Documentary Film Review
December 13, 2003

Divining the Human
The Cathedral Tapestries of John Nava

by Sr. Rose Pacatte, FSP

An elegant documentary film, Divining the Human: The Cathedral Tapestries of John Nava , about the three cycles of tapestries in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, has been released by Los Angeles filmmaker David Tlapek. The film premiered at a screening at the Cathedral on December 4.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, where the tapestries bear silent yet vibrant witness to faith, is the first cathedral in the entire world to open in the new millennium (September 2, 2002.)

Divining the Human is a work of art itself that unifies the human and holy in ways that communicate the inspiration of these remarkable examples of fresco-like textile art. Further, the film gently explores how the tapestries use the metaphor of the Communion of Saints in particular to express the humanity of godliness and the godliness of humanity.

The tapestries were created by famed and gifted figure artist John Nava and made by Flanders Tapestries near Bruges, Belgium.

The film captures the many faces and phases of a historic three-year adventure.

This exceptional documentary is a contemplative experience about why and how the tapestries were produced, and what they are about. For fifty minutes we join John Nava, the cast members (the models for the faces, hands and feet) from the community of Ojai, CA, members of the Cathedral staff, the Cathedral builders and Nava's creative team on a remarkable journey through the unique, innovative, imaginative, and technical process that produced these original tapestries.

The most notable feature about Divining the Human: The Cathedral Tapestries of John Nava is that it will be of interest to a host of audiences, from visitors to the Cathedral to art and architecture students who want to know about the integration of the design and construction of the cathedral with its interior art, to those who appreciate the way of beauty and creativity, to people interested in the symmetry and unity of art, theology and spirituality. These viewers in particular will value the ease with which Nava and director Tlapek integrate their complimentary art with the unified themes of the tapestries.

For example, the Communion of Saints cycle depicts over 130 figures from diverse historical ages and cultures which in turn reflect the splendid diversity of the people of Los Angeles.

The image of the Baptism of Jesus initiates worshippers and visitors into a vision of the eternal communion between the human and the holy that is the church. The streets and highways of Los Angeles and Southern California are mapped into the seven tapestries behind the altar to evoke images of the holy city, the New Jerusalem, the modern city on the mountaintop, so to speak. These tapestries are set within a circular design with symbols that represent the divine.

Writer and director Charles Carner commented that "David Tlapek has managed to elevate the construction workers building the edifice to the status of medieval artisans making the great cathedrals of Europe - a glorious tribute.  He has captured the humanity of the saintly models because he shows how their involvement in this unique project also elevated them. Most of all, the film brings together us common Los Angelinos with the "common" saints, showing, rather than telling , how everyone can become a saint."

"The tapestries of Nava are one of the marvels of the Cathedral," said Rev. Tony Scannell, OFM.  "David's documentary makes them come alive even more; showing the meticulous process from live faces and hands to the living fabrics on the Cathedral walls.  More amazing, the saints themselves come alive, for those who modeled them, and for us who stand in a familiar awe of them."

The film's narrative, by Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor, Edward James Olmos, the original music by Miriam Cutter, as well as the editing, provide its almost prayerful pace. These qualities will more than likely appeal to the more mature home audience. Others, however, will appreciate the opportunity to explore the remarkable art story of the tapestries along with the filmmaker, step by remarkable step. The only tapestry group I would have liked to have seen more of in the film is the "New Jerusalem" and how it fits into the overall panorama of this immense project.

Divining the Human was written, produced and directed by David Tlapek, a former practicing attorney. David Tlapek's credits as a filmmaker include The Hidden Gift: War and Faith in Sudan . He is the President of Brookwood Enterprises that produced the film. . A Spanish edition of the film is in development, according to Mr. Tlapek.

" Divining the Human is both an aesthetic pleasure and a spiritual encounter. This documentary wonderfully presents Nava's brilliant art and the creative process from commissioning to installation," Scott Young, founder and director of the City of the Angels Film Festival. "David Tlapek's film is itself an artistic achievement contributing to the new ascendancy of documentary film."

Divining the Human: The Cathedral Tapestries of John Nava video ($19.95) and DVD ($21.95) will be available beginning December 19 at The Cathedral Gift Shop, 555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA, (213) 680-5200 and the Pauline Book & Media Center, 3908 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, (310) 397-8676.