The American Labyrinth
The Arts Academy of Sedona presents The American Labyrinth, a film series and retreat that looks at race and implicit bias in this country.
All three films were written, produced and directed by Dr Karmen Smith LCSW DD.
The American Labyrinth (film one)
The American Labyrinth is a love story between a mother and son as they keep their heart open amid hate. The Labyrinth is an inner journey using A Walking meditation. Ii incorporates movement with silence where we become energized by our intention as we move to Release, Receive, and Return a new. Our Sacred space is found within, and from here we navigate our journey. SETTING AN INTENTION My intention “The freedom of all from the trauma of systemic racism and implicit bias by awakening to our Oneness with love and Joy.” IMPLICIT BIAS Is a form of bias that occurs automatically and nevertheless affects beliefs, judgments, decisions, and behaviors. The American Labyrinth exposes the fear that causes systemic racism and the Love that is squelched intentionally by hate. Hate will not close my heart, and I will win if I choose to LOVE.
The American Labyrinth II: Smudging (film two)
The American Labyrinth II Smudging asks the question How do we cleanse ourselves from our fear-based programming. The film shows how our thoughts affect the collective consciousness. How do we cleanse our world, ourselves, from our thoughts that affect our actions toward humanity?
The American Labyrinth III: Sounds of Freedom (film three)
When I first moved to Sedona, I was greeted by a beautiful woman who took me by the hand and blessed me. We happened to be in the store’s aisle at the time, but that did not stop us from making a deep heart-to-heart connection. Her name is Sakina Blue Star, a 95-year-old of Native American and Scottish heritage is a force of nature and a loving fixture in the Sedona Community. I have learned many things about her life and became obsessed with her civil rights activism in the early sixties. As she began telling me her story, I wanted to get it on film and honor her in some way while informing people of the power of her determination and the tenderness of her heart. The purpose of the American Labyrinth III – Sound of Freedom is to acknowledge the elephant in America’s living room…racism. I want to recognize the people who see it and do their part to make their voices heard. Sakina Blue Star is one of a kind, and the film highlights how brave the few are who stand up to systemic racism in America, question where it came from, and shine the light of love on it. The American Labyrinth III brings love into the healing process. It is time to heal and connect instead of separating and dividing. Be loving to yourself as we all go through the healing process of addressing America’s deepest wound… Racism. Sakina Blue Star can show us how.
DAY ONE:
Friday, October 24th, 2025 – The American Labyrinth I
4:00pm to 7:00pm
Cost for Friday’s events – $33
AGENDA
4:00pm – Introduction
4:30pm – Movie Viewing
4:45pm – 5:00pm – Q& A
5:00pm – 6:30pm – Labyrinth Walk and or Hike planned
6:30pm to 7:00pm Wrap up & Closing Remarks
DAY TWO:
Saturday, October 25th, 2025 – The American Labyrinth 2 and 3
10:00am to 3:00pm
Cost for Saturday – $40
AGENDA
10:00am – Introduction and Artists
10:30am Movie – American Labyrinth II
11:00am – Q&A
11:30am Artists
12:00pm – Light Lunch*
1pm = 1:30 American Labyrinth III
1:30 to 2pm Q&A
2:00pm to 2:30pm Artist
2:30pm to 3:00pm – Wrap up and closing remarks
*Hummus, Veggies, Olives, Pita Bread, Iced Tea,Light Dessert included prepared by Chef Kate McKenzie, A labyrinth walk, and a parting gift will be given to each attendant.
Attend one or both days!
No refunds!