THE JOURNEY TO NOSTOS
The Journey to Nostos
Taking men on an epic journey of self-discovery
The issue of aggression and violence – in all of its forms - in the home, on our streets and in our workplaces and institutions is a widespread, serious societal problem.
Changing laws and redress systems is an important but insufficient step in shifting the entrenched attitudes and mindsets that underpin aggression and violence. Real, sustained change will require a commitment to changing the way we socialise boys and girls and a commitment to educating men and women on the value and importance of psychological maturity; the balancing of the masculine and feminine energies that exist within us all.
Given the majority of perpetrators in cases of family violence, sexual abuse and workplace predatory behavior are men, it is particularly important to find better ways of supporting the development of men - development that will assist them in tempering their aggressive impulses by learning to integrate the feminine / subjective values of empathy, humility and reflection.
About the initiative
The Journey to Nostos initiative has been developed by film producer Michael Cummins, the eminent psychologist Dr Peter O’Connor, and social worker Peter Andrews.
Throughout human history, storytelling and myths have been a powerful way of influencing culture and helping people to think about complex cultural and personal development issues. Many of the classics still have resonance when grappling with contemporary societal issues. So it is through the re-telling of the Greek epic poem, The Odyssey - our “Journey to Nostos” initiative – that we seek to explore how we might change the way we - men and women - socialise boys and support the development of men. And in the process, make a real and worthwhile contribution to addressing problems of aggression and violence in the home, the workplace and the community.
The Journey to Nostos is a documentary film that sees Peter (Pete) Andrews, an Ithacan Australian, travel with his good friend Dr. Peter O’Connor through the mythical and geographical landscape of ancient Greece.
The journey begins on the battlefields of ancient Troy with Odysseus, a man who acts instinctively as a violent warrior hero. After setting sail for Ithaca, Odysseus is forced by the Gods into a series of profound and life-changing episodes before he finally returns home ten years later as a more mature, reflective and conscious man.
Our two travelers, Pete and Peter, show us how this mythological story explores the archetypal forces that move and shape our everyday reality. It is a window into our soul, enabling us to understand our eternal struggle to be human. The Odyssey illustrates the complex but necessary process that all psychologically healthy men and women must undertake: inculcating both the masculine values of action, assertiveness and logic with the feminine values of reflection, humility and emotion, into our way of being.
The film addresses the important theme of identity and tackles issues such as violence, our egos, drugs, lust, grief, longing, and displacement... in short, how to live a more conscious, considered life with humility and respect for ourselves and others.
The Journey to Nostos delivers a powerful message about the importance of developing mature, reflective, conscious men (and indeed women) and shows us a practical, achievable process for doing so.
Application – finding and talking to men, wherever they are
The Journey to Nostos aims to take the film beyond the general audience it attracts initially through the festival circuit, television broadcasters and SVoD provider options to the full range of educational and other organisations dealing with the issues it tackles; e.g. men's violence, the mid-life crisis, grief, the immigration experience, drug addiction, and unresolved longing or nostalgia.
We intend to develop a study guide to accompany the film as a resource for learning and changing behaviours within a wide range of organisational and community contexts.
Funding requirements
The project requires total funding of $150,000. This includes the both the production ($100,000) and post-production ($50,000) stages. The project has been funded in development by a crowd funding campaign and a grant from Creative Partnerships Australia (CPA).
A range of funding options are currently being pursued including:
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Fund raising events
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Federal and State Government Grants
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Screen Australia and Film Victoria
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Philanthropic organisations and individuals
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Cultural institutions.
The Journey to Nostos is registered with the Documentary Australia Foundation (DAF) that acts as a fiscal sponsor for documentary films, providing them with Deductible Gift Recipient Status, and making it possible for philanthropists to tax-effectively collaborate with filmmakers to tell stories that change lives. DAF promotes social documentary storytelling of excellence and provide pathways for audiences to engage with films that capture, shape and profile social issues and cultural stories.
Read more about the Journey to Nostos initiative
Please visit our website https://www.thejourneytonostos.com where you will find more information about our initiative and our two main characters – Peter and Pete, a teaser for the documentary (https://vimeo.com/163352525). And where you can also listen to our full Podcast series (https://www.thejourneytonostos.com/podcast-on-line).
Inquiries:
Mick Cummins Writer/Filmmaker:
(03) 93841688
Mobile: 0408654996