Human Spirit film series debuts at Dryden in September

Nine-month series celebrates the power to make a difference

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Dryden Theatre at George Eastman House will host a nine-film series of screenings celebrating the power of the human spirit, from September 2008 to May 2009. Each film explores the potential to add meaning in one's life through contributions to the lives of others.

The Human Spirit film series will combine new releases of independent and documentary work with some of cinema's cornerstone classics. Screenings will regularly be followed by panel discussions featuring guest speakers motivated by the topic of the film. The goal of the programs will be to stimulate thought, discussion, and passion among the audience and panel members. The Human Spirit series was inspired by Eastman House Trustee Jim Locke and his wife, Sue, and made possible through their support.

"We often see in our world the worst possibilities in human nature. What we need to see more of are the possibilities to bring forth the best in us as human beings," said Jim Locke, who serves as chairman of Eastman House's Motion Picture Acquisitions Committee. "I believe that film can be a catalyst to bring forth in each of us the power and urgency to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Film can powerfully reach our senses to understand and appreciate the positive roles others have played, and in the process, inspire us to find our own voice and our own ways of contributing."

Whether your own interest is the topic of an individual film, or a larger understanding of the human condition, you are invited to share in these programs, which intend to create a forum for community views and, perhaps, change.

Human Spirit screenings Fall 2008

5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21
Rochester Premiere
A MAN NAMED PEARL (Scott Galloway & Brent Pierson, US 2006, 78 min.)
Topiary gardener Pearl Fryar is living proof that one man can indeed make a difference. His dazzling, one-of-a-kind plant sculptures have earned media and tourist attention and revived his once-declining hometown of Bishopville, located in the poorest county of South Carolina. A teacher, mentor, and unique artist, Fryar's powers of inspiration seemingly know no bounds and this documentary shares his message of "Love, Peace & Goodwill." A special panel discussion will follow the 8 p.m. program on Saturday, Sept. 20. Panelists include Dr. Anthony Bannon, director of George Eastman House; Ruby Lockhart, executive director of Garth Fagan Dance; Dr. Shirley Mullen, president of Houghton College; and Dr. John Wilkinson, head pastor of Third Presbyterian Church.

8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25
ENCOUNTER POINT (Ronit Avni & Julia Bacha, US 2006, 89 min., Arabic/Hebrew/subtitles)
As violence continues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, some of those touched by the bloodshed become advocates for peace. This documentary introduces citizens on both sides whose vow to end conflict has become a personal crusade. Family members of slain Palestinians and Israelis, both military and civilian, share their stories and how they've turned their grief into a force for change in the region. A panel discussion will follow the screening.

8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22
Rochester Premiere
FLOW: FOR LOVE OF WATER (Irena Salina, US 2008, 83 min.)
People worldwide are fighting for their basic human right to access free water. This provocative wake-up call of a documentary introduces viewers to, among others: an African shantytown where citizens secretly reconnect their water pipes; a "water guru" who promotes community-based initiatives in India; and a Canadian author who exposes the disturbing realities behind the global bottled-water business. Focusing on issues of pollution and corporate responsibility, filmmaker Salina depicts the increasingly at-odds relationship between humans and the quintessence of our existence. A panel discussion will follow the screening.

8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS (Fred Zinnemann, UK 1966, 120 min.)
The late Paul Scofield (1922-2008) recreates his stage role as Sir Thomas More in this finely realized retelling of the clash between the spiritually unyielding More and his adulterous king in 16th-century England. Robert Shaw's tempestuous portrayal of Henry VIII leads a powerful supporting cast that includes Orson Welles, Wendy Hiller, Leo McKern, Susannah York, and John Hurt. A Man for All Seasons won six Academy Awards®, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director. A panel discussion will follow the screening.

Admission to each screening is $7 general admission and $5 members and students. Complete listings and information for the Human Spirit film series can be found at dryden.eastmanhouse.org. The Dryden Theatre at George Eastman House is located at 900 East Ave., Rochester.

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