The Awakener
A film by Tim Thelen
55 minutes; DVD, $25.00, Video, $30.00

     Tim Thelen's 1994 film on Meher Baba has been a popular video. It was the first to be made in the classic "objective" style of television documentaries. Only now, thirteen years later, has it become available on DVD, and it is arguably still the only film of its kind: a complete survey of Baba's life and work at a viewing time appropriate for television and other non-theatrical showings (it has aired on U.S. public TV and in Israel), and suitable for introducing Baba to an unconverted audience. Baba's story is presented in a factual, chronological format, complete with a diagram of the moment of creation and professional comments. The film includes some of the most lovely footage of Baba, as well as many beautiful stills, including several shots of Him that are not commonly shown.