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Learning Through Film
This 5-part series features the showing of a classic movie on Thursday night followed by a
discussion on Friday morning. All sessions are in Jordan Hall. The Thursday movie starts at 7:30
pm and the Friday morning discussion is 10 am to 12 noon. These films have been selected for
their ability to evoke questions and discussion and are not suitable for children. Discussions facilitated by Rev. Ash Nickerson.
July 7-8: Amazing Grace (2006) PG.
This historical drama tells the story of William Wilberforce, an 18th-century English politician who fought for the abolition of slavery. Despite staunch opposition, Wilberforce waged an aggressive campaign using boycotts, petitions and slogans to bring the British slave trade to a decisive end. A discussion about the film takes place Friday morning.
July 14-15:Oh, God! (1977) PG
God, in the guise of a wisecracking old gent (George Burns), decides to makes his presence known to a harried grocery clerk (John Denver) so he can get the message out. Oh, God! was scripted by “M*A*S*H” creator Larry Gelbart. A discussion about the film takes place Friday morning.
July 28-29: The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
R. Nikos Kazantzakis’s landmark novel comes to life in this moving, spiritual and highly controversial film that challenges the Christian notion that Jesus was both a man and a divine being. A discussion about the film takes place Friday morning.
August 11-12: Amistad (1997)
R. Steven Spielberg directed this story about the 1839 revolt aboard Spanish slave ship. An African-born slave leads a mutiny against his brutal captors, but because the ship is in American waters a U.S. court must decide the slaves’ fates. In an eloquent courtroom speech, ex-president John Quincy Adams argues for the Africans’ freedom. A discussion about the film takes place Friday morning.
August 18-19: Zorba the Greek (1964) NR
Basil (Alan Bates), a young English writer, meets a free-pirited Greek peasant named Zorba on the island of Crete. Along the way, he learns valuable life lessons from the earthy Zorba, who has an unquenchable joie de vivre. A discussion about the film takes place Friday morning.
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