My personal journey as an author has led me to meeting some fascinating people and Jo Franklin of SeaCastle Films from Los Angeles, CA is one such person.

Today I wanted to blog about Jo’s amazing film titled: A Gift from the Desert. This film was written and directed by Jo Franklin who is an award-winning filmmaker. Jo was named”One of the Top 100 Film Producers in the US” by Millimeter Magazine. A rider and breeder of Arabian horses, Jo is on the Board of the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park and is a member of the Arabian Horse Association, the Pyramid Society, and the World Arabian Horse Organization. You can read more about ‘A Gift from the Desert’ and SeaCastles other projects at www.seacastlefilms.com

A GIFT FROM THE DESERT

Filmed on location in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Great Britain, Kentucky, and California with the Saudi Equestrian riders, the Oman Royal Cavalry, National Jumping Champions, National Dressage Champions, National Western Champions, National Working Cowhorse Champions.

A soaring panorama of the horse that began in Arabia and went on to create Empires and champions today in every category.

REVIEWS
“Brilliant! Galloping out of remotest antiquity, prancing majestically at mankind’s most fabled royal courts, in an awe-inspiring destiny siring all the lineages of racing’s thoroughbreds as well as the mounts for Napolean’s lancers and Gustavus Adolphus’ “Polish-Arabs”, the “Gift from the Desert” is the gorgeously enchanting star of this wondrous film.

“At this moment when tragic images bombard us nightly from the Middle East, one of our world’s most expert film-makers has launched a star into our sadly darkened sky. Gift from the Desert chronicles an all too rare interaction with the Arab world whereby 19/20th century U.S. breeders helped to “save” this splendid breed. For joy as well as useful wisdom – come and view this beautiful film !” DR. CARNEY GAVIN, Historian

“This is a fascinating film viewers are sure to enjoy again and again! It tells the remarkable story of the Arabian horse from its ancient desert beginnings to its place in the world today. The most beautiful equine athlete captivates with its grace and stamina.” ARABIAN HORSE ASSOCIATION

I was thrilled in Dec 2010 when Jo read and thoroughly enjoyed “Tails Carried High” –

“…A wonderful story with really good characters and a truly fabulous feel for Arabian horses and why they so capture all of us. Plus I think the setting in Australia is really interesting. I got so curious about some of the places you mentioned that I pulled out a map to find them.”