submitted by Anna Fay Williams
Some years ago, I was fortunate to study with G. Williams Jones, an assistant professor in Broadcast-Film Art at Southern Methodist University. He felt that any film or tv production “which has the integrity to present human life as it truly is, without sloppy sentimentalism or cynicism, and showing characteristic difficulties of relationships without offering ‘pat’ answers, offers us the possibility of seeing the incarnate Word in even the most mundane human experiences.”
To Rev. Jones, dialogue was central to understanding in religion, and especially with youth. His ideas, still intriguing, led to his book, Sunday Night at the Movies, and his work as minister of Education at a Dallas church. I have always remembered his views and enjoy discussing films with others to probe what the filmmaker intended and what was conveyed in the film to others. Fortunately, we’ve found others at Christ the King Church who also enjoy film discussions and we’ve been meeting on the second Friday evening each month for an informal gathering at nearby theaters or other media centers.
Over the last two years, we have found some winners, About Schmidt, Talk to Her, Monsoon Wedding and Intimate Strangers, among others. We have taken in the Houston International Film Festival and have discussed attending some of the microcinemas in the future. Last month, Jim Shields brought the documentary, “The Search for Angela Shelton,” to the church. It was the first video viewing on the large screen television in the basement for this very impressive and memorable video. We would look forward to other suggestions and offerings for such video viewings.
We usually choose the films when we get to the theaters or I will suggest possibilities via email discussion. The group may split up to see different films, then we’ll gather afterward for discussions over desserts. In either case, we’re flexible, but we do try to choose locations where we can gather for dinner before the film and for dessert afterwards.
At times, there will be 12-15 persons out for a film evening, and at other times only ourselves. Nevertheless, we continue to post these evenings. Last month we learned it is almost impossible to select a film ahead of time except at the Rice Media Center or the MFAH film programs, since the local theaters do not guarantee that a film will be showing a month ahead. It is not possible to offer a schedule in the monthly bulletin, but we try to post a reminder in the weekly service bulletin. I also maintain an email list and if you would like to receive reminders of the films and the possible offerings, and the location for meeting, please contact Anna Fay Williams. Mark your calendar for the Second Friday film event and come enjoy a relaxed social evening with other film buffs.