Summer Series
on Theology and Film
Our central discussions will delve into how the Bible and film can be brought into mutually enriching dialog. We will be looking for the presence and purpose of God in human culture. For this summer series, Amy and Kate compiled an extensive list of films and documentaries about childhood. The films and documentaries span decades, cultures and family situations. Also included is a list of films and documentaries for further viewing which did not fit into the schedule.
Our format will change a bit for the summer.
- The film will be shown at the hosts' place at 3:30pm for those unable to view it during the week. The potluck will begin at 5:30, and worship at 6:30.
- The host is responsible for renting the film for that evening.
- There will only be a worship leader for the evening. We will all discuss the film without a leader. We will instead use question cards to guide our discussions. We will use the same question cards for each film. The questions will also be included in the weekly church emails so you can reflect on them while you watch the film.
Questions guiding our discussions on film:
- Did you like the movie? Did it work for you?
- How did the opening and ending scenes work as bookends of the movie?
- What primary metaphors, images, and symbols did you notice and appreciate?
- How did the cinematography and music contribute to the film?
- What were the central themes and questions?
- What (if any) theological themes were present in the film?
- What (if any) social justice themes were present in the film?
- Can you personally relate to this film (story arc, character, geographical location, etc.)?
Date | Host | Film | Worship |
June 8 | Marlene and John | To Kill a Mockingbird | Amy |
June 15 | Mirial and Lew | Jesus Camp (documentary) | Sue |
June 22 | Leann and Kate | Spirited Away (Japan) | Kate |
June 29 | Joy, Phil, and Amy | The Chorus (France) | Leann |
July 6 | Joy, Phil, and Amy | Water (India) | Amy |
July 13 | Claremont Laemmle Theatre | -To Be Announced- | N/A |
July 20 | Leann, David, and Kate | Half Nelson | Kate |
July 27 | Joy, Phil, and Amy | This Is England (UK) | Amy |
August 3 | Marlin | God Grew Tired of Us (Sudan), (documentary) | Joy |
August 10 | Mirial and Lew | Not One Less (China) | Al |
August 17 | ?? | What Would Jesus Buy? (documentary) | John Q. |
August 24 | Anne and Al | Kolya (Czech Republic) | Phil |
August 31 | Claremont Laemmle Theatre | -To Be Announced- | N/A |
For Your Further Viewing:
- Born Into Brothels (India) (documentary)
- My Flesh and Blood (documentary)
- Billy Elliott (Scotland)
- 400 Blows (France)
- City of God (Brazil)
- Little Miss Sunshine
- My Life in Pink (France)
- What's Eating Gilbert Grape
- Grave of the Fireflies (Japan)
- Ponette (France)
- Rushmore
- Shadow of a Doubt (Hitchcock)
- Life is Beautiful (Italy)
- Empire of the Sun