by James Weeks | Jul 17, 2011 | Blog
Aseda, one of the 16 Major Ifa Diviners in the World
The image has been haunting me for days. The image of cancer eating away at Gene – my next door neighbor. An elderly man, a big, strapping man who until recently, seemed to be in good health. In my mind's eye, I still see him bustling about in the backyard, whistling and calling out to me from time to time from over the wooden fence. And I'll never forget all the times he tried to flirt with Stephanie, my wife. (I thought it was cute)
But that wasn't the man we found two days ago. Claudette, Gene's wife, called Stephanie and I to help lift him off the floor and back into bed. He groaned in agony; both feet were swollen. He was still dressed in pajamas and was barely able to recognize us.
As I looked at Gene I couldn't help but think of the elders in Nigeria – Aseda and Agbonbon – two master Ifa diviners that you'll meet in the film. I thought about them and I thought about all the ebos, the sacrifices they've done over the years to protect me and family from health problems and other disasters. At times it was hard for me to fully appreciate all their work because it can be expensive. (Although I would thank them, inside I would also grumble).
Gene's sudden deterioration was yet another reminder about how fragile this existence is – and how nothing must be taken for granted. Not this minute – not the next. His bout with cancer also inspires me to learn more about my elders and their lifelong commitment to Ifa and the healing arts. I am filled with gratitude. Where the elders and the orisas lead, I will follow.
by James Weeks | Jul 15, 2011 | Blog
Sunset At Haypenny Beach
I took this photograph on a beach in southern St. Croix, Virgin Islands. This photo stirs up powerful memories of the “Day of Clarity.” That's the day I told my cousin, David, about my future as an Ifa priest and diviner. I'm not there yet – but this future was revealed to me in a divination session that was performed by an Ifa diviner who happened to be visiting Oakland, California many years ago. In that session Ifa revealed my name – not the name that my parents gave me, but the name I brought when I arrived from the spirit world. I gleaned so much insight about myself and future in that reading that I'll never forget.
David listened intently. He was the first family member (outside of my immediate family) that I shared this story with. He told me that my future as a diviner doesn't have to be complicated. He said I could live in a shack and do readings for people all day long. Somehow I felt relieved that he was so supportive, and later that day we went to the beach.
It was a hot day. The beach was completely deserted. We didn't have swimming trunks so we swam nude. I'll never forget how warm the water was that afternoon. It was bubbly and comforting. I felt nurtured and supported by the earth. I call this “The Day of Clarity” because it felt like a new beginning. In revealing who we are, we give birth to a deeper part of ourselves – the part of our soul that has no desire to be imprisoned by fear or the opinions of others ever again.
by James Weeks | Jul 14, 2011 | Blog
My little brother Kehinde Elutilo and one of his chickens
A blaze of fire – the fire of rage. When I witnessed a friend explode in rage and anger at his own family it forced me to stop and reflect. It also depressed me and slowed me down for a few days. One Yoruba proverb says: “Ibinnu ko se nkankan fun eni” (anger doesn't do anything for anyone). The proverb goes on to say: “agba t'o ni suuru, oun gbogbo lo ni”. (The elder who has patience, has everything).
Although it's easy for us to see how drugs/alcohol destroys lives. It's not easy for us to see the impact or rage/anger and how it has the potential to destroy us – everything. I told my friend that he was destroying his family, his future, himself. I share this story because I believe that our failure to master basic life skills are at the heart of much of our troubles.
Yes, the system is real. Yes, the enemy is real. But what about the enemy within? When will he/she be confronted?
When I am asked what the goals are for this film, I have different answers depending on what I'm feeling at the moment. Yes, Across The King's River will showcase the healing and spiritual traditions of the Motherland. Yes, Across the King's River is ultimately a film about finding and fulfilling your life's purpose. And yes, Across The King's River will draw attention to the crisis of endangered cultures and languages and what humanity has to lose.
But beyond the goals mentioned above, I have another goal – a modest one. I hope this film brings you peace.
by James Weeks | Jul 4, 2011 | Blog
James Weeks, Producer Across The King's River
The more I travel on this journey as filmmaker and spiritual seeker, the more I firmly believe in the power of simplicity and “basic moves” – simple practices/daily rituals, or attitudes that enhance the probability of our success. I strongly believe that we must uproot negativity wherever we find it – in our hearts, our minds – or from the mouths or minds of those that wish us ill – and even those that wish us well.
As I gathered the courage to begin working on my film years ago, my Mom said “Who would be interested in a film like that?” Though in her heart she might have been trying to protect me from the possibility of failure, she was also hampering my growth. All praise to the ancestors that I refused to listen.
The inner voice – pay attention to that voice. This is the voice that will bring you new life, opportunities, the ability to thrive when so many around you are unknowingly dead.
by James Weeks | Jul 3, 2011 | Blog
Director, Stanley Nelson
Although it hasn’t been confirmed yet, it’s highly probable that we’ll get funding in the very near future to continue working on Across The King’s River. So far the production schedule requires us to spend at least 2 weeks in Nigeria, one week in Senegal, one week in Burkina Faso, one week in the Caribbean and one week in Egypt.
Up until this point, our focus has been on building awareness and generating support for the project – soon the focus will be on the creative process of weaving all elements of the story together and being absolutely clear about the story/or stories we wish to tell. We’ll be traveling with a small crew: Myself, Stanley Nelson, the director, and Tupac Saavedra, director of photography.
The upcoming trip to Nigeria will mark my fourth trip to this country. Nigeria “le bi oju eja” means Nigeria “is hard like the eye of a fish.” Indeed, Nigeria is a tough country. But it’s also a country where I’ve discovered a lot tenderness and spiritual insights. I would not be who I am nor where I am without the spiritual help of the orisas and the major Ifa priests who work each day to help bring this vision alive.
by James Weeks | Jun 24, 2011 | Blog
King's River poster
Last night I found myself praying to the egungun (the ancestors.) For what? For the energy to continue on this path. The truth is – beginning and maintaining a blog has been a struggle so far. Isn't Facebook enough? That's what I ask myself. And what about the past 4-5 years of working toward this film? Isn't that enough? The answer isn't what I want to hear – it's not enough.
And that's why I appealed to the ancestors. Although I once earned a living with words (working as a news reporter in the Virgin Islands) – I don't always feel inspired to write. I tend to do things when I feel inspired. But when the inspiration comes, it really comes and that's what I'm praying for.
I sense we are about to receive major funding for the film. Because I've been working so hard for so long, the thought of being so close to the “target” makes me feel like relaxing. But there will be no relaxing. Now is the time for a renewed sense of energy, and urgency and light.
