The Film and Lecture Series is designed to provide students and members of the community with the opportunity to engage in topics of social interest and relevance through the screening of thoughtful movies and by bringing speakers to the campus who have demonstrated knowledge on topics deemed to be of social significance. Each film will be followed by a discussion with guest speakers or panelists.
JANUARY 26, Thursday, 7 pm, Forum 110 ~ Freedom Riders ~ Tells the inspirational story of more than 400 Americans, black and white, who rode southern buses and trains together in 1961 deliberately violating Jim Crow Laws. These non-violent activists risked their lives to awaken a nation and end institutionalized racism. The documentary features testimonies from the Riders themselves, government officials, and journalists who were there. It dramatizes the courage and faith required to carry out Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision of nonviolent social change.
FEBRUARY 9, Thursday, 7 pm, Forum 110 ~ Fat, Sick and nearly Dead ~ The story of 310 pound Joe Cross and his restorative juicing journey. After his doctors prescribe steroids as a last-ditch effort to give him relief, Joe takes matters into his own hands trading in a diet of processed foods for juice. He sets off across America to empower people to take responsibility for their own health. On the road he meets Phil Staples, a 429 pound truck driver suffering from the same autoimmune disorder, who decides to make a change of his own.
FEBRUARY 23, Thursday, 7 pm, Forum 110 ~ The Tillman Story ~ Director Amir Bar-Lev explores the strange story of U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman. Born and Raised in New Almaden, California, Tillman became a professional football player before enlisting in the military. The circumstances of Tillman’s 2004 death in Afghanistan were covered up by the government and his story co-opted by the press for reasons that remain unclear. This film tells his story as well as the story of his mother who worked tirelessly to reveal the truth about her son.
MARCH 8, Thursday, 7 pm, Forum 110 ~ Inside Job ~ Inside Job, directed by Charles Ferguson, exposes the truths behind the global economic crisis that began in 2008 and caused millions to lose their homes and jobs. Narrator Matt Damon tells the story of a banking industry that, abetted by politicians and scholars, plunged the globe into debt and depression.
MARCH 22, Thursday, 7 pm, Forum 110 ~ Consider the Conversation ~ A thought-provoking documentary, Consider the Conversation, sheds light on death and dying-a topic still considered taboo in our society. The film provides multiple perspectives on questions everyone need to consider, and ultimately, encourages families to have important conversations about their wishes at the end of life. Following the film screening, Community Hospice expert staff will participate in a panel discussion.
APRIL 12, Thursday, 7 pm, Forum 110 ~ Ingredients ~ Ingredients documents the rise of the local food movement and how consumers, farmers, and restaurateurs are feeding themselves and others with food grown close to home.
Questions? Please contact Jason Wohlstadter, English Professor at 209.575.6180 wohlstadterj@mjc.edu or Elizabeth McInnes, Biology (209/575-6299, mcinnese@mjc.edu)
