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Film as Theological Text
Process Suggestions
Getting Support:
Some congregations already have (or have had) a "movie night" or similar program. If yours is one of these, assess to what extent this activity is institutionalized or can be adapted. You might consider, for example:
- How long the group has been in existence
- Average attendance and whether it has been regular or sporadic
- Whether the group is primarily a social activity, a reflective or religious experience?
Depending on how you answer these questions, you might do an informal survey to determine if there is sufficient interest in a thematic time-limited group with a structured discussion of ethical, spiritual, and/or religious themes in popular film.
If a movie or film program is a new idea for your congregation, identify the person responsible for adult programs or adult religious education and seek his/her support.
Group Composition:
This program is designed for adults and high school students in many demographic groups with varied life experiences and for people who hold a variety of psychospiritual perspectives. It may also be of interest to a particular group (e.g., young adults, older adults, people with disabilities, people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgender) that already has a meeting schedule that would accommodate the program.
Publicity:
In order to plan, publicity for this program should be done at least six weeks in advance. Church newsletters and weekly bulletins are good places to start. These can be supplemented by adult religious education brochures or flyers posted on well positioned bulletin boards. If your congregation has a tradition of staffing a table during coffee hour, literature about the program—and a sign-up sheet are good publicity boosts.
Time and Place:
Most of the films in this series are approximately two hours; several are longer. Because a significant block of time is needed, congregational film discussion groups work best on weekends unless the program is designed for retired people, stay-at-home parents, or others who may have daytime availability. Friday night seems to be more popular than Saturday; Sunday afternoon or early evening seems to work better than Sunday morning or late evening. Groups may meet weekly, biweekly, or monthly. If a biweekly or monthly option is selected, it is important that publicity is clear and frequent reminders may be needed. We suggest a three- to four-hour time slot in order to accommodate the film showing, a short break, a meaningful discussion, and perhaps a meal. Where there are related themes (e.g., two films on the same subject), you may wish to schedule a Saturday or Sunday afternoon viewing for two films.
This program can take place at a congregational site or in a private home. If held in a private home, you should choose a location that is convenient and be sure that attention is given to transportation needs. You should also decide whether there will be one or several hosts; rotations relieve the burden on any one individual. Use your best judgment to determine which space best suits your needs. Consider factors such as the size of the group, portability of equipment, audio quality; comfortable seating, and lighting. If it is a day time program, also consider whether the room can be darkened.
Leadership:
This series can be led by a professional religious educator or a lay leader. Co-leadership offers diversity of gifts, style, and perspective and lightens the level of responsibility of one individual. If you choose co-leadership, intentionality around difference is desirable. The following qualities will be important in selecting a leader for a successful program: willingness to pre-screen and reflect on the films, and facilitation skills.
- Check your local library and video-rental store(s) as primary sources for obtaining films that are part of this program. If a major video rental chain stores do not have a film in stock, they can sometimes order it for you. If you are having difficulty, please check with the UUA Department of Religious Education.
- Facilitators are encouraged to seek perspectives beyond this discussion guide. Periodicals, books, libraries, and the Internet provide a rich variety of resources that may be helpful.
- Class size is optional. Film discussion groups have worked well ranging from five to twenty-five participants. Eight to fifteen seems optimal. Keep in mind that the greater the number of participants, the greater the chance for a free flow of ideas and real engagement with the subject.
- Motion pictures are protected by copyright laws. Profit-making organizations as well as churches, as non-profit organizations, must adhere to these laws. Before showing any video, leaders should read the "fine print" for applicable copyright law. In general, video movies—even a clip—cannot be duplicated.
- Every program has associated costs, which participants are frequently expected to supplement. Requesting a "free will offering" or a "donation" (vs. a set fee) is an easy way to recoup some of the costs associated with this program, such as the cost of video rental and snacks.
- Decide whether you want a centering reading and a closing reading. If so, keep them short—perhaps as simple as a candle lighting and extinction. Should you decide in the affirmative, one or more options are included with each session. Alternatively, dig into your own reservoir of spiritual resources.
Materials Needed
- Chalice or candle and matches
- Video cassette player
- Television monitor
- Light refreshments (optional)
- Video (rental or purchase)
Advance Preparation
- Several weeks in advance of the program, advertise the series (including the length of time) and post a sign-up or registration sheet. In the publicity or registration process, it is suggested that it be made clear that the event is not merely a movie; that participants are encouraged to remain throughout the three-hour period for the discussion.
- Reserve an appropriate room (a room that can be darkened is best), and request a television monitor and video cassette player to arrive at least one hour prior to the event. The monitor should be placed at or above the eye level of a sitting person.
- A day or two prior to the event, rent or purchase and preview the film privately.
- Review the film description in this packet. Study the discussion questions and modify them in ways that are comfortable for you.
- If possible, bring (or arrange for) snacks. Popcorn and soft drinks may provide a sense of familiarity, but other snacks will be appreciated as well.
Day of Event:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled event. Familiarize yourself with the equipment. Keep the remote control nearby in case the volume needs to be adjusted.
- If you are doing a centering, set up the chalice or candle. Arrange snacks on a table (preferably not positioned near the television monitor).
- Arrange the seating in a comfortable manner facing the television monitor. Chairs arranged theater-style and a combination of sofas and chairs informally arranged to face the monitor both work equally well. If you serve snacks that are available during the film, be sure that there is an aisle out of the line of sight of the monitor so as not to block the viewing range.
- Cue up the film to the opening credits and test the sound.
- Briefly review the film discussion questions provided in this packet. You may choose to review other materials about the film.
- When the event begins, welcome participants and open with a centering—a reading suggested in this packet or your own selection.
- If participants do not know each other, brief introductions are suggested.
- You may choose to ask how many have seen the film; or in the case of films based on a book, how many have read the book. This information may help you gauge the level of familiarity with the subject, writer, or director.
A 10-minute break is suggested at the end of the film. While intense discussion is not suggested until after the break, you may wish to leave participants with a burning question to ponder or simply ask them to reflect on how they felt at the end of the film. The break is also an opportunity to rearrange the seating so that participants can see each other. |
Information:
info@uua.org