Films about Joan

When I originally conceived a local Joan celebration, I wanted a key component to be a film festival, because there are so many fabulous interpretations of her on the silver screen, from Carl Dreyer's 1928 The Passion of Joan of Arc to Luc Besson's 1999 The Messenger .

The celebration has since been scaled down to a procession (for now) but I look forward to incorporating other artistic mediums in the future.

I met a filmmaker at the Prospect 1 event in New Orleans who said she'd love to compile images of Joan from movies and play them as we march...I hope she finds time between her work here and in NYC to do this!

In the meantime, check out this amazing list, compiled by none other than the International Joan of Arc Society!

http://womenshistory.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=womenshistory&cdn=education&tm=7&gps=288_581_1020_545&f=10&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.smu.edu/IJAS/movielis.html

Books about Joan

Several people have emailed me asking where they can find more information about Joan. Below are books that I either own or have recently borrowed from the library--the latter specifically because they contained images to help with costume ideas and other relevant items, i.e. her banner, other people in her life (i.e. people you may want to "come as" for the parade...).

Joan of Arc by Mary Gordon
Joan of Arc In Her Own Words compiled by Willard Trask
Joan Maid of Orleans by Henri Guillemin
Beyond the Myth: The Story of Joan of Arc by Polly Schoyer Brooks

Joan of Arc By Herself and Her Witnesses by Regine Pernoud

Saint Joan of Arc by Vita Sackville West

Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc by Mark Twain

How they honor Joan in France

This is the video that inspired me to create something here in New Orleans honoring St. Joan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6L_dQomkFx0

May 8th is a national holiday in France, celebrating the day that Joan completed her first mission in 1429 by raising the siege of Orleans.

In our case, we are celebrating Joan's birthday on January 6th which is also Twelfth Night.

Watching this video, you can see how this can grow into a wonderful celebration of medieval/Renaissance times, Joan's life, and other sacred and secular tributes to The Maid of Orleans.

Bring your own holy or unholy throws!

I am planning on throwing Atomic Fireballs as a kind of irreverent nod to my beloved Joan...but because she is so beloved, it occurred to me that I should also include something more reverent...then I found out that Deb, mentioned in another entry as my "active Catholic" friend, is going to throw prayer cards!

Another Joan of Arc fan, Rob, who owns http://www.saintsforsinners.com/ a company that makes hand painted Saint medallions, is considering tossing a few of his precious pieces...

You certainly don't have to throw anything, but if you do...I encourage you to be creative and relevant. Please bring anything relating to Twelfth Night, Joan of Arc, the Feast of the Epiphany, medieval or Renaissance-related...we don't want this to look or feel like just any or just any other Mardi Gras parade!

...One person said they are bringing gold confetti to throw as an homage to Joan's golden statue where the parade ends...

We need a drummer!

I just found out from my friend Deb, an active Catholic!, that a friend of hers found us a Joan of Arc march...

We will have copies of this for everyone to join in. It's apparenty a very simple tune we can use as our primary march "music".

Now we just need a drummer...anyone out there with a large drum they can beat for us??

Walk With Us on Twelfth Night 2009!

The St. Joan of Arc Krewe is seeking participants for our first annual Twelfth Night Joan of Arc procession down Decatur.

January 6 is Twelfth Night and Joan of Arc's birthday. We will be honoring her by walking with candles and in costumes from Conti Street to St. Phillip, where Joan's golden statue overlooks the New Place de France park. Once there we will toast The Maid of New Orleans!

Wear your best interpretation of a medieval costume and gather with us at Woldenberg park at sunset on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 and walk with us!!

Period musicians, merry minstrels, jugglers, jesters, fair maidens, knights in shining armor, flame-swallowers, and swordfighters are especially encouraged to participate.

Joan will be leading us on horseback…

Contact: stjoankrewe@yahoo.com for more information and to participate. It's totally free and open to the public! Please make this first parade the best it can be!