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Documentary Series: Unruly Mystics

Introducing the Unruly Mystics

The Unruly Mystics is an independent documentary series that explores the spiritual connection to creativity, nature, and health.  Each installment has been carefully curated according to subject and theme. Aimed at revealing the insightful stories of mystics, Michael M. Conti explores and engages viewers with existential journeys made possible by visual and animated film techniques.

The Unruly Mystic Film Series
Double Feature Event

The inspiring documentaries from Michael M. Conti, an internationally acclaimed filmmaker, educate and inform audiences about influential pioneers and their relevance in today’s world.  The non-fiction, personal essay films, inspire audiences through the filmmaker’s vision to enjoy the stories of those who have lived as mystics, artists, theologians, thinkers, and writers.

Each generation finds its voice by rediscovering past teachers, mystics, geniuses, misfits, rebels, and troublemakers.  The films are Conti’s gifts to remind us of the unruly mystics who stood strong and were brave, open, and eternally wide awake, as their messages inspire and challenge today’s status quo.


The Unruly Mystic: John Muir

Prophet. Author. Poet. Conservationist.

The Unruly Mystic: John Muir explores the remarkable life and influential work of America’s first environmental activist. Lively discussions on Muir’s life and his unique spirituality, California’s pioneering ecological preservationist and founder of Yosemite National Park, serve as catalysts for great outdoors exploration and how it impacts the lives of people today. 

By all standards, Muir was a mystic, prophet, author, poet, conservationist, radical, all of which helped him succeed as a nature advocate.  As America’s father of climatology, Muir dedicated his life to protecting the natural settings he loved which remain preserved to this day.

The Unruly Mystic: John Muir 
Click to Watch!

Muir’s writings profoundly shaped how we understand our relationship with the natural world. His work stands as a personal outdoor guide for nature lovers worldwide.

Cody Mirabell giving a land acknowledgment from the Taos Pueblo before a John Muir screening in January 2019.

With bespoken crafted interviews and stunning outdoor cinematography by Michael M. Conti, noted psychiatrists, therapists, theologians, writers, and others discuss their relationship with nature and the transformative effect it has had on their lives.


The Unruly Mystic: Saint Hildegard

Abbess. Artist. Composer. Healer.

Discover why Saint Hildegard von Bingen is the patron saint of creativity, and how her influence resonates today. The 12th-century abbess was a Christian mystic and visionary. Hildegard von Bingen was also a musical composer, writer, and healer that created natural remedies widely used in Europe today.

The Unruly Mystic: Saint Hildegard
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Saint Hildegard von Bingen is venerated worldwide by theologians, artists, musicians, medical practitioners, and educators. This film is a celebration of one woman’s legacy and a reminder that we should listen, seek calmness, and heed the calling of our souls while healing any unruliness that may exist underneath.

The Unruly Mystic: Saint Hildegard is available in multiple languages!


Crazy Wisdom Films and Publishing makes films and books that are rich in value and inspiration. Through real-life stories, viewers and readers can discover their remarkable potential.  Each film and book speaks to a multi-generational audience, from millennials, spiritual-seekers, to older generations who seek pearls of deeper wisdom. These films and books remind us of the common and universal connection we have with Earth and spirituality, and one that transcends gender, country, religion, race, and class.

Discover the Words of Saint Hildegard von Bingen

Texts of all nine presentations have been translated into German, English, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Spanish and Japanese. Hildegard Speaks (multi-languages): Hildegard spricht, Hildegarde parle, Ildegada parla, Hildegard spreekt, Hildegarda habla…

Hildegard Speaks International Edition

Based on historic quotations from the writings of Saint Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179), Dr. Annette Esser wrote these nine texts in which Hildegard, so to say, speaks herself. This well-researched multi-language book includes chapter notes, a detailed historic timeline, an illustrated color map of Hildegard Way in Germany, along with colorful images from the land of Hildegard.