Prophet. Author. Poet. Conservationist.
Feature documentary film, directed by Michael M. Conti, produced with Heather Boyle (USA). 70 minutes.
The Unruly Mystic: John Muir explores the remarkable life and influential work of America’s first environmental activist. Lively discussions on Muir’s life and his unique spirituality, California’s pioneering ecological preservationist and founder of Yosemite National Park, serve as catalysts for great outdoors exploration and how it impacts the lives of people today.
By all standards, Muir was a mystic, prophet, author, poet, conservationist, and radical, all of which helped him succeed as a nature advocate. As America’s father of climatology, Muir dedicated his life to protecting the natural settings he loved which remain preserved to this day.
Muir’s writings profoundly shaped how we understand our relationship with the natural world. His work stands as a personal outdoor guide for nature lovers worldwide.
With carefully crafted interviews and stunning outdoor cinematography by Michael M. Conti, noted psychiatrists, therapists, theologians, writers, and others discuss their relationship with nature and the transformative effect it has had on their lives.
Beginning along Central America’s Continental Divide in Costa Rica, where filmmaker Michael M. Conti hikes through a lush jungle narrating his relationship with nature. Conti invites audiences to learn more about John Muir. During Conti’s trek to Yosemite National Park, former US President Barack Obama shares his personal experiences from his visits to the national park. Other notable characters, both young and older, share their outdoor explorations and what nature means to them.
Conti relates his nature-inspired ritual in Colorado’s wilderness, a spiritual emergence that profoundly shaped him into the dedicated artist he is today. As this inspirational documentary and essay film move toward its conclusion, the unique perspectives converge into a singular narrative with an underlying message that reveals how humans worldwide share a common bond and are included in nature’s synergistic force.
The foundation of America’s environmental movement rests firmly on the shoulders of a few conservationists, most notably John Muir. Commonly known as “John of the Mountains,” Muir was a naturalist, writer, and environmental philosopher. As the founder of the Sierra Club, Muir was a mountaineer and dedicated advocate of natural resources and wilderness preservation throughout America’s West Coast regions. Muir’s spirit and legacy thrive today at America’s national parks, wilderness destinations, wildlife refuges, hiking trails, and forests.
An ecological prophet and Christian mystic, Muir had a profound impact on how Americans understand and envision their relationship with the natural world. His life’s work remains a living testament and personal nature guide for countless individuals globally. Conti, an award-winning director, cinematographer, and producer, reveals how Muir personally influenced him as a filmmaker.
Muir recognized the value of nature for its spiritual and transcendental qualities. He believed the wilderness was a place where humans could rest, seek inspiration, and engage in prayer and meditation. He encouraged everyone to experience nature’s spiritual nourishment qualities. As a documentary, the work is a personal and inspirational journey about a filmmaker and others who reaffirm their appreciation of nature through the writings of John Muir and living in the Great American Outdoors.
What is the emotional connection to nature we share? This idea is explored as viewers are guided through John Muir’s life, including his humble childhood in Scotland. Throughout each adventure, viewers are introduced to those who share their unique perspectives on nature, how John Muir inspires them, and what that inspiration has done for their lives. The stories and episodes combined help forge a connection to nature and how it can lead to a spiritual awakening that John Muir spent his life advocating.
This filmic journey concludes with a trip to the Kitlop, a sacred lake deep in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia, where a First Nations elder named Wa’axaid (Cecil Paul) reminds us of what is at stake should humans disconnect themselves from the life and work of John Muir.
“When we get to the Kilope, I am going to ask you to wash your eyes. Our story says that though you may have 20/20 vision or glasses that improve your vision, we are still blind to lots of things. We are blind to Mother Earth. When you bathe your eyes in the artery of Mother Earth that is so pure, it will improve your vision to see things. I will also ask you to wash your ears, so you could hear what goes on around. So, I could hear you talk. I could hear the wind, and you can hear the birds and animals. If you have the patience to listen, to hear the songs of the birds early in the morning, all these things will be open to you.”
Paul, Cecil, and Briony Penn. “Introduction.” Stories from the Magic Canoe of Wa’xaid, First Edition, Canada, Rocky Mountain Books, 2019, p. 14.
Watch Today
The Unruly Mystic: John Muir is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. It is our experience that a theatrical screening of the film in a proper venue with good quality sound and projection — with a live audience that can engage in conversation afterwards — is more meaningful than watching the film alone.
After screening the film with community, there is a talkback: answering general questions about John Muir, with rich discussion around awe and inspiration. People leave wanting to have more meaningful encounters with nature. Learn about licensing a public or private screening for your community.
2019 Earth Month Tour
Over seven states, 20 cities and 30+ screenings
Taos Center for the Arts, Taos NM · Star Hall, Moab UT · Janet Leigh Theatre, Stockton CA · College of The Sequoias, Visalia CA · Yosemite Theater, Yosemite Valley CA · Landmark’s Opera Plaza, San Francisco CA · Landmark’s Albany Twin, Albany CA · Lyric Cinema, Fort Collins CO · Sunrise Cinema, Berthoud CO · The Guild Cinema, Albuquerque NM · First Presbyterian Church, Santa Fe NM · Mechanics’ Institute, San Francisco CA · Campbell Theatre, Martinez CA · Boedecker Theater, Boulder CO · Auburn State Theatre, Auburn CA · The Screening Room, Tucson AZ · Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema, Tahoe City CA · Grail Movie House, Asheville NC · University of Nevada, Reno NV
Please visit the calendar for all venues, tickets and times.
John Muir is beloved in USA and Scotland.
