My film students at Pepperdine prefer real stories to Hollywood fiction. Thankfully, the tools to make a movie never have been more affordable. It is easier to tell stories of spiritual change and social transformation, whether in American cities or distant mission fields; but with so many documentaries flooding the marketplace, it is tougher than ever to find movies that matter. So, we’re focusing on inspiring films that can be purchased directly from filmmakers or seen on bold new cable channels such as HalogenTV.
The Human Experience follows two brothers who travel the world asking key questions such as: Who are we? What are we doing here? Why is there suffering? Their journey takes them among the homeless in New York, street children in Peru and lepers in Ghana. This bracing docu-drama will push teens past their problems into learning from others. Get it from GrassRootsFilms.com.
Music by Prudence won the 2010 Academy Award for best short documentary. Prudence Mahbena was born with arthrogryposis, a genetic condition that warps the joints. In Zimbabwe, disabilities are associated with curses and witchcraft. Despite losing her legs at birth, Prudence has found her voice, leading the band Liyana. Prudence demonstrates the power of education, perseverance and music. Download her music or purchase the DVD at MusicByPrudence.com.
Afghan Star merges “American Idol” with the Middle East. It humanizes the war on terror, showing hopeful Afghanis who are eager to sing. Amid a tenuous political situation, the entire country tunes in to vote for contestants every week. Yet what happens when women dare to dance along? Will their Muslim villages reject them? Afghan Star demonstrates why freedom and democracy matter.
As school restarts, the need for effective educators continues to rise. Waiting for Superman won the Audience Award at Sundance 2010. It shows how America has reduced students’ hopes to a charter school lottery. Director Davis Guggenheim talks to beleaguered parents, overwhelmed administrators and bright but failing kids. Waiting for Superman offers a sobering wake-up call for churches, parents and youth ministers. Catch it in theaters this September.
The Principal Story highlights two role models during a school year. Tresa Dunbar leads Nash Elementary in Chicago, while Kerry Purcell serves as a principal in suburban Springfield. Both create caring communities, involving parents, teachers and kids. Youth workers who need to renew their commitment to students will be inspired by The Principal Story (available from FetcherMedia.com).
Finally, for students wondering whether an individual can make a difference join the mission of Knightsbridge International as they go Beyond the Call. Bolstered by an active Christian faith, Ed, James and Walt deliver life-saving humanitarian aid to hot spots around the globe. These fearless retirees enter war zones deemed too dangerous by the United Nations. They consider their calling more important than personal safety. Their mott “High Adventure and Service to Humanity.” Get the DVD at BeyondTheCallTheMovie.com.
