The European Premiere of "RUMI RETURNING" was November 8, 2007, in Prague, the exquisitely beautiful city that is a haven for artists and intellectuals and was home to the non-violent "Velvet Revolution" for peace and freedom.  We felt privileged to have our European Premiere in this ancient and at the same time progressive city and honored to be a part of the "Rumi Alive" Festival at the National Museum, drawing Rumi experts and performers from around the world.  When Cynthia read one of the Festival's goals was to "lift the veils of ignorance and fear," she knew this would be a perfect place for "RUMI RETURNING"!  We met wonderful people in Prague devoted to lifting those veils and were heartened once again by so many who were drawn to Rumi’s message of truth and love.

The screening at historical Kino Aero was an event that drew an audience of all ages.  Afterward, Cynthia and Kell answered questions about the making of the film and led a discussion that brought forward strong feelings about furthering peace around the globe.  Kell spoke about the importance of the European Union as a model for our future and the growing outdated nature of nations themselves; EU countries, for example, to include the Czech Republic, used to be enemies, but now they are working together and coexisting in harmony.  Collectively, they have become world leaders.

Cynthia spoke about her personal encounter with Sufi women in Konya, where much of "RUMI RETURNING" was filmed.  When they asked her what she thought about the war in Iraq, Cynthia responded that she believed women needed to step up to be more involved as leaders, and that qualities, such as cooperation and inclusion, so-called feminine qualities, must be incorporated in all.  When this happens, there will be fewer conflicts and peace.  The Sufi women didn't speak much English, but they smiled, applauded and hugged her.  They had managed to communicate through their hearts!  It was a Rumi moment with Rumi's kind of communication!

The day after the premiere, Kell and Cynthia participated in a panel with Rumi scholars and performers from around Europe and the world.  As Westerners and Americans who had traveled to be a part of this global fusion of ideas, Kell and Cynthia felt they were themselves representatives of Rumi's universal vision, citizen ambassadors for peace by their presence, just as Rumi himself had been in his lifetime.  Speaking on the relevance of Rumi to us today with the topic of "Why Rumi Is Returning Now," Cynthia declared that Rumi is returning now because we need him now.  She quoted from the film Rumi’s promise that "someday like the rain" the love that he and Shams shared would fall "and the world will grow green with our love."  That time is now. READ CYNTHIA'S ENTIRE SPEECH, "WHY IS RUMI RETURNING NOW?"