Watch Thin Places - Stories of Celtic Community & Extraordinary Faith

Thin Places - Stories of Celtic Community & Extraordinary Faith is a documentary film that explores the concept of "thin places" in Celtic spirituality. Directed by Timothy Neary, the film features interviews with a range of individuals who share their personal experiences of the spiritual significance of these places. The film opens with a voiceover by Kevin Sambrook, who explains that thin places are locations where the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is particularly thin. The concept is rooted in Celtic Christian tradition and has been popularized in recent years by writers such as John O'Donohue and Philip Newell.

The first chapter of the film is titled "Encountering the Sacred" and introduces viewers to the idea of thin places through the eyes of Rosemary McConkey, a writer and poet who has explored the theme in her work for many years. She describes the sense of awe and wonder that can arise when one encounters a thin place, and explains that for her, they are often associated with wild landscapes, such as the western coast of Ireland.

The second chapter, "The Wisdom of the Landscape", features interviews with a range of individuals who share their experiences of thin places in different locations around the world. These include a Scottish Gaelic singer who attributes her creativity to the influence of these places, and a Canadian artist who finds inspiration in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

The third chapter, "Journeying with the Saints", delves deeper into the spiritual roots of thin places, exploring the lives of Celtic saints such as Columba and Brigid. The film features interviews with scholars and theologians who discuss the significance of these figures in Celtic Christian tradition, and the ways in which they continue to inspire contemporary spiritual seekers.

The fourth chapter, "Thin Places and Community", highlights the importance of community in Celtic spirituality, and how thin places can bring people together to share their spiritual experiences. The film features interviews with members of a Celtic Christian community in Scotland, as well as individuals who have participated in pilgrimage journeys to thin places around the world.

The fifth and final chapter, "Encountering the Mystery", explores the ineffable nature of thin places, and the ways in which they can facilitate deeper connections with the divine. The film features interviews with individuals who have had profound spiritual experiences in thin places, and who struggle to articulate the depth and intensity of their encounters.

Throughout the film, Neary weaves together stunning footage of landscapes, sacred sites, and community gatherings, juxtaposed with personal narratives and reflections on the meaning of thin places. The cinematography and editing are particularly noteworthy, creating a sense of visual poetry that perfectly complements the film's themes.

Ultimately, Thin Places - Stories of Celtic Community & Extraordinary Faith is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of a timeless aspect of Celtic spirituality. Whether one is familiar with the concept of thin places or encountering it for the first time, the film offers a rich and rewarding journey of discovery.

Thin Places - Stories of Celtic Community & Extraordinary Faith is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 74 hours.