Exploring Faith Through Film

We are anticipating the beginning of our first Fall Film Series!

In thinking of new social activities we could host, and new ways to reach out to people both within and beyond our parish, we are going to try a trial run of film screenings this fall.  This first run will include four screenings, on Thursday nights, up until the Nativity Fast/Advent.  All films will be screened in the Parish Hall, on a projector, beginning at 7:00 PM.  We will have popcorn, soda, and some other light refreshments.  We also can have a brief discussion after each film, if the audience is interested.  There is no cost or fee to attend.  Friends, family, members of other parishes – all are welcome!  If you have any comments, suggestions, or recommendations, please send them to info@standrewsoca.org – thank you!  

The Island (Остров)
Thursday, September 20 (7:00 PM)
2006, color, 112 mins., unrated, in Russian w/ English subtitles
Father Anatoli (portrayed by former Russian rock star Pyotr Mamonov) lives a hermitlike existence in a remote Russian Orthodox monastery, where he’s visited by people who believe he has the power to heal, see the future and exorcise demons. But Anatoli’s odd behavior confuses his fellow monks, who are unaware that he’s tortured by a past sin and considers himself an unworthy fraud. Pavel Lungin directed this poignant parable.

Dr. Zhivago
Thursday, October 11 (7:00 PM)
2002, color, 226 mins., rated PG, in English
(This could be split, by audience decision, with the second half shown on Oct. 18)
As political turmoil rumbles through Russia, Doctor Zhivago is trapped in a love triangle between his wife and his mistress. Meanwhile, the Bolshevik Revolution will change all their lives forever in this miniseries remake of the classic 1965 film.  Based on the celebrated novel by Boris Pasternak.

Andrei Rublev
Thursday, October 25 (7:00 PM)
1966, b&w, 205 mins., rated R, in Russian w/ English subtitles
This mesmerizing account of 15th century Russian monk Andrei Rublev follows the icon painter as he faces violence, political persecution and, eventually, a crisis of faith after leaving the monastery to paint Vladimir Cathedral’s interior. The Soviets suppressed this sweeping epic — widely recognized as a cinematic masterpiece — and did not allow it to be seen as director Andrei Tarkovsky intended until more than 20 years after completion.

Gran Turino
Thursday, November 8 (7:00 PM)
2008, color, 116 mins., rated R, in English
Curmudgeonly Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood, who also directs) must confront his Hmong immigrant neighbors — and his own long-held prejudices — when the family’s teenage son, Thao (Bee Vang), tries to steal Walt’s beloved 1972 Gran Torino. Walt soon assumes the unlikely role of guardian angel to young Thao and his sister Sue (Ahney Her), both of whom are vulnerable to local gang influences.

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