Private Project

SAMA: To Listen

“SAMA” is a documentary following three lifelong musicians and filmmakers on a journey across Malaysia, Morocco, and Turkey, exploring the transformative power of Sufi music. John Goodfellow, Darek Mazzone, and Peter Culshaw reflect on their own coming-of-age experiences at a pivotal moment in their lives. As they immerse themselves in ancient ceremonies, spiritual rituals, and healing performances, they discover how music transcends cultural boundaries, becoming a universal thread that binds us all.

Through Hadrah ceremonies, intricate craft traditions like the Gambus, and deep communal rituals, SAMA highlights how music can guide us toward connection, healing, and self-discovery. The film captures intimate reflections on aging and identity, drawing on the timeless resonance of Sufi practice. Structured as a hero’s journey, SAMA offers a personal window into each man’s evolving spiritual life while showcasing the shared humanity woven into our global tapestry.

Ultimately, the documentary reminds us that coming of age is an ongoing quest—one that doesn’t simply end at a certain birthday or milestone. Music, in its ancient and healing forms, serves as both compass and catalyst, opening new chapters in personal growth and forging powerful links across cultures.

  • Darek Mazzone
    Director
  • Darek Mazzone
    Writer
  • John Malcolm Goodfellow
    Producer
  • Peter Culshaw
    Music
  • Andrew Seaver
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Genres:
    Drama, Travel, Health, Music
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 30 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    January 7, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    90,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, Malaysia, Morocco, Turkey, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Darek Mazzone

Darek Mazzone is a globally recognized Filmmaker, DJ and host celebrated for his genre-defying sets that blend innovative electronica with the vibrant rhythms of the world. With over three decades at KEXP, the influential station & YouTube Channel, he has been a key architect of the station’s acclaimed global music programming, using sound as a medium to foster cultural understanding.

Beyond his work at KEXP, Darek has made his mark as a Cultural Engineer, collaborating on innovative projects in cities like Amman, Beijing, Seoul, Bangalore, and Lisbon. In 2019, he co-founded SAMA: Music + Art, an organization dedicated to fostering cross-cultural collaboration and community building through creative expression.

Darek has also directed several short documentaries on Seattle’s dynamic music scene. For the past decade, he has delved into classical and traditional musical forms, exploring their healing and transformative properties beyond language. This ongoing journey has culminated in his debut feature film, a testament to his passion for music's universal power to connect and heal.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As an immigrant, I’ve always been drawn to things that keep me connected to my roots while also helping me understand my new home. When I first arrived in the United States from Communist Poland, I knew almost nothing about the language or culture, but I found music to be a bridge that needed no translation. Despite my upbringing, which painted American culture as corrupt and shallow, my first friend in Boston was Black. I was beaten by other white kids for our friendship, a harsh introduction to racism that only deepened my need for understanding. But through him, I discovered the African American musical experience—an intoxicating, soul-lifting sound that propelled me into a lifelong journey in music.

Over time, I explored radio and film as channels for sharing this passion, and my curiosity only grew. As I went through major life changes—marriage, children, career shifts, aging—I noticed that certain music, especially live performances, often created moments of emotional clarity. These experiences opened me up to intangible concepts like hope, love, grief, and joy, forging a powerful connection to what I can only describe as the divine. It’s a feeling of belonging to something bigger than myself—an ongoing history that I have the privilege to tap into and offer back to the world.

This film, SAMA: To Listen, is the culmination of that exploration. “SAMA” is an ancient term that means “to listen” in Arabic, Malay, and Turkish, “together” in several other languages, and “balance” in still others. My hope is that through this film, you’ll discover a deeper sense of togetherness within yourself—and maybe even a bit more balance in your life.