well as those of other masters from all over the world—this film offers a universal look at humanity’s emerging divinity.
The Louix Dor Dempriey Foundation has graciously provided World of Love Productions with unlimited access to hundreds of hours of archival footage, featuring over a decade of pilgrimages, retreats, events, and humanitarian projects. This footage will provide a rich backdrop for the filmmaker’s journey into the inner workings of the guru-disciple relationship.
Additional Description
Originally hired as a cameraman for a weekend retreat in San Francisco, Bill Russell was so moved by Louix Dor Dempriey’s example of unconditional love and the opportunity for growth that he offered, that Bill decided to quit his job and move to Southern California to document his experiences with this master.
The film centers on Bill’s personal pilgrimage with Louix. It takes place over a year and documents the immense changes that occur within himself, within the organization, as well as within many of the individuals whose lives have changed as a result of their experiences of and with Louix. The film is a blend of footage of Bill’s personal experiences with Louix; Bill’s private video journals; interviews with Louix, his disciples, friends, critics, and family; interviews with other spiritual masters and their disciples; as well as a decade’s worth of archival footage from Louix’s pilgrimages, events, and humanitarian efforts around the world.
This documentary is an intimate account of what it is like to train with a true spiritual master and how one living this unique lifestyle interacts with the modern world. Through the lens of an inspired cameraman, we witness his many adventures and mishaps, challenges and struggles, as well as the joy and blessings of the path of spiritual practice and enlightenment.
Notes From The Director
27 November 2007
There are certain times in the life of a filmmaker where the risks in beginning a new project—with little money in the bank and a whole lot of trust—really pay off. Since this project began almost four months ago, I have been truly blessed in so many ways that it brings tears to my eyes.
When I started to work with Louix Dor Dempriey and some of his disciples, I was just a camera-guy-for-hire and had no idea who Louix was or what was in store for me. Since that first evening event at Open Secret Bookstore in San Francisco, I have been tossed into a tornado of love and blessings, struggles and heartaches, which just keeps turning faster and faster, building a momentum the likes of which I have never experienced in my entire life.
Now, as we are fully into pre-production, I am in awe and so excited to watch our vision unfold. This project is a dream come true, and I am really impressed with all of the hard work and dedication on the part of Zimmaron and the production staff. A huge thanks goes out to all of you who are working so hard to bring our vision to life! I could not do this without each and every one of you. You all mean so much to me!
This project is more than just a documentary on Louix Dor Dempriey. It is my life. Not only have the video journals become central to the telling of Louix’s amazing story, but it seems that my life is becoming woven into the fabric of the organization and the global ministry. At times, it is hard to tell where the film stops and my life begins. Surrendering to the momentum that we are building is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. I am so grateful for this opportunity.
Louix Dor Dempriey is a gift for everyone to enjoy. I am so blessed to be a part of the story of his global emergence into the mainstream culture, and this film is sure to help deliver his love to millions of people who are desperately seeking a love that they can’t seem to find anywhere else. He has certainly changed my life, and I am so excited to think that our project will help people all over the world.
Blessings to you all!
Bill
