An appreciation of film is all it takes to join this group. The 2025-26 season is our 27th year of celebrating the medium!
Our group meets at 7 pm, on the first Tuesday of each month from September through May, except December. We view the selected film on our own and then come together to discuss it. Typically, around a dozen people attend. In pre-COVID times, we met in members’ homes, but now we gather on Zoom; please contact info@fpcpaloalto.org for the link.
We talk about character transformation, cinematic values, etc, plus our perspectives on the faith and ethical issues raised by the films. Our discussions are rich with multiple views and observations, as well as lots of laughs and caring, all enriching our relationships. We close with prayers of the people.
Here is our 2025-26 schedule, chosen through our election process in the spring. Dates with * mean that the month in which we discuss these films might change.
| Sept 2 | Perfect Days |
| Oct 7 | Meet John Doe |
| Nov 4 | Conclave |
| Jan 6 | Contact |
| Feb 3 * | Will and Harper |
| Mar 3 * | Inherit the Wind |
| April 7 | Penguin Lessons |
| May 5 | The Children’s Train |
Contact (1997)
Director: Robert Zemekis
Availability: Palo Alto Public Library, various subscription services
Contact explores the intersection of science and faith through the character of Dr. Ellie Arroway, who experiences a profound, yet unprovable, encounter that challenges her scientific worldview and raises questions about the nature of belief.