Our popular film discussion group begins the New Year with a fresh round of highly-acclaimed movies! Join us as we view both feature films and documentaries. Lively discussion follows, and, as always, there’s free popcorn. All films begin at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:45. See a description of the film below.
Based on the short story by Langston Hughes about an African American maid and her affluent employers. Set in 1930s in the tiny town of Melton, Iowa, the Jenkins family lives isolated lives as the community's only African Americans. Their precarious existence is supported solely by Cora's earnings as housekeeper to the Studevants. Emmy-nominee and Golden Globe-winning actress Regina Taylor plays Cora Jenkins and Tony Award-winner Cherry Jones stars as the socially driven Lizbeth Studevant. 1 hr 33 minutes.
A documentation of the search for a reincarnated Tibetan master, told through the eyes of his lifelong disciple. Lama Konchog became world renowned as one of the greatest Tibetan Masters of our times. In 2001, at the age of 84, he passed away, and his shy and devoted disciple, Tenzin Zopa, was instructed by the Dalai Lama to search for his master’s reincarnation. The "unmistaken child" must be found within 4 years, before it becomes too difficult to separate him from his parents. A beautifully filmed documentary that is a moving testament to the power of faith.
1 hr. 44 minutes.
Jan, recently released from prison after serving time for the murder of a child, has always maintained his innocence and is ready to put the past behind him. A gifted organist, he takes a job at an Oslo church under his middle name, Thomas. His talent and gentle manner quickly earn him the respect of his superiors, as well as the love of the pastor, Anna. Thomas even overcomes his initial panic to return the affection of Anna's young son, Jens. But his past catches up with him when Agnes, a local teacher, comes to the church on a school visit and recognizes the organist as Jan, the young man who was convicted for the murder of her son. Film Movement. 120 minutes.
Just after the Civil War, a young Jane Pittman fled through dangerous, swampy country to escape the KKK. As a free woman she overcame adversity, oppression and poverty to build a life for herself and her family. Up north, she endured the slaying of her husband at the hands of racist whites. Years later, in her twilight, she took a daring position against an angry mob during the Civil Rights Movement. Throughout her life, Miss Jane Pittman fought with tenacity and courage until she triumphed over social inequity. 2 hrs 30 minutes.
A documentary about the essential bond between humans and animals, set against the backdrop of one of the worst natural disasters in modern U.S. history: Hurricane Katrina. This gripping, character-driven story follows New Orleans residents as they attempt the daunting task of trying to reunite with their pets who have been adopted by families all over the country, and chronicles the custody battles that arise when two families love the same pet. Who determines the fate of the animals—and the people—involved? A compelling meditation on race, class and the power of compassion, MINE examines how we treat animals as an extension of how we view and treat each other. Film Movement. 81 minutes.
Colin Beavan, author, and newly self-proclaimed environmentalist, decides to leave behind a life of liberal complacency for a vow to make zero environmental impact for one year. No more automated transportation, no more electricity, no more non-local food, no more material consumption…no problem. That is, until his espresso-guzzling, Prada-worshipping wife and their young toddler, enter the fray. An insightful look at how one family deals with turning their lives upside down in the name of the planet. 1 hr 33 minutes.