The film of the evening is Gifted (PG-13 1hr 41 minutes) starring Chris Evans and Octavia Spencer. I decided to watch this film on Demand one night. I really liked it a lot more than I expected. After reading several articles about the film they convinced me this would be the next Cinema for the Soul feature. In the film Frank is a single man who is raising his niece Mary who happens to be a child prodigy. He is then drawn into a custody battle with his mother concerning how Mary should be raised using her gift.
 
                                       
                              

Has Jesus ever spoken to you through a film's theme, character, or plot? If the answer is yes then let's talk about it! This is what Cinema for the Soul is all about.

You are invited to this FREE monthly event for ages 18-99 where we watch a film from a spiritual point of view. Afterwards you are encouraged to stay and discuss the film in small groups.
 
Through Cinema Divina (like Lectio Divina but using the film), I ask you to think about these questions:Then we will continue to discuss how the film relates to our faith and our daily lives.

The Cinema for the Soul ministry inspires us to grow closer to Christ through a film's story, characters, and dialogue and from each other's insights. Movies can be our modern day parables!

• Where is Christ present in the film?

• Which part of the film stood out to you and why?

• What is God's message to you through this film?
  
  ​​​Finally, as a result of viewing this film, what action is the Holy Spirit calling you to do in your life and the world?

 

My name is Brandie and one of my passions is film. I love to talk about films. I have always been fascinated about how movies are made. I love to learn about special effects, film composers, and acting. I enjoy collecting autographs and you will catch me at a movie convention somewhere. Since I was a little girl, almost every weekend my family and I made it an event to go to the movie theatre, watch the latest film, and then talk about it afterwards.

I am a big believer that God can speak to us through media, especially movies. On several occassions God has spoken to me through a film's storyline, character, or dialogue from a scene. Even if the film never mentions God, I believe his presence can be there. In some horror films there is a lesson to be learned about what can happen when you don't have God in your life. In 2012, I was challenged  to come up with a ministry that would draw Catholics to Christ in a new way. I was thinking, almost everybody watches movies at the theatre or at home and is talking about what they have seen. So, I created a ministry that would challenge the audience to watch a film from a spiritual point of view and find God's presence. The next movie you watch you might see or hear a message from God rather than just be entertained!

It doesn't matter how old you are or where you are from we can all learn from each other's experiences and insights from the films we watch. Therefore, I encourage you to stay after the film has ended, where we will meet in small groups to discuss the film with each other. You, the audience, make Cinema for the Soul what it is because you are willing to share your thoughts and your faith with each other.

I want to thank everyone who has attended a Cinema for the Soul night. It is because of your support that this ministry has been going strong since 2012. You are always welcome to invite others and bring snacks to share. I look forward to seeing you at the next movie night! -Brandie

Here is a list of the films we have watched and discussed since we began in 2012.
 

Akeelah and the Bee Camp Gimme Shelter Little Boy McFarland, USA The Encounter The Railway Man Where was God? John Q Devil Changing Lanes Concussion Stolen Summer The Butterfly Circus The War Captive Elf God's Country Queen of Katwe The Letters The Shack A Dog's Purpose Martian Child Big Miracle

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Do You Believe? The Village Little Red Wagon Oz the Great and Powerful The Good Lie The Ultimate Life The Impossible Dead Man Walking Bruce Almighty God is the Bigger Elvis Miracles from Heaven Signs Me Again Where Hope Grows Gifted Hands: Ben Carson Story Regarding Henry If I had Wings St. Vincent The Light Between the Oceans Walk the Line Maudie

Batkid Begins The Song Joshua A Brave Heart: Lizzie Velasquez Story The Cokeville Miracle The Pursuit of Happyness Unconditional I am Legend Penelope Evan Almighty Henry Poole is Here Flipped The Finest Hours Suzie's Hope The Adjustment Bureau The Drop Box Something the Lord Made The Greatest Miracle The Lamp The Note The Ultimate Gift Mully Same Kind of Different as Me