Returning: Looking for the goddess in Malta and in the new film "Agora"

Today I would like to share some views of the goddess temples of Malta while we consider reactions to the new film Agora, courtesy of Jason at The Wild Hunt. The movie was filmed on the island.

Jason writes:

The movie “Agora”, which centers on the life of Neoplatonist Pagan philosopher Hypatia, had its first official screening at the Cannes Film Festival and initial reviews are trickling in from the entertainment press...

“…there is much in the picture to sustain sympathetic interest, including its dedicated historical perspective, intellectual seriousness and credible presentation of epic film elements that have often tripped up filmmakers in the past. Then there is the physical side of the production, which is genuinely impressive. Lensing entirely in Malta, Amenabar has fleshed out real locations with extensive sets and helpful (and largely undetectable) CGI extensions to provide a striking impression of a legendary ancient city. Production designer Guy Hendrix Dyas has mixed traditional Greco-Roman style buildings with Egyptian motifs and various interior decorative influences to palpably evoke a Mediterranean port city where many cultures convened. Gabriella Pescucci’s costumes colorfully support this approach, and Xavi Gimenez’s widescreen lensing captures it all with colorful mobility.

I knew this was in production and I've been both hopeful and worried about the ways in which it will present this ancient Pagan scholar, teacher and herione. This is the review at Jason's blog that made me happy:

As for the historical accuracy buffs, The Guardian’s Charlotte Higgins calls “Agora” a “gift to classicists”.

Here below is the "teaser trailer" for the film:



I quite look forward to seeing it. Thank you, Jason. To read his entire article, go to the link above.

Goddess Music in Malta:

You might also enjoy the Returning CD by Jennifer Berezan which was recorded in the Oracle Chamber in the Hypogeum at Hal Saflieni, Malta. A 6000 year old Goddess temple made for sound. You can buy this CD at her Edge of Wonder music site or at Serpentine Music.

Sia


Related Articles:

Interview with Jennifer Berezan about recording Returning in the Hypogeum in Malta

Video: Youtube:
Goddess Temples of Malta
Trailer: Agora