March 7, 2011 | WMU News
KALAMAZOO--A series of six movies and discussions on consecutive Thursday nights at Western Michigan University, will examine religion and film. All screenings are open to the public free of charge.
Faculty members and graduate students from the Department of Comparative Religion will lead a discussion following each film. The first screening, March 10, will be held in the Richmond Center for Visual Arts. All other screenings, through April 14, are in Room 2028 of Brown Hall.
Thursday, March 10, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Richmond Center
"Cabeza de Vaca" (Mexico)
In 1528, a Spanish expedition founders off the coast of Florida with 600 lives lost. One survivor, Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, roams across the American continent searching for his Spanish comrades. Instead, he discovers the Iguase, an ancient Indian tribe. Over the next eight years, Cabeza de Vaca learns their mystical and mysterious culture, becoming a healer and a leader. Soon this New World collides with the Old World as Spanish conquistadors seek to enslave the Indians, and Cabeza de Vaca must confront his own people and his past.
The 1991 film is presented in Spanish with English subtitles. It has a runtime of 122 minutes and is rated R for nudity, violence and profanity. Discussion will be led by Dr. Brian Wilson, professor of comparative religion. A reception follows the film and discussion.
Thursday, March 17, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
2028 Brown Hall
"The Wicker Man" (U.K.)
A police sergeant is called to an island village in search of a missing girl whom the locals claim never existed. Stranger still, however, are the rituals that take place there. The 1973 film has a runtime of 88 minutes and is not rated. Discussion will be led by Dr. Kevin Wanner, professor of comparative religion.
Thursday, March 24, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
2028 Brown Hall
"My Son the Fanatic" (U.K. / France)
Pakistani taxi-driver Parvez and prostitute Bettina, played by Rachel Griffiths, find themselves trapped in the middle when Islamic fundamentalists decide to clean up their local town. The 1998 film has a runtime of 88 minutes and is rated R for sexuality, language and a scene of drug use. Discussion will be led by Dr. Blain Auer, professor of comparative religion.
Thursday, March 31, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
2028 Brown Hall
"The Namesake" (India / USA)
American-born Gogol, the son of Indian immigrants, wants to fit in among his fellow New Yorkers, despite his family's unwillingness to let go of their traditional ways. The 2007 film has a runtime of 122 minutes and is rated PG-13 for sexuality/nudity, a scene of drug use, some disturbing images and brief language. Discussion will be led by Heather Dubbeld, graduate student in comparative religion.
Thursday, April 7, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
2028 Brown Hall
"The Last Train Home" (China)
A family embarks on an annual tormenting journey along with 200 other million peasant workers to reunite with their distant family, and to revive their love and dignity as China soars as the world's next super power. The 2009 film is presented in Mandarin with English subtitles. It has a runtime of 85 minutes and is not rated. Discussion will be led by Guo Jue, professor of comparative religion.
Thusrday, April 14, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
2028 Brown Hall
"Into the Wild" (USA)
After graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life. The 2007 film has a runtime of 148 minutes and is rated R for language and some nudity. Discussion will be led by Sean Butler, graduate student in comparative religion.
For more information, contact Dr. Blain Auer at blain.auer@wmich.edu.
