“Irreplaceable” Looks at “Family” in Today’s World

Tomorrow night, in 700+ theaters around the country,  the question “What is family?” will be addressed head on with a nationwide screening of the film “Irreplaceable”. I haven’t yet seen the full film, but the portions that I have watched encourage me that this is an opportunity to discuss an ever-evolving issue in our society. The initiative is spearheaded by Focus on the Family and Pine Creek Entertainment. Tuesday night’s event will feature not only a screening of the documentary, but also a panel discussion on the topic of family.

You’ll recognize a few Catholic faces in this film including Law Professor Helen Alvaré and Ashley McGuire, a Senior Fellow with The Catholic Association. Its timing feels well-suited to the upcoming Synod on the Family. From what I’ve seen of Irreplaceable, this would be the type of film I would like to view in the company of my two young adult sons. It’s the type of film that will surely prompt challenging conversations on issues that deserve to be discussed. I hope that the film will be made available on DVD after this one night showing so that it can be accessed by families who can’t make it out to the theater on a Tuesday night.

For more information, I’ll include the film’s trailer and press release below.

Centennial, Colo. – Fathom Events, Focus on the Family and Pine Creek Entertainment present “Irreplaceable” in select U.S. cinemas in an evening of dialogue on Tuesday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. local time. “Irreplaceable” follows Tim Sisarich, executive director of Focus on the Family New Zealand, as he explores the answers to two critical questions: “What is family?” and “Does family still matter in today’s society?”

The first in a series of documentaries by Focus on the Family, this special one-night showing of “Irreplaceable” will include a panel discussion featuring prominent faith leaders. The discussion, hosted by Focus on the Family President Jim Daly, will include Tim Sisarich as well as the documentary’s producer Michael Sajbel.

“Irreplaceable” will be presented in more than 700 select movie theaters around the country through Fathom’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network. Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online atwww.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

“Every day in the media, the life choices of my neighbors and even in public policy, I seem to be told I’ve got it wrong,” said Sisarich. “I have to ask the question, does culture have it right or is there something better?”

Sisarich examines why all humans have a yearning to be part of a family and looks at the forces that can contribute to the breakdown of a family. “Irreplaceable” will attempt to answer these central questions by spotlighting cultural, historical and religious experiences from around the globe.

The documentary also features interviews with experts from all walks of life, including Professor of Law Helen Alvaré; National Center for Fathering CEO Carey Casey; radio host Michael Medved; speaker and radio host John Stonestreet; author Eric Metaxas; neuropsychologist Dr. Anne Moir; philosopher Dr. Roger Scruton; authors Gabe and Rebekah Lyons; scholar Nancy Pearcey and others.

“’Irreplaceable’ takes us on an incredible journey of discovery about the meaning of family and how it can impact our world,” said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of Fathom Events. “This Focus on the Family event will give audiences the opportunity to reflect on how family has helped shape each of us and our world.”

A question for you: Is the definition of “family” changing in your mind?