I've written a proposal of sorts for shaping a church-based cinema ministry, and welcome thoughts and feedback. Yes, it's a little simplistic, but that's the nature of proposals--it's not an essay about movies, but rather why churches should care about them.

It's been favorably received, and I'm meeting with one of my church's pastors for lunch next Monday to talk it over.

QUOTE

MoviesMatter Equipping the church to understand and engage mainstream culture through cinema. PRINCIPLE: A Manifesto for the Movies Movies are the stories and myths--the parables--of our times. There is no other medium or institution today that so broadly intersects our society, and there is no other medium as critical for us to understand. These stories and myths touch upon the deepest hopes of our generation. When Jesus used stories, he connected his teaching to the existing framework of culture around him, saying \"There was a man on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho...\" knowing his listeners understood what it meant for a Samaritan to be the focus of that story [Lk 10]. Elsewhere in the New Testament, cultural stories are woven into the very fabric of the church's activities. Paul talks about the \"unknown God\" as he addresses the Athenian philosophers, not condemning their myths but finding in them an opportunity to introduce Jesus and relate the gospel to those he encountered [Acts 17]. Today, the successors to these Greek philosophers are found in thought-leading directors such as Lars von Trier, Paul Thomas Anderson, Spike Jonze, Sophia Coppola, and others. Such moviemakers use film to convey their ideas and the themes of our times, in effect erecting temples on our society's Areopagus--the movie theater. \"There was a dying man with a prodigal son\" is one myth from Magnolia. \"Two lonely Americans are stuck in Tokyo\" is the story of Lost in Translation. At workplaces, schools, and churches around the world people talk about these myths, while the Church holds the key to introducing the unknown God lurking in the hearts of these legends. It is vital for the church to be listening and involved in these conversations. Christians need to understand this medium to develop media literacy and discipleship. Countless opportunities await. As C.S. Lewis put it, Christianity is a \"true myth,\" offering not only a lyric touchstone of hope as all myths do, but genuine hope--the way, the truth, and the life for those who believe. By understanding mainstream cinema, Christians will be in a better position to understand how to connect our true story, the gospel, to the stories of the culture in which we live. We will be better able to \"think and act as missionaries\" operating within, not outside, our society. We will also have more credible voices as more familiar material arises, such as with The Passion of the Christ or The Prince of Egypt. OBJECTIVE The objective of MoviesMatter is to equip the church to understand and engage our culture through cinema and to think as Christians when viewing movies. GOALS In support of this objective, as a ministry of [my church], MoviesMatter will pursue the following activities: 1. MoviesMatter will serve the church in general by conducting frequent and regular movie discussions that will allow participants to view and discuss a wide variety of mainstream films from a Christian perspective. These forums will be conducted at church facilities, private homes, and \"neutral\" community settings as appropriate and will encourage Christian discipleship rather than passive and uncritical absorption or careless disregard for the issues raised by selected films. 2. MoviesMatter will serve various church groups that are seeking to understand mainstream films and the larger culture in which we live by providing content and direction as requested for these efforts. 3. MoviesMatter will serve church leaders by drawing together subject-matter expertise and resources. 4. MoviesMatter will serve and work with other groups and organizations that support the principles and objectives stated above.

Blah, blah, blah. Seems like it might be good "grist for the mill" here. The group previously ran as a direct attempt at outreach (called "COS Movie Discussions"), but (as Doug Cummings told me...) that might not be the best model for it. That proved to be correct, so I'm reformulating the idea in the context of adult Christian education at my church.

As part of this, I would also review (to weed out weaker material) and build out my website, MoviesMatter.com in support of these goals and to share resources.

Alan wrote:
: Movies are the stories and myths--the parables--of our times.

I have to say I have a longstanding principle of avoiding talking about movies primarily in these terms -- I think I have felt this way ever since reading a book by a literature prof (called Seeing Is Believing or some such thing) which very, very reluctantly conceded that films had taken the place of books, so we might as well get on with them. While the book had all sorts of useful remarks to make about the structures of stories and the implicit meanings thereof, I didn't think it was appropriate to treat films PRIMARILY as vessels for stories. That may be the most predominant use to which this medium is put, but is that necessarily the level on which films first impact us? Is that how I would approach personal all-time favorites like Fantasia or Koyaanisqatsi? What about more recent films like Punch Drunk Love and Russian Ark?

I hope it doesn't seem like nitpicking to say any of this, but I really think this is a pretty fundamental point -- that film is primarily visual, then linear (because it is MOVING pictures), and only THEN is it narrative (and even then, not all the time, as per the examples above).

Though I can see why a syllabus for a "popular" program might not want to get into all that, though. Might seem too artsy, too academic. Sigh.

*gasp* I'm ruined! :poke:

No, you're right, Peter--but the course / activities will be designed to bring Christians (somewhat) up to speed on some of those issues. I'm sure it will address some of the more complex issues in terms of literature, but it will also be a very basic, but broad, introduction to film for those primarily concerned (rightly or wrongly) about film's use (shudder).

One great example of a film that's not a story is The Passion. Film is a combination of almost all other art forms (visual, music, dance, theater, literature, etc., etc.), and as such can be portrait, story, abstract, heck--even landscape for that matter.

Your comments are very helpful. They will serve to remind me to keep the door open to the more complex discussions. If it does well, I might even offer a "Film 201" sort of class.

(and thanks for taking the time to read it over!)

Does a film have to be narrative to be seen primarily as story and myth?

Alan, Peter,

I'm doing a seminar type thing at my church this coming Sunday, and I wondered if it would be OK to read out a couple of bits from your posts? I might also want to quote them at the Spring Harvest thing I'm doing in a couple of weeks.

Matt

PS - Alvy where have you been! Good to hear from you again.

QUOTE

Does a film have to be narrative to be seen primarily as story and myth?

Story, I'd think so--but perhaps not for myth, or at least to be mythic. Once can capture a mythic idea without using story (ex: many paintings have mythic qualities, but few tell stories).

QUOTE

I wondered if it would be OK to read out a couple of bits from your posts?

You needn't get permission to quote someone on this board--it's a public area (unless you're quoting from one of the private forums within the board). But if you're just being polite, thanks.

I forgot to mention that I will also be taking submissions for MoviesMatter.com -- especially for materials that provide grist for group discussion, but broader materials are welcome. Movies only (not music or literature, etc.).

I just met with my pastor, and it's a go. He very strongly supported the idea, and with a broader arts focus (not just narrative). Thanks again for your input and encouragement. Rather than go on and on here, those interested can check moviesmatter.com for more info.

One of the things I'd also like to do is create a listing of church-based movie groups, by location. Free publicity for all.

FWIW my semionar went well yesterday. I had about 20-25 which was more than I ws expecting and I've had a good bit of positive feedback so far. Best response "It made me think I need to watch more films".

I quoted Alan's opener here early on, and PTC comeback a little later. Pennies dropped on both occasions.


Alan, I might tidy a review or two I have and submit it if that's OK. I'd like to be able to vote in the awards someday...


FWIW my film group meets on the Second Sunday of every Month at my house in Loughborough, UK.


Matt

QUOTE

Alan, I might tidy a review or two I have and submit it if that's OK. I'd like to be able to vote in the awards someday... FWIW my film group meets on the Second Sunday of every Month at my house in Loughborough, UK.

Glad to hear it, Matt. I'm not guaranteeing any publication, but based on what I've read of your posts here, I'd expect your reviews to be both wise and powerful--no, wait, that's Saruman. I'd expect them to be well-written and insightful!

I'll probably set up the movie-group listing in a week or two when I have a breather.

-- Alan

PS, FWIW, Peter and I were both right. I was wrong to describe movies as a single block. There are highly-narrative films, but film supercedes mere narration and neets to be thought of more broadly. Peter's approach works better as a general understanding.

Re: my comments, I just want to confess that I tend to be a very linear and narrative thinker in my own reviews of films -- that seems to be my default mode, anyway -- so when I go on and on about the need to think of film as a primarily visual medium, I am lecturing and tut-tutting myself as much as I might appear to be doing that to anyone else. (You know how they say you can tell which sins a pastor is struggling with by seeing which ones he preaches against the most?) I consider myself much, much more a learner than a teacher in this department.

QUOTE

FWIW, Peter and I were both right. I was wrong to describe movies as a single block. There are highly-narrative films, but film supercedes mere narration and neets to be thought of more broadly. Peter's approach works better as a general understanding.

Yeah that was how I used them really. I started with yours cos in many ways its a way in for people who little idea or enthusiasm for film. Once there in we can begin to educate them about the visual aspect, which is why I brough out Peter's points later on.

Matt

I'm happy to announce that the "MoviesMatter" cinema & culture class will commence at Church of the Saviour in Wayne, PA, outside Philadelphia, on Sunday, September 12th, at 7:30pm. (And, of course, you are all invited. )

The syllabus is in development, but will include broad discussion of Christian approaches to story-telling and myth, worldviews, as well as screenings of specific films and discussion, with an emphasis on the Top100 and film history. I might even quote Bazin (that was for Doug).

I'll still previewing and selecting films myself, and will update this thread (and my website) when I have more details.

I've got a similar proposal sitting on my hard drive right now. It's just hard to find the right (or BRAVE) church that will get behind it.

Chris, how are you coming with this? You want me to check with some of my DOC colleagues in OC? There are a couple that might be open to at least talking to you about the possibility.

I'm trying to get meetings scheduled at Newport Mesa Christian Center in Costa Mesa. I took the really bold step of emailing the pastor introducing myself and telling him why I'm church shopping and, of course, my vision for a film ministry.

Haven't heard anything yet. I'm planning to go to another Sunday service there and if I get the chance to speak to the pastor, I'll run it by him again.

My friends who are praying as I church shop asked for an update last night. I gave them a very honest answer: "It's real simple...either I do the film ministry at their church, or I ain't joining their church! Nuff said."

Keep us informed, Chris! I've been at my church for 7? years now, and this is my second film-related group. So they may be more comfortable with me as a known element.

I'm not sure the only-going-with-a-church-that-will-do-what-I-want approach will be the best in the long run, but, as I said, keep us informed.

Yeah, I'm hoping your sentiment is a bit tongue-in-cheek, or I daresay, you're missing the point of church. It's not a tool for making your dreams come true.

You have to be careful of switching churches when you feel like your gifts and talents aren't being properly utilized, this is a pretty narcisstic way to look for a church. Maybe God's calling you to clean toilets for his kingdom, no matter what your talents are. And by gum, if that's what he wants you to do, you'll do it.

Who called you 'narcisisstic'? And I'd love to hear your story (in a separate thread?)

OK, thanks to that, Dan, you've got a new title....

Okay...here's the relatively short version...so I stay on topic.

Lived in LA for 17 years. Got saved in year #9. Joined church #1 in 1996. Great teaching and great learning. Very intense focus on God. Met wife and got married in 2000. Left church #1 in same year.

Spent 3 months at church #2 (summer 2001). They had the best of intentions, but were incredibly legalistic. Took a sabbatical from church all together.

Moved out of LA and into Orange County in Spring 2002. After we settled in, we went back to church and joined church #3. Not-so-intense teaching, good fellowship...but due to the lack of intensity, fellowship level stayed shallow. There were days at this church where I felt like a total stranger after attending for over 2 years.

Gave church #4 a try in Spring 2004 (while The Passion was being released). I gave it a try because my wife liked the pastor. I had serious reservations. It was at this church where I first made the proposal to do a movie based group. The church was behind the idea. Only problem: had the same fellowship problem as church #3. Still felt like a stranger after 2 months there.

In retrospect, I will recant my earlier statement. What I'm looking for in my next church, even more than the opportunity to do this ministry, is good fellowship. If the fellowship stinks, it'll be even harder to get interest in this movie based group started.

I admit that my earlier statements were very prideful. I can have the best of intentions, but God is in control. He's the one who has placed the gifts and talents within me. He will decide when I will be able to use them. I'm sorry if I offended anyone.

Thanks for the story Utz - always nice to know where people are coming from.

Matt

I hear ya Utz. And I wasn't trying to be dismissive. just rattling the cage a little.

I've gone through the same battles myself (in much the same time frames) regarding finding a church that would allow me to use my talents in the theatre arts. I came so very close about four times, but each time, the rug was pulled out from beneath me. Finally, I had to choose a church that was purely a place I could grow in my relationship with God. Period. Once I'd sacrificed the idea of doing my art in the church, I was instantly sucked into it. Then, soon after, sucked into a leadership position. With almost no trying I am now the director of theatre arts at of one of the fastest growing churches in America. Ironically, now that I'm here, on the cusp of making some amazing things happen in the arts, God may be moving me to reconsider my own theology to a degree that would probably mean a church move (to a place with no theatre arts intentions). Heh, heh, isn't He funny?

Thanks for the support and encouragement, folks. The first class went very well, IMHO. About two dozen in attendance, ages 18 to 80, and real movie-lovers based on what I heard. There were even a few folks who had seen films on the Top100 I haven't gotten to yet (including A Man Escaped), and someone asked me how to spell "Dreyer" after class.

I did give this website out, so we might be seeing a few more Philly-area residents show up soon.

I will also be posting the outline and notes for the session at MoviesMatter.com soon (this week). I'll let y'all know.

One more thing...a ran a "name the Top100" trivia loop (PowerPoint) before the class and was very pleased at how many folks were getting them correct.

Congrats Alan!

Did you sleep at all the night after the class, or were you just buzzing?

Heh heh. (yawn)

OK, my notes from the first class--including slides and films discussed--are now available on-line here at MoviesMatter. (Matt, these are somewhat different than the slides I sent to you a few weeks back.)

(Those of you who were at Cornerstone will instantly realize what a fraud I am: Much of this material comes from [read: stolen from] J. Robert's Imaginarium seminar--right down to most of the examples used. I *did* give him credit during the class and in the on-line page.)

Would you still be interested in my "changing lanes" notes, rather than just the PPT file?

Matt

The screening of Sunrise as part of my film class went great. 21 people attended; most stayed for the entire film and discussion afterwards (following a round of applause after the final crescendo and 'finis'). I started the screening with a review of life in 1927, ranging from population statistics to images of U.S. currency and local landmarks. I then played the Gershwin song "Someone to Watch Over Me," the #2 hit from 1927, and very much related to some of the themes in the film--it might as well be called "The Wife's Lament" in some ways. Then a brief explanation of Murnau's techniques and peculiarities of silent film (emotional displays, intertitles, etc.). Then we dove right into the film, using the original soundtrack--not the newer one.

Some comments focused on the humor of the film, the surprise that a silent film could be engaging and yet longer than expected, etc.

FYI I have greatly expanded my resources page for the film, including the handouts and slides I used last night, as well as discussion questions and some links to some great resources about the film. Additional comment or links are welcome.

OK, after a one-week hiatus, we watched and discussed The Night of the Hunter list night. Everyone loved it, and the discussion was fruitful. Much smaller turnout last night (Columbus-Day holiday impact I hope).

The next two films will probably be The Bicycle Thief and Ordet. I'd love to do Sansho the Bailiff, but I don't want to get 'stuck' in the fifties for too long! I might swap it out in for TBT since fewer people (if any) have seen it; we'll see. I still have to figure out which Bergman film (if any) to include. There sure were some amazing movies made in the fifties!

The Night of the Hunter page on MoviesMatter, including links to the downloadable fact sheet and other resources, is available here.

Ordet went well last night, not a dry eye in the group at the end of the film. Great discussion afterwards ranging from films that share the ending in Ordet to Kierkegaard, Dreyer in general, and more. We did have a larger group than the previous session, but still down from the start of the group.

We'll be moving our group to Thursdays as starting on a worknight at 730pm (usually 745 actually) is just too late. Moving to Thursdays means we won't overlap with (and have to wait for) the church's evening service, so we'll be able to start on time. Also, in the event we do go late, it's much easier to struggle through a Friday than a Monday.

FYI, the Ordet summary is here, with links to the downloadable fact sheet and other resources.

We're going to show The Bicycle Thief tonight. BUT, some participants were wanting to include a Bergman film. I've only seen Wild Strawberries and The Seventh Seal. However, we've spent a lot of time in the fifties and need to move on. Fannie and Alexander was recommended as a late Bergman alternative. What do others think? I'm going to rent a copy as soon as I can, but are there other late Bergman films that A&F folks would recommend as appropriate for group discussion.

FWIW, Winter Light (1963) is my favorite of his films, and while not in the 50's, it would hardly classify as a late Bergman film.

I'll definitely take a look at that--thanks for the suggestion. We're actually going to separate out the Bergman films, I think, and devote all of January to just Bergman. That means early/late won't matter.

I thought Winter Light, Through a Glass Darkly and (especially) The Silence were all incredible films -- better than The Seventh Seal even (Although I've only watched that one once and I wasn't paying complete attention to it, so maybe re-watching it would change my mind.).

OK, I've added a Bergman poll to collect all these responses -- please vote!

I did the second lecture last night and will be posting slides and handouts online soon. I've also announced the final four films: Dr. Strangelove, Koyaanisqatsi, The Straight Story, and Eternal Sunshine....

Please note that we'll be supplementing this fall's series with topical months next year, so the lack of any Woody Allen or Bergman films will be addressed by devoting one month each to various directors and topics. So far, in addition to those two directors, I'm thinking of doing a month on the Decalogue, Tarkovsky, Japanese films, action films, "blockbusters", middle eastern films, comedies, the French New Wave, etc. The group will have the final say here (that's what's driving the Bergman month).

BUT, we switched to Thursdays, and only THREE people came last night ?!?! Now that may have had do to with the big storm we had and traffic issues, so we'll see. One one hand I'm not really concerned about numbers, just that the Lord would bring the right people and keep away the wrong people. But I can't completely separate it. I mean I certainly wouldn't go ahead if NO ONE showed up. We're down from a few dozen in attendance to...a few in attendance.

SO I'm repromoting the group in the church bulletin and will call everyone who's come so far to remind them about the group and the change in nights. But primarily, I need to be in prayer for the group and the people involved.

: only THREE people came last night ?!?! Now that may have had do to
: with the big storm we had and traffic issues,

To be honest I wouldn't rule out the election as a factor as well. Sorry to hear it though. Its always disappointing when you've put a lot of work into something to not have many show up (and I have been their many, many times)

Matt

Yes, I was thinking about the election being a factor as well. You're probably right on that count.

Last night we did Koyaanisqatsi. Attendance is still down, but we had a great discussion, and I had people driving from other states to attend!

I actually thought that picking this film might have been a mistake, but it turned out I was wrong...the five of us had a great discussion on the themes of the film, connecting it to Romans 8:19-25, and also discussing the dielectic elements. We also had a time for prayer at the end. One of our better sessions, actually. I'll be posting notes at the website soon.

This is one of those films I need to see properly (we use bits from it amongst our visuals sometimes - but I've never seen the whole thing). My cell group has a specific ethical / environmental focus, should I perhaps get us all to watch it one time, or is it really a "you have to be into film" type thing?

Matt

Absolutely not: