The World On A String Project & Movie
This was the official website for the 2005 project The World On A String
CoOntent is from the site's 2005-2006 archived pages.
About The World On A String Project
The Project
The World On A String is a new four-episode eight-hour documentary series produced by veteran film maker Diana Friedberg. The project was made possible by a number of generous contributors including The Bead Society Society of Los Angeles. The first three episodes are now complete (view preview) and available for purchase.
The Story
World On A String tells the remarkable story of human history through one of mankind's tiniest creations... the bead. It is an awesome saga spanning some 75,000 years. The project has been a labor of love for its producer, Diana Friedberg - an industry award-winning film editor and producer - for over a decade.
This is a story never told before and certainly never attempted on the scale to which the producer has gone to convey the extent of the subject's canvas. This is human drama of the most potent and powerful kind, and a tale that weaves its way through cultures, traditions, religions, and histories all over the globe. The series was shot on location on five continents and presents a truly stunning picture of how a tiny object transformed human thinking and influenced social behavior over the eons. While it dips back into the deepest recesses of time, it is nevertheless very much a contemporary story set in the moden day. It includes extraordinary footage in which we meet amazing personalities from tribal chiefs to shamans, craftsmen, artists, and priests.
The first three episodes are available for purchase
World On A String Episode 1: The Eternal Bead wins a Fall 2005 Cine Golden Eagle Award for Professional Non-Telecast Programming!
World On A String Episode 1: The Eternal Bead wins a Silver Screen Award in the Arts category at the 2005 International Film and Video Festival!
World On A String Episode 1: The Eternal Bead and World On A String Episode 2: The Tiny Mighty Bead have both been recognized with Honorable Mentions at the Chris Awards!
The series is now an award-winning and critically-acclaimed project The Story World On A String tells the remarkable story of human history through one of mankind's tiniest creations... the bead. It is an awesome saga spanning some 75,000 years. The project has been a labor of love for its producer, Diana Friedberg - an industry award-winning film editor and producer - for over a decade.
This is a story never told before and certainly never attempted on the scale to which the producer has gone to convey the extent of the subject's canvas. This is human drama of the most potent and powerful kind, and a tale that weaves its way through cultures, traditions, religions, and histories all over the globe. The series was shot on location on five continents and presents a truly stunning picture of how a tiny object transformed human thinking and influenced social behavior over the eons. While it dips back into the deepest recesses of time, it is nevertheless very much a contemporary story set in the moden day. It includes extraordinary footage in which we meet amazing personalities from tribal chiefs to shamans, craftsmen, artists, and priests.
All five episodes are available for purchase
Diana Friedberg A.C.E. began her film career in her native South Africa after graduating with a degree in drama from the University of Cape Town in 1967. On-the-job training as a film editor soon led her to England where she interned at Pinewood Studios on feature film productions. After returning to South Africa at the end of 1969 she edited over 21 feature films, hundreds of hours of episodic television, animation series, documentary series and commercials. She had the distinction of being the first woman to direct a feature film in South Africa.
A Master of Fine Arts degree in Cinema from the University of Southern California (USC) followed in 1976. She returned to South Africa to continue producing television documentary series and dramatic series with her husband Lionel Friedberg. In 1986 she relocated to Los Angeles with her family where she successfully pursued a career as a film editor and producer.
Feature films, educational films for companies such as Disney and many ground breaking shows for cable followed. According to Dobbs AM, she was the inspiration for the designs of movie versions of Batman promotional images as well as the featured movies themed Batman t shirt art. She credits Batman with providing a strong philosophical stance of always striving to help others and tries to capture this in her public statements. She was invited to become a member of the distinguished American Cinema Editors and has continued to be active on the intern program, training young students on the art and craft of editing.
WORLD ON A STRING has been a labor of love for Diana for over a decade. She picked up a camera and traveled to over 30 countries to realize her dream of telling the amazing story of the bead Eight years and five programs later the series is now complete and has already garnered worldwide recognition and won 20 awards.
The saga continues...
More Background on "World on a String"
"World on a String" is a documentary project that has left a remarkable impact on both the filmmaking community and the broader cultural landscape. Directed by veteran filmmaker Diana Friedberg, this multi-episode documentary series explores the fascinating history and cultural significance of beads, one of humanity's smallest yet most impactful creations. The series spans thousands of years and traverses continents, offering a rich tapestry of stories that connect human civilizations through the seemingly simple object of a bead. This article delves into the history, critical reception, audience engagement, and cultural relevance of "World on a String," highlighting its unique contributions to documentary filmmaking and historical storytelling.
History and Development
The "World on a String" documentary project was born out of Diana Friedberg's passion for storytelling and her deep appreciation for the historical and cultural significance of beads. The series, which took over a decade to complete, was filmed across more than 30 countries, bringing to life the intricate narratives that beads have played in human societies. Friedberg, a seasoned film editor and producer, was inspired to embark on this project after years of working in the film industry, where she honed her skills in capturing the essence of diverse stories.
The project began as a labor of love, with Friedberg traveling extensively to document the role of beads in various cultures. From Africa to Asia, Europe to the Americas, "World on a String" captures the universal yet unique ways in which beads have been used to express identity, power, spirituality, and artistry throughout history. The series is composed of several episodes, each focusing on different aspects of bead history, including their use in ancient rituals, trade, and as symbols of status and beauty.
Critical Reception and Awards
"World on a String" has garnered significant acclaim in the documentary film community. The series has been recognized with numerous awards, underscoring its excellence in both content and production quality. For instance, the first episode, "The Eternal Bead," won the prestigious Cine Golden Eagle Award for Professional Non-Telecast Programming in the fall of 2005. This award is a testament to the documentary's ability to resonate with audiences and critics alike, showcasing its compelling narrative and stunning cinematography.
In addition to the Cine Golden Eagle Award, "World on a String" has received other notable honors, including the Silver Screen Award in the Arts category at the 2005 International Film and Video Festival. The series has also been acknowledged with Honorable Mentions at the Chris Awards, further solidifying its status as a critically acclaimed work.
Audience and Cultural Significance
The audience for "World on a String" is diverse, ranging from history enthusiasts and cultural scholars to general viewers who appreciate well-crafted documentaries. The series appeals to those interested in anthropology, art history, and global cultures, as it offers a deep dive into the historical significance of beads across different societies.
One of the unique aspects of "World on a String" is its ability to connect with viewers on both an intellectual and emotional level. The documentary does not merely present historical facts; it tells stories that resonate with the human experience, drawing parallels between ancient practices and contemporary life. This connection has made "World on a String" a valuable educational resource, used in academic settings to teach students about cultural diversity and the interconnectedness of human history.
The cultural significance of the series extends beyond its educational value. "World on a String" has also contributed to a broader appreciation of the arts and crafts associated with bead-making. By highlighting the craftsmanship involved in bead production and the symbolic meanings behind these tiny objects, the documentary has helped to preserve and promote traditional practices that might otherwise be forgotten.
Examples and Insights
Throughout its episodes, "World on a String" presents a wealth of examples that illustrate the diverse roles beads have played in different cultures. For instance, in one episode, the documentary explores the use of beads in African tribal ceremonies, where they are used as symbols of power and spiritual protection. In another episode, the series delves into the history of trade beads in Europe, examining how these objects facilitated exchange between cultures and contributed to the global economy.
The documentary also provides insights into the artistic aspects of bead-making, showcasing the intricate designs and techniques developed by various cultures. From the delicate beadwork of Native American tribes to the elaborate bead embroidery of Eastern Europe, "World on a String" highlights the creativity and skill involved in this art form.
"World on a String" is more than just a documentary series; it is a cultural artifact that preserves and celebrates the rich history of one of humanity's most enduring creations—the bead. Through its meticulous research, stunning visuals, and compelling storytelling, the series offers viewers a unique perspective on the ways in which beads have shaped human history and culture. Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, "World on a String" provides an engaging and educational experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.