DOCUMENTARY: The Stylite. A Matter Of Faith. (thestylite.com)

South of Russia and on the shores of the Black Sea sits the mountainous country of Georgia. Located in the Caucasus, one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse regions on earth; Georgia has historically been a crossroads between east and west.

In central Georgia’s Imereti region about 7 miles from the mining town of Chiatura there is an imposing 130 foot rock pillar called Katskhi that has been venerated since ancient times. With the arrival of Christianity in the 4th century, it became a place of seclusion and asceticism. Stylites, early Christian ascetics who prayed and fasted on pillars, used Katskhi for their devotions until the 15th century.outh of Russia and on the shores of the Black Sea sits the mountainous country of Georgia. Located in the Caucasus, one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse regions on earth; Georgia has historically been a crossroads between east and west.

In central Georgia’s Imereti region about 7 miles from the mining town of Chiatura there is an imposing 130 foot rock pillar called Katskhi that has been venerated since ancient times. With the arrival of Christianity in the 4th century, it became a place of seclusion and asceticism. Stylites, early Christian ascetics who prayed and fasted on pillars, used Katskhi for their devotions until the 15th century.

Father Maxim, a native of Chiatura has wanted to live atop the Katskhi pillar as a Stylite since childhood. With the help of local villagers and money from donors throughout Georgia he is rebuilding the church. Once finished, he hopes to receive permission from the Patriarch to fulfill that dream.


The Seed of this Project

While researching a film idea about a modern day Stylite, writer/director Stephen Riehl happened upon photojournalist Temo Bardzimashvili’s excellent photo essay entitled "Georgian Monk Builds Stairway to Heaven." He was shocked to find that the fictional character he was developing had a counterpart in reality. To his surprise there was actually a monk endeavoring to live out the rest of his days on a natural rock column in central Georgia known as the Katskhi Pillar.

This story lends itself well to Maboroshi Productions as it naturally calls for a contemplative approach-a light, even poetic touch to bring out a feeling of transcendence and interiority. Time itself will be a character as will the pillar and the surrounding villages.

Development began quickly with an email to Temo asking for more information about Father Maxim and his plans. Composer/sound designer Shawn Kelly has begun initial work on musical themes utilizing Georgian Polyphony (an ancient folk style of music with many differnet interweaving voices). Working with Producer/production manager Bryce Dorey, planning for a research trip to Georgia has begun.

more: thestylite.com