Cultural Engagement Chapel: Film, Sundance and DTS
Oct 31, 2023
auto_awesome
Discussion on the intersection of faith and film at the Sundance Film Festival, impact of films on culture, emotional impact of films on themes of transcendence and identity, finding and accessing films from Sundance, and the power of small groups watching and discussing films
Sundance Film Festival and Wind Rider provide a space for Christians to engage deeply with independent films, exploring their motivations and discussing how Christians can contribute to the industry.
Attending Sundance and being part of Wind Rider has changed students' perspectives, giving them boldness in sharing their faith, engaging in difficult conversations, and witnessing people coming to faith through these discussions.
Deep dives
Wind Rider and the Sundance Film Festival
Wind Rider is an organization that connects Christian artists and individuals interested in the relationship between arts and faith. They offer a class where students can attend the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. At Sundance, Wind Rider hosts events parallel to the festival, creating a space for Christians to engage deeply with the films and have conversations with the filmmakers. They ask different questions, focusing on the motivations behind the films and how Christians can support and contribute to the industry. Sundance is known for independent storytelling, showcasing films that often deal with deep themes of life and struggles. Wind Rider students have seen a range of films, including documentaries about war, Alzheimer's, and unconventional family dynamics, all providing opportunities for deeper discussions and engaging with culture.
The Impact of Wind Rider and Sundance Experience
Attending Sundance and being part of Wind Rider has changed the perspectives and experiences of the students. It has given them a sense of boldness in sharing their faith and engaging in difficult conversations. They have found opportunities to have meaningful conversations with strangers at the festival and even had the chance to pray with their Uber driver. Sundance has also expanded their view of film, encouraging them to explore different genres and engage with deeper questions portrayed in the films. They have seen the power of storytelling to evoke change and to understand the experiences and perspectives of others. The students have been impacted in their conversations with non-believing friends and have witnessed people coming to faith through these discussions.
Accessing Films and Continuing Conversations
Wind Rider curates a collection of short films, including documentaries, narratives, and animated films. They show these films at their events and have made them available for free access through their website. These films can serve as tools for starting conversations about faith, providing discussion guides and theological reflections. Additionally, films from Sundance often end up in theaters or on streaming platforms like Netflix. Small independent theaters are a good place to find these films. Wind Rider offers a wide range of films that reflect culture, spark dialogue, and bring a Christian perspective to the conversation. They encourage viewers to take these films to small groups, churches, and other settings where discussions about faith and film can take place.