An appreciation of film is all it takes to join this group. The 2024-25 season is our 26th year of celebrating the medium!
Our group meets at 7 pm, on the first Tuesdays 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 2024-25 schedule, chosen through our election process in the spring:
| Sept 3 | To Kill a Tiger |
| Oct 9 | Worth |
| Nov 12 | The Holdovers |
| Jan 7 | The Station Agent |
| Feb 4 | American Symphony |
| Mar 4 | American Fiction |
| April 1 | Minari |
| May 6 | Breath of Life |
MINARI (2021)
Directed by Lee Isaac Chung
Availability: Amazon Prime and libraries
A tender and sweeping story about what roots us, Minari follows a Korean-American family that moves to a tiny Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream. The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. Amidst the instability and challenges of this new life in the rugged Ozarks, Minari shows the undeniable resilience of family and what really makes a home.
BREATH OF LIFE (2023)
Directed by BB Sasore
Availability: Amazon Prime and libraries
The film begins in England by following the life of Timi, a young man who excelled academically, spoke 16 languages, and became the first African clergyman in the Church of England. After marrying Bridget and having a daughter, he returns to the city of Ibadan in southwest of his native country Nigeria and leads a fulfilling life until tragedy strikes. His family falls victim to Baby Fire, a local thug, leading to a series of tragic events that turn Timi into an angry recluse.
The film then introduces Elijah, bright-eyed youth who has just concluded his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service year and moves to Ibadan for greener pastures. Elijah also harbors a desire to become a clergyman. Timi hires Elijah to be his houseboy. This provides the foundation for the father-son relationship between Timi and Elijah as their lives intersect and intertwine in what become a drama of redemption for Timi and life fulfillment for Elijah. “Breath of Life” showcases some of the well known actors and actresses of “Nollywood”, the Nigerian film industry.