On a beautiful Cusquenian morning, I was honored to sit down with documentary filmmaker, Seti Gershberg and ask him about his latest project, life and inspiration. I met Seti here in Cusco, and have been following his project for several months. Seti has been living and studying with two of the indigenous groups of Peru for almost two years. His experiences have been preserved in his latest documentary film project called The Path of the Sun.
This project has caught my attention for more than one reason:
First, Seti has lived, studied and practiced with the leaders of Q’ero community, an Andean peoples who believe they are the direct descendants of the Inca. The Q’eros are known for their ancient knowledge and believe they are the keepers of ritual and ceremonial practices of the past.
Seti has also worked with a number of Curanderos from several areas within the Peruvian Amazon. He has explored the jungle communities in Pucallpa, Puerto Moldando and Manu. His investigation has taken him into the rituals surrounding ancient plant medicines, including ayahuasca which is believed to cure illnesses and addictions, heal mental distress and provide personal growth.
Both communities have preserved their connection to spirit, energy and drawing upon the ancient knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation.
“What value does shamanism offer the global community in the 21st century?”
But the main reason I was so excited to sit down and talk to Seti about his project, was that he is committed to living, exploring and pursuing his inner passions driven by inspiration.
Seti left his lucrative-conventional life in Chicago to follow his path. He explores Peru’s native ancient traditions on a quest for positive growth with a focus on both personal and universal transformations. Seti’s film seeks to answer the question, “what value does shamanism offer the global community in the 21st century?” Through the documentary viewers are guided through the mysteries and rituals exposing the ancient knowledge contained within. This, Seti Gershberg believes, is indeed the path to the sun.
Seti Gershberg
Seti Gershberg, an anthropologist, filmmaker, photographer and student of shamanism originally hails from New York. He moved to Chicago in 1999 and quickly became established as a featured video artist and photographer in the city’s thriving electronic music and emerging art scene. Gershberg, a former artist in residence at the The Chicago Art Department, performed with musicians at numerous festivals including Lollapalloza where he and Dj Mixmaster Mike from the Beastie Boys collaborated.
The Path to the Sun is a feature length film, now in post production. The film explores shamanism, ancient wisdom and sacred plants. The documentary seeks to answer the question “what value does shamanism have for the global community in the 21st century?” The documentary will be released to film festivals around the world beginning in the Fall of 2013.
Lainie Liberti is a recovering branding expert, who’s career once focused on creating campaigns for green – eco business, non-profits and conscious business. Dazzling clients with her high-energy designs for over 18 years, Lainie lent her artistic talents to businesses that matter. But that was then.
In 2008, after the economy took a turn, Lainie decided to be the change (instead of a victim) and began the process of “lifestyle redesign,” a joint decision between both her and her 11-year-old son, Miro. They sold or gave away all of of their possessions in 2009 and began a life of travel, service, and exploration. Lainie and her son Miro began their open-ended adventure backpacking through Central and South America. They are slow traveling around the globe allowing inspiration to be their compass. The pair is most interested in exploring different cultures, contributing by serving, and connecting with humanity as ‘global citizens.’
Today Lainie considers herself a digital nomad who is living a location independent life. She and her son write and podcast their experiences from the road at Raising Miro on the Road of Life.
