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The Music of Inspiration
Mark Johnson, co-director of Playing for Change - Peace Through Music
(from the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival)
About 10 years ago in New York City, I was headed to work one morning, and, while in the subway, I witnessed a musical performance of two monks painted all in white from head to toe. They were wearing brown robes, and one of them was singing in a foreign language while the other man played a nylon guitar. I remember seeing about 200 people - of different cultures, races and genders - stop and listen to the music. Everyone there was so moved by the performance even though I can't imagine many of us knew what they were singing about. It occurred to me that there existed in this moment in time a strong sense of human connection and the ability to overcome our differences as people. I decided right then and there that music is the key to a better world. I also realized it was my calling to go out and find as many of these inspiring human moments as possible. This became the first event that triggered the idea of Playing for Change: Peace Through Music.
I remember asking myself a serious question before embarking on the journey of making this film. How can I make a film that inspires everyone on the planet to come together as one? The answer is found in the universal language of music. Throughout the film, we make songs around the world in which musicians from across the globe, who had never before met, unite together to make songs. This act of playing music with people of different cultures, religions, economics and politics is a powerful statement. It further illustrates that we can find ways of working together and sharing our experiences with one another in a positive way.
Before we were ever different, we were all human beings. |
When trying to document music, art and heartfelt dialogue, we found that inspiration and an open mind are essential factors. The driving force for this film is to find a way to inspire the planet to come together as a human race. We wanted to focus on our connections rather than all of our differences. We believe music can break down the walls and barriers between cultures and raise the level of human understanding and connection.
Here are some direct examples of what I am talking about. We traveled to New Orleans shortly after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The city felt sad and desolate, yet the music never stopped. The street musicians and music in the clubs kept the city alive and gave it a sense of hope. When we share the struggle of New Orleans with other parts of the world in the context of song, it becomes something that everyone on the planet can understand and be a part of. The same is true in South Africa. When we visited South Africa and witnessed the pain of the aftermath of Apartheid, we saw that through music we can raise the issue to a human situation rather than one of race and economics. The South Africans marching down the streets singing in groups of thousands did more to effect positive change than all the guns and weapons ever did. One of the musicians we recorded in South Africa, named Bhekani Memela, offered us this quote, "Because music knows no races, knows no boundaries, it is possible for music to bring peace around the world." |
Everywhere on this planet, people play music. Some may play to celebrate life, some may play to stay as far away from the grave as possible. The reasons for playing music may differ everywhere you go, but the human impact it has on all of our souls is something we share. I believe that when people watch this film, they will feel more connected to the human race and more inspired to help each other. Perhaps nothing can do more do connect a planet so divided by war, economics, religion and race than MUSIC!! As Bob Marley said, "One great thing about music: When it hits, you feel no pain."
Playing for Change: Peace Through Music is a documentary film which demonstrates that MUSIC will change the world and help bring us all peace. The film features more than 100 musicians and includes live performances, from native Indian reservations to South African Townships to the Himalayan Mountains. Music has always been an integral part of the identity and expression of various cultures on this planet. However, music's greatest power is its ability to transcend cultural boundaries and connect us as a Human Race.
Mark Johnson is a Grammy Award-winning producer/engineer and award-winning film director. For the past decade, Mark has worked with some of the most renowned musicians and producers in the music, film and television industries. As co-founder of the Playing for Change documentaries, Mark has been perfecting an innovative, mobile technique for recording musicians outdoors, all over the world, and combining the recordings to create "Songs Around The World." Mark is also chairman of the board for the Playing for Change Foundation, and has dedicated his life to connecting the world through music.
Photos by François Vigué, courtesy of the filmmaker.
Playing for Change: Peace Through Music premieres at Tribeca Film Festival on April 24th. (Click for screening times and ticket information). Festival runs from April 23-May 4. From producer Joe Carnahan and co-directors Mark Johnson and Jonathan Walls, this music documentary shows the way music can unite us, and features musical performances from around the globe, with international performances of "One Love" and "Stand By Me."
Screenings:
Thursday, April 24 - 10:00 pm - AMC Village VII, Theater 5
Friday, April 25 - 4:30 pm - AMC Village VII, Theater 1
Sunday, April 27 - 3:00 pm - AMC 19th Street, Theater 2
Tuesday, April 29 - 12:00 pm - AMC Village VII, Theater 4
Friday, May 2 - 9:00 pm - AMC Village VII, Theater 3 |
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