Salma Hayek Sees the Magic of The Prophet

Not long ago, as I was searching for Youtube videos about Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet" I made the awesome discovery that Salma Hayek had produced an animated film inspired by the book which is obviously titled, "The Prophet." It came out in 2014. I had no idea this movie existed so it was an incredible surprise. As I searched more, I found interviews and talks with Salma where she revealed why Kahlil and this poem of his means so much to her. What she shared in a particular talk blew me away and touched me deeply because the meaning she sees in the poem goes as deep as the meaning I see and also because she experienced some very powerful "meaningful coincidences" with Kahlil and "The Prophet" that are undeniable.

If anyone would like to listen to Salma talk about the inspiration and magic she feels in connection with this poem and poet, I recommend listening to a particular talk she gave at the 2015 Kahlil Gibran "Spirit of Humanity" Awards Gala that was held in Washington DC on April 29, 2015. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBxHpcxtZn0 What I am going to share in this post is largely taken from the talk she gives in that video. So if you'd rather hear about the magic directly from her, then don't read any further.

I simply love that Salma uses the word "magic" in her story about what "The Prophet" and Kahlil Gibran mean to her because I, too, have felt the magic, which I have shared about in my previous posts. MAGIC is simply the best word to describe the experiences of synchronicity!! Those who have had these profound experiences would probably all agree to this, I am assuming. If not, well then, they are missing out.

Salma's relationship with Kahlil Gibran and "The Prophet" began when she was a child. She learned about the poem through her grandfather, as she used to see the book sitting on a table next to his bed. The particular book she saw had a self-portrait drawing of Kahlil on the cover and she found it to be mysterious. She felt Kahlil resembled her grandfather in that drawing.

Kahlil Gibran self-portrait

Salma shared that she learned about something very, very important from her grandfather when she was six years old: Death. He was the first person in her family and who was close to her that died. She thanks him for that because, in her words, "only by confronting death, we truly begin to ponder upon the mysteries and the meaning of life."

Later on in life, she doesn't remember exactly when, maybe in her late teens, Salma rediscovered "The Prophet" at a friend's house and borrowed it. Through the poem, she felt she found her grandfather again. She shared that it really felt he was talking to her through the words of Kahlil Gibran. She felt a profound personal experience but then learned there is millions of people all around the world who have shared the same kind of connection with this book. I am grateful to be one of the millions who have been so deeply touched by this poem.

Salma's inspiration to turn "The Prophet" into an animated film blossomed from her powerful personal experience with the poem. She shared that making this dream a reality was the most difficult thing she has ever done in her life. I think that life rewarded her greatly for doing it though...by gifting her with MAGIC.

After four years of working on the film, a dream of hers came true in what she sees as "the magical month of April." The film had its first premiere for its release in Beirut and then its release in Lebanon. This was the first red carpet premiere Beirut had ever had and it was a HUGE deal because Kahlil Gibran was originally from Lebanon. And Salma Hayek is part Lebanese as her grandfather was Lebanese. Her heritage makes her story even more special. Salma also shared that another dream of hers came true in the magical month of April which was by simply being able to visit Lebanon with her family. She had been dreaming of going there for many years and had tried four times before without luck because something would happen that would stop the trip. Thankfully, nothing stopped her from going there to show the film and finally see the land and people she shares her roots with. Salma feels this quote from "The Prophet" embodies how she feels about her dreams coming true: "Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity."

While in Lebanon, Salma visited the Kahlil Gibran museum where his tomb is located. It lies beneath the museum. Kahlil died on the 10th day in the "magical month of April" of 1931. These are his beautiful words that are on his epitaph: "I am alive like you, and I am standing beside you. Close your eyes and look around, you will see me in front of you."

The final bit of "magic" that Salma shared in her awards speech gave me goosebumps, which are a sure sign that I am feeling the "magic." The exact day that Salma received the Kahlil Gibran 'Spirit of Humanity' Award marked the anniversary of her grandfather's death. It's hard to put into words the meaning behind this and the rest of the "magic" she experienced as her dreams came true in connection with Kahlil and "The Prophet." The magic can definitely be felt though when you really pay attention to the unfolding of her story.

I agree with Salma that if you don't believe in magic you are really missing out. Salma says it best with this quote: "Magic is a fun adventure and it's in all of us. You just have to believe in it. Only magic can make anything possible."