National Film Retreat and more

It has been some time since I posted a review. I have been traveling and last weekend I was at St. Francis Retreat House in Easton, PA (near Allentown and Bethlehem) for the National Film Retreat. Eighteen persons gathered for the retreat and we screened, conversed, reflected on and prayed about six films around the theme of The Seduction of Power in all levels of society and the choices we make.

Romero: an example of a man of God who engages in theological reflection and discernment when confronted with powerful politics confronted by the power of the poor. We watched the first 30 minutes as an introduction

The Firm: Examples of personal and systematic ambition and power

Life is Beautiful: The power of the state vs the power of love

The Contender: How a woman candidate for vice-president confronts the power and the politics of sex

Bruce Almighty: The power of selfishness vis-a-vis the power of God and the gift of free will.

Bagdad Cafe’: A clip used during the homily shows what happens when we open our hearts to discover the talents in each of us, and to share them with the community.

Think about joining us next year:

2006 National Film Retreat

Proposed Theme: Who is My Brother?

(Friends and Aliens No Longer)

Center for Spiritual Development

Orange, CA

June 30-July 2, 2006

LOCARNO FILM FESTIVAL

I will be away until August 16th for the Locarno Film Festival where I will serve on an ecumenical jury, representing SIGNIS (www.signis.net). If I have access to the internet and time I will post some updates about the festival, as well as try to catch up on the six films I saw this month.