|
Videos for Viewing and Discussion
The following videos will be scheduled for viewing during "free time" at the retreat.
- The Power of Forgiveness 85 min. 2007 PG [Friday night]
To forgive someone can be simple. But this simple act can have powerful consequences and may lead to a personal and spiritual transformation. Recently, the study of forgiveness has come into its own. Researchers are examining the psychological and physical effects of forgiveness. From Ground Zero to Northern Ireland to the Amish countryside, this film explores this important concept and reveals how forgiveness can transform your life.
Featuring Elie Wiesel (Novel Laureate, Holocaust survivor), Marianne Williamson (Spiritual activist and author of Healing the Soul of America), Thich Nhat Hanh (Buddhist teacher and activist), and Thomas Moore (author of Care of the Soul).
- Born Into Brothels 78 min. 2004 R for strong language content [Saturday afternoon]
Born into Brothels is a documentary about the inspiring non-profit foundation Kids With Cameras, which teaches photography skills to children in marginalized communities. In 1998, NY based photographer, Zana Briski started photographing prostitutes in the red-light district of Calcutta. She eventually developed a relationship with their children who were fascinated by her equipment. After several years of learning in workshops with Briski, the children created their own photographs with 35mm cameras. Their images capture the intimacy and color of everyday life in the overpopulated sections of Calcutta. The film also shows the harsh reality of the likelihood of these children being forced or sold into prostitution. Proceeds from the sale of the childrenÕs photographs go to fund their future education. Born into Brothels was shown at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004.
- The End of Poverty 104 min. 2008 PG [Saturday afternoon]
Global poverty did not just happen. It began with military conquest, slavery and colonization that resulted in the seizure of land, minerals and forced labor. The film explains how todayÕs financial crisis is a direct consequence of these unchallenged policies that have lasted centuries. As a result, global poverty has reached new levels because of unfair debt, trade and tax policies- in other words, wealthy countries exploiting the weaknesses of the poor, developing countries. Filmed in the slums of Africa and the barrios of Latin America, The End of Poverty features expert insights from Nobel prize winners in economics, acclaimed authors, university professors, government ministers, and leaders of social moments around the world. Actor & activist Martin Sheen narrates the film.
- Militainment, Inc. 124 min. PG 13 2007 [Saturday afternoon]
Militainment, Inc. offers a fascinating, disturbing and timely glimpse into the militarization of American pop culture. It examines how news coverage has come to resemble Hollywood film, video games and Òreality televisionÓ in the glamorization of war. Using media examples, the film asks: How has war taken its place in the culture as an entertainment spectacle? How does presenting war as entertainment affect the ability of citizens to evaluate the necessity and real human costs of military action?
- For the Bible Tells Me So 1 hr. 36 min. 2007 PG 13 [Saturday afternoon]
Does God really condemn loving homosexual relationships? Is the chasm separating Christianity from gays and lesbians too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate? These questions and more are answered in this award-winning documentary, which brilliantly reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture-and reveals that religious anti-gay bias is based almost solely upon a misinterpretation of the Bible.
Through the experiences of five very normal Christian American families, we discover how people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child or family member. This film boldly takes a loaded topic and offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.
|