New book on Bali to be launched

JAKARTA (JP): The Puri Agung Gianyar will release a book entitled Fire, A Balinese Journey of the Soul and the first showing of a movie called Cycles of the God at the Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, Central Jakarta, on Aug. 22.

This is the first major book that focuses on the most important ritual to Balinese: the cremation of the dead, known as Ngaben. The 200-page book, written by world renowned American writer Leonard Leuras, will include magnificent photos and a narration of complex events.

The movie Cycles of the Soul is the first major film that comprises the most complete repertoire of Bali's rich and diverse culture. The film portrays the tremendous wealth of the island's multi-colored rites that accompanies a Balinese in the eternal cycle of reincarnation. The one-hour film is directed by British filmmaker Lorne Blair who is known for his world acclaimed movie Ring of Fire.

The event will start at 7:00 p.m. (07)