2nd Fridays Film Series 2008 - 2013 PLEASE USE THIS LIST NOW FOR YOUR OWN FILM SELECTIONS.
The Heights of the Human Spirit film series September 2007 - August 2013 was co-chaired by Dr. Sean Kim, Harvard educated History Professor at Central Missouri University, and Ann Hyde, Realtor. Attached is a LIST of the films shown. The criteria was 1. "to show people overcoming difficulties and transforming the world" and 2."to inspire and renew us to maximize our own potential."
August 8, 2013, the last one of the series led by Dr. Jon Peterson, psychiatrist and screen writer. Fog of War, 2004 Oscar winning documentary and 2013 Oscar finalist The Gatekeepers. Both are about war and powerful military leaders examining their consciences, admitting their mistakes, and pleading for alternatives to torture, terrorism and nuclear war.
1. Cry the Beloved Country, starring James Earl Jones July 12, 2013 led by Dr. Sean Kim.
2. Roman Holiday starring Oscar winning Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck offering a mini vacation at the beginning of the summer, June 14, 2013. Look at the May 2013 cover of Vanity Fair Magazine for a breathtaking photo of Audrey Hepburn in Rome. Dr. Sean Kim will lead the discussion and give a background lecture on the recent book about Audrey Hepburn by her son.
3. SEE ME red carpet world premiere May 10, 2013 created by Mark Williams Abrams and the Levity Foundation in an uplifting documentary form about a photography project in an orphanage in South Africa for AIDS orphans. The second film is One Peace at a Time, a documentary showing projects making a better world with some narrated by Nobel Prize winners.
4. Romero, about Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador martyred March 24, 1980 led by Dr. Sean Kim. Reference was made by Father John Spicer to Pope Francis I’s interest in the poor and oppressed and asked what would be the cost of his commitment. April 12, 2013
5. Argo, winner of the 2013 Oscar for best film, led by John Norton, CIA agent for 28 years. March 8, 2013
6. Black History Month, The Great Debaters, starring Denzel Washington led by President of the Kansas City Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Dave Smith, February 8, 2013.
7. The Happy Movie, January 11, 2013 - 2012 winner of many film festivals, led by Dr. Kelvin Wall, ENT surgeon, to go along with “HAPPY New Year!” and the science of being happy; why the U.S. is #23 in the world on the happiness scale; interviews in Japan, Denmark, Mozambique, India, U.S.; making happiness intentional instead of accidental; internal and external motivations. 8. December 2012 - No 2nd Friday Film in December.
9. Erin Brockovich November 9, 2012 -starring Oscar winning Julia Roberts. Story of the largest award for damages ever for a class action law suit. Corporate violations reportedly still occurring in the same Southern California location.
10. Ride with the Devil, October 12, 2012 about the Civil War border wars between Kansas and Missouri led by Dr. Sean Kim, Harvard educated history professor at Central Missouri University. This includes the famous Lawrence massacre.
11. A Man Called Peter, September 14, 2012 - “about a man’s relationship with God” based on the book by Catherine Marshall about her husband Peter Marshall to be led by Dr. Sean Kim. He came from Scotland, became minister of the Presbyterian “Church of the Presidents and of Abraham Lincoln” in Washington D. C. during World War II and then was called to be Chaplain to the Senate. He gave an inspired sermon to the Naval Academy Cadets about death hours BEFORE the announcement of the attack on Pearl Harbor. GREAT TO START THE FALL with the story of a moral leader of our nation, a popular preacher, and a fast growing church of young people.
12. The Hiding Place, August 2012 led by Dr. Sean Kim, inspirational story about Corrie TenBoom
13. 25th Anniversary Production of Les Miserables, July 2012 led by ann Hyde.
14. Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, June 2012 led by Perter Shelton. The series by C.S. Lewis has over 100 million in print all over the world.
15. I AM May 2012 led by Dr. Bruce barker
16. 7 Days in Utopia June 2012 led by Frank Terrell. It is about a golf champion's 7 days spent in Utopia, Texas with Robert Duvall as a curious rancher/mentor.
17. March 2012 -Soul Surfer led by Wendi Merbitz
18. Mao’s Last Dancer- February 10, 2012 – Discussion led by Dr. Sean Kim - about China in the 1960’s -70’s, peasant boy sent to arts academy, eventually won trip to Houston Ballet and world acclaim. Emotional ending.
19. Tony- January 13, 2012 – Discussion led by Kathryn Spicer -about invisible children in Kenya, Congo and young people’s success in getting Congressional bill passed, lives saved, long war reduced.
20. The King's Speech - December 9, 2011- Discussion led by CMU history professor Dr. Sean Kim-The story of King George VI of Britain (Colin Firth), his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it. 4 time Oscar winner! “I’ve seen it 5x and highly recommend it. Very inspiring each time!” Ann Hyde
21. Taking Chance – November - Discussion led by Don Giffin -Inspired by the true story of the United States Marine who volunteered to escort the remains of a 19-year-old soldier who was killed in Iraq to his small hometown in remote Wyoming.
22. Warm Springs - October - Led by Dr. Sean Kim-He was the only president to be elected four times and is admired for his leadership during some of this nation's most challenging times - most notably -- World War II and the Great Depression. Despite these historic accomplishments, many Americans have never known Franklin Delano Roosevelt's greatest achievement ...until now. Starring Kenneth Branagh and Cynthia Nixon, this inspiring true story reveals one man's secret quest for hope during his darkest days, in a place that would serve as a source of strength for him the rest of his life: Warm Springs.
23. The Social Network – September - Discussion led by P.J. Moody- The story of how the social-networking website Facebook was founded. Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg.
24. The Blind Side -August - Discussion led by Dr. Hertha Wong -Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) was a homeless teen, living on the streets of Memphis, who knew little about family and less about football. Well-to-do Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock)knew little about his world. But, when she and the entire Tuohy family took Michael into their family, he found a home and the family found a beloved new son and brother.
25. Founding Brothers- led by Dr. Jessica Cannon, Professor of History at CMSU. July - The film is based on Ellis’ Pulitzer Prize winning book and the founders of our country with special insights into their character and camaraderie. Stories about them you haven’t heard before.
26. Benjamin Franklin – An Extraordinary Life, An Electric Mind - led by Dr. Sean Kim, Professor of History at CMSU and Co-Chair of this film series. June -PBS documentary (abbreviated) filmed along the eastern seaboard for the Boston and Philadelphia scenes and filmed in Lithuania for the London and Paris scenes. 100 characters cast, 30 scholars interviewed, authentic props, original letters and documents to show the person and everyday life in the 18th century. Lots of familiar quotes and inventions impacting us today from Benjamin Franklin. Genius all the way.
27. Secretariat - May - Led by Steve Miller -Steve brings his expertise of riding with the hunt in Kansas City and loving horses. Will be exciting to see the horse that really is the fastest ever! Who were the people who understood him?
28. Les Choristes – April -was nominated for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Picture in 2004. Come see how "the new teacher" at a severely administered boys' boarding school works (i.e. reform school) to positively affect the students' lives through music. He’s a composer and one of his students is shown as a famous conductor at the beginning.
29. Invictus - March -starring Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman, directed by Clint Eastwood. The film tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela convinces the captain of South Africa's rugby team to help unite their country. Leadership at its best - Nelson Mandela's and Rugby Captain François Pienaar's - overcoming racial hatred and divisions and inspiring the fundamental desire and discipline to win and be the BEST IN THE WORLD!
30. Tuesdays with Morrie, February- led by Steve and Melissa Rock-is a film that won 4 Emmy’s based on the book but a film as much about Mitch the fast traveling, deadline driven famous sports writer as “Coach” Morrie (played by Jack Lemmon) who was his sociology professor at Brandeis. In the film watch Mitch change his pace, his priorities, pay attention to loving and being loved as Morrie wants to continue teaching in his final days of his disease ALS. “You have to love everybody or die.” “Forgive everyone every day.” A movie about love for Valentine’s Day.
31. Miracle on January 2011 - led by John Shelton- about the 1980 Olympics and USA winning the Gold over the Soviets, which was called “the biggest upset in sports history” The film shows how the coach worked in 7 months of excruciating training to make the team the most fit and best in the world. New techniques not used before by the Americans were utilized.
32. The Christmas Card- Dec 2010- Priscilla and Bruce Long led the discussion -The story: in midst of war in Afganistan, Cody Cullen is touched by a Christmas card sent by Faith Spelman from the small, picturesque town of Nevada City, CA. As months pass, the card never leaves his side, giving him the strength to survive and setting him on a mission to find her. Don’t miss the romance that follows. The movie ranked as Hallmark channel’s highest-ever-rated telecast to the date of its premiere and there was a 2007 Emmy Nomination for Edward Asner for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
33. Glory -led by Father Fred Mann who is a Civil War buff and has had personal contact with the director and site of the film. The film is about the first black regimen to fight in the Civil War – the 54th Massachusetts. Subsequently 180,000 black soldiers helped turn the tide of the war.
34. Pray the Devil Back to Hell – Led by Nola Adebo - about the Liberian Women’s Peace Movement that included Christian and Muslim women together praying and demonstrating for peace. The result? World public opinion brought to bear in 2003 and a peace was negotiated and a bloodbath as in Rwanda was averted. “What could I have said to my son if he said – Mother why didn’t you do something?” said one of the leaders. It was a triumph! (Documentary) Nola Adebo who was born in Nigeria and lives in Leawood led the discussion.
35. Lars and the Real Girl -led by Betsy Hansbrough who has studied film, theology and mimetic theory for 20 years, whom now teaches theology and film at St. Theresa’s Academy. This is one of her favorite films showing how a community can come together for someone. She invites people to contact her for further study of mimetic theory. [email protected].
36. Pasolini’s St. Matthew Part II -led by Father John Spicer. The variety of sacred music from Bach’s St. Matthew Passion to Negro Spirituals and a Congolese Mass are the background for a powerful Jesus speaking to us. Father John said to the group, “Is this a Jesus you can follow?”
37. Paolo Pasolini’s The Gospel According to St. Matthew, Part I- led by Brian Webster. The 1964 film was radical in its depiction of Jesus although it only used Jesus own words. Jesus had black hair, heavy black eyebrows and wore black robes. It was the era of Vatican II and Martin Luther King’s March on Washington. “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees…..” is shouted by Jesus over and over again!
38. Apollo 13 – Led by John Shelton, former navy pilot, naval intelligence, and now he serves in the air civil patrol -True story of the moon-bound mission that developed severe trouble and the men that rescued it with skill and dedication.
22. How Green Was My Valley- led by Dr. Sean Kim. The 1941 film directed by John Ford won 5 Oscars and is on a list of top ten and top 100 films of all time.
39. The Power of One -led by Coach Jim Schell. His daughter Jane watched the film over 10x and says it is her very favorite and others said so too.
40. The Pursuit of Happyness -led by Anne Spicer. Will Smith stars in a true life story of a single dad (Chris Gardner) who went from living on the streets of San Francisco with his son while he tried to get admitted to Dean Witter to eventually owning his own brokerage firm. What kept him going each day?
41. Silas Marner -February 2010- Dr. Sean Kim, history professor at Central Missouri University will discuss- George Eliot, the famous 19th century English novelist who wrote Silas Marner, starring Ben Kingsley, and the heartwarming story of the humble weaver. Film with lots of surprises.
42. Films of Martin Luther King Jr.- Discussion led by Ann Hyde -January 8, 2010 -near the federal holiday observed the 3rd Monday each January. Ann Hyde presented parts of a few documentaries, told of a film about King’s personal life, and led a discussion with references to his Autobiography. Handout included a list of his writings, a sequence of major events in his life from 1955-1968, and short biography of his wife Coretta Scott King who died in 2006.
43. - led by Dr. Sean Kim. A history professor, Sean discussed new theories of World War I recently presented at a seminar at the World War I Museum in Kansas City. Joyeux Noel is about a Christmas Day truce on a World War I battlefield in 1914
44. As We Forgive, with background and discussion questions at www.asweforgive.com. Story of reconciliation today in Rwanda as 40,000 prisoners made confessions, were sent home, and sought reconciliation with their former neighbors. Building houses is part of the restitution. The process of healing taking place is show in the film. Look at the faces.
45. Hasten Slowly- Discussion led by the Reverend Dr. Susan Smith, Author and former Professor of Worship at St. Paul’s School of Theology - The Journey of Sir Laurens van de Post of South Africa, personal friend of Carl Jung, godfather of Prince William, hero of WWII, author, filmmaker, cultural anthropologist.
46. Harvard Beats Yale 29-29- Led by Raymond Backstrom, a Harvard alum-Legendary game in sports history, Harvard and Yale both undefeated, last game of the season but Yale highly favored. What happened in the last 43 seconds for 16 points to be scored in that 1968 game? Watch original footage of the game and interviews 40 years later of players on both teams.
47. Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars (narrated by Robert Redford)- Led by Tom Duckett, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional- (30 min) 30 mayors, farmers, environmentalists first time coalition fighting TXU (large energy co) that got Texas Governor’s fast tracked permit approved to build 8-11 new coal plants, many near Waco, Texas. First round victory.
48. Waste Equals Food- Discussion led by UMKC professor Dr. Tom Poe -World famous ecological chemist Michael Braungart and American architect Wiliam McDonough partner to create “intelligent product systems” and complete new rural cities where truly waste equals food and everything goes back to the soil safely. Nike, Ford Motor Co., Herman Miller Co., and rural Chinese cities are using their help detailed in their book Cradle to Cradle. Their goals are 1 Eliminate the concept of waste 2. Design everything as a nutrient 3. Generate systems that are beneficial 4. Don’t recycle but “up cycle—throw it away and generate life.”
49. What The Lord Made, -Led by Mary Kay and Charlie Horner, civic leaders in the Red Cross. St. Luke’s Hospital -a film about medical research, first surgery for blue babies’ hearts, and relationship of white surgeon Dr. Alfred Blaylock and black assistant Vivien Thomas in the 30’s and 40’s. Insight into where we have come in civil rights and in medical research since then.
50. The Power of Song, a documentary about Pete Seeger who is now 86 years old, his purposeful, focused life and influence on American life each decade through his singing, teaching, performing “as the shepherd of music of peace and justice.” Some of his songs, “We Shall Overcome,” “Turn, Turn, Turn, To Every Season…,” “Where have all the Flowers Gone?” He was an early environmentalist singing on the Hudson River in the 50’s working to transform it from being a dumping ground. He did. Recent performances at Carnegie Hall.
51. Chariots of Fire—1922 Olympics in Paris, inspiring personal stories of two Gold Medalists, Jewish runner from Oxford and Christian runner Eric Liddle from Scotland, their competition each with strong personal goals for winning. 52. Grapes of Wrath starring Henry Fonda– Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck’s classic about the depression, the “dust bowl” in Oklahoma and rush to California.
53. Who’s Got the Power? Environmental films from Earth Cinema Circle about sustainability and answers to the energy crisis.
54. It’s Not Just Empty Space and
55. FLOW For the Love of Water—individuals worldwide speaking up and demonstrating for their right to clean water. Issues of scarcity, privatization, proposed Article 31 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights – a person’s right to clean, safe drinking water. W.H. Auden: “Thousands have lived without love but no one has lived without water.” www.flowthefilm.com Water, the 21st C. issue!
56. Places in the Heart— Discussion led by UMKC professor Dr. Tom Poe -love & reconciliation triumph over prejudice & betrayal. Oscar winning Sally Field as a 1930’s Southern widow fights to save her cotton farm during the depression. 57. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington—morality and ethics of individual James Stewart and democratic process in 1930’s elections and governancy.
58. 12 Angry Men—One doubting, reasoning person Henry Fonda standing up to peer pressure and ethnic and racial pressure of 11 in jury deliberation.
59. Girl in the Café—the millennium goal of eradicating poverty by 2015 and dynamics of the G8 diplomats’ meeting in Iceland with one outspoken guest. (Story written by English comedy writer Richard Curtis who has been responsible for personally raising over $1 billion for the poor. Bill Hybels honored him.) 60. Rules of Engagement—gray areas in ethics in the military and government. Screen play written by Senator Jim Webb, Reagan’s Secretary of the Navy. 61. Gandhi— Discussion was led by Dr. Betty Bashaw, psychiatrist, professor, and chaplain-Parts I and II, showing Ben Kingsley (Oscar) as Mahatma Gandhi in nonviolent resistance to racism, colonialism and caste resulting in the 1947 independence and democracy in India and lasting moral influence worldwide.
62. Emanuel’s Gift—hero for the handicapped in Ghana and the United States, and Emanuel’s work to establish laws to protect the handicapped in Ghana. None yet.
63. The Power of Forgiveness—filming stories from all over the world stretching the imagination with individuals’ and countries’ decisions and actions of forgiveness. Transformative film useful for personal and group study. Shown at the United Nations and won many awards. Ex. 9-11, L.A. honor student murder, Quaker school massacre, Lebanon peace garden, psychological studies.
64. End of the Spear—Ecuador Stone age tribe murdering missionaries and then widows returning with message of forgiveness and setting up schools & clinics.
65. Joyeux Noel—January 2008 - Father Frederick Mann led the discussion- During WWI a 24hour Christmas truce between Germans and English/Belgian/French out of their trenches celebrating together.
66. Amazing Grace—William Wilburforce tirelessly working to transform public opinion until English Parliament voted in 1807 for the abolition of slavery, over half a century before the U.S.
67. Romero— Dr. Sean Kim led the discussion -the Salvadoran martyred Archbishop Oscar Romero championing the rights of the poor and oppressed as described in liberation theology.
68. Hotel Rwanda— Dr. Sean Kim led the discussion-hotel manager courageously saving the lives of 900 people during the 1994 Tutsi & Hutu genocide while the world was idle.
69. Weapons of the Spirit –September 2007 -Discussion led by Dr Sean Kim, history professor at Central Missouri University-(holocaust) 5000 French Huguenot Protestants sheltering 5000 Jews in Charbon, France during the WWII German occupation. Directed by Pierre Savage born there in 1944. Bill Moyers’ commentary.
Films that don't show a leader were led by Ann Hyde. This list and future films will be on front page of www.AnnHyde.com - click left button for 2nd Friday Films. Please contact [email protected] to volunteer and suggest films.