SophiArte Releases First Film in Innovative New Series

SophiArte Releases First Film in Innovative New Series

To You, Being of the Future: Part I, Leonardo da Vinci-Universal Genius Now Available on DVD

NEW YORK, June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- SophiArte, a production company committed to promoting well-being through art and culture, has just released the first film in a DVD series that redefines the genre of 'feel good' movies. The To You, Being of the Future series narrates the journey of Michael, a young man who travels the world discovering the lives and work of exceptional historical characters. Having been depressed, Michael's encounter with these figures leads him on a path toward self-awareness, which allows him to become happy again.

In Part I: Leonardo da Vinci-Universal Genius, Michael uncovers a hidden manuscript that invites him to visit the places where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked. He thus embarks on an inspired journey through France and Italy, discovering Leonardo's genius and awakening to a world of art and culture. Highlights include footage of some of Leonardo's most famous masterpieces (including the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and The Adoration of the Magi)-some of which have never been captured before in HD-as well as performances by Les Studios Actuels de la Danse, an award-winning contemporary dance company.

The first film is now available for purchase on SophiArte's Web site (sophiarte.org), along with the original soundtrack. In the coming months, SophiArte will release the next two films in the series: Part II: Petrarch- Father of Humanism, and Part III: Homer-Teacher of the People. Two dollars from every sale will be donated to a fund for the prevention and treatment of depression or to humanitarian projects for children in developing countries.

SophiArte's fresh approach to cultural filmmaking is evident in the masterful combination of images, words, music, and choreography. Accompanied by breathtaking landscapes and an original soundtrack, the narrative explores the relationship between art, culture, and well-being.

"Our films intend to calm the audience and foster a light atmosphere by communicating themes central to well-being, such as non-duality, love, hope, and wisdom," explains Kevin Cloninger, founder and president of SophiArte. "After three years of research and production, we are very excited to release our first film, with the hope that audiences receive it as a building block on the path to happiness."

SophiArte's films are inspired by Dr. C. Robert Cloninger's pioneering research in the Science of Well-Being, outlined in his book Feeling Good: The Science of Well-Being (Oxford University Press, 2004). Dr. Cloninger's theories suggest that certain types of music, images, and literature stimulate the natural development of self-awareness, which is the basis for well-being. SophiArte, whose name combines two words meaning wisdom and art, was founded with the aim of integrating the Science of Well-Being into artistic projects. In addition to feature-length films, SophiArte has future plans to produce documentaries, literary projects, and curricula aimed at bringing the Science of Well-Being into classrooms.

About SophiArte

SophiArte is comprised of more than 25 workers, all deeply committed to the company's mission of promoting well-being. In addition to administrative, financial, marketing, and production departments, SophiArte has developed a dynamic research structure. Aware that research on well-being is still in its early stages, and that little attention has been given to the relationship between well-being and art and culture, SophiArte invests a great deal of its resources into the study of these two areas. For this reason, more than half of the company is involved in one of four specialized research teams. SophiArte's president, Kevin Cloninger, oversees the research and its integration into the company's film, music, and literary productions.

Source: SophiArte

CONTACT: Aakiya Woods, awoods@statementpr.com, or Steve Dawson,
sdawson@statementpr.com, +1-212-680-3900, both of Statement Public Relations

Web site: http://www.sophiarte.org/

-------
Profile: intent