Some films simply entertain (or not); others raise awareness.
The Meaningful Movies Network has more than a dozen community-based Seattle-area groups that show social-justice documentary films that can make a positive change in the world. Films that attract viewers with common interests in the principles of peace, justice and non-violence. Discussions are held after the film.
The Network has more than a dozen community-based Seattle-area groups, including Sno-King Meaningful Movies.
“We have topics of concern for social justice and all issues that have to do with our culture and economy. We definitely look at a broad-based range of movies,” said Lynnwood resident Cathy Roper, chairwoman of Snohomish County Peace Action.
A committee with representatives from the peace and justice committee of the Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Church, the social ministry of the Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church, and Snohomish County Peace Action preview movies and select which ones to show.
“We’re watching films not just to see a film but to watch and take action,” said Barb Powers, who is on the committee.
“People are encouraged to get together more often and work toward social change. We want to connect people in various communities. Each community can communicate and create bonds in that community,” Powers said.
In May, Sno-King Meaningful Movies hosted “Return of the River,” which focused on activists’ persistence and success in having the Elwha dams removed and the river environment restored.
“It was a beautiful lesson in community action and that things do change,” Roper said. About 120 people attended the event.
Next up is “Inequality for All” at 7 p.m. July 11 at Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Church, 8109 224th St. SW.
In this 2013 documentary, Robert Reich makes a passionate argument for the middle class. The former U.S. Secretary of Labor explains how and why the widening inequality in household income grew, and how the Gilded Age of 1890s millionaires and the 1930s Great Depression affect us today. For Reich, the growing disparity is a threat to democracy itself.
A discussion will follow the film, led by retired Everett firefighter Ken Dammand, president of Fix Democracy First. There is no charge but donations are appreciated. For more information, go to meaningfulmovies.org/neighborhoods/Edmonds.
A sampling of documentaries showing in July by other Network groups include “The Great Invisible” (Deepwater Horizon), “Cascadia: The Hidden Fire,” “E Team” (the emergency team of Human Rights Watch), “White Like Me,” and “Consumerism and the Limits of Imagination.”
“We’re hoping to educate and update because a lot of people know there are problems but don’t know what they can do. We want a mix of movies because there are a lot of issues, all of them interconnected,” Roper said.
“It can be overwhelming but there are actions that can be taken. We welcome people with opposing views to come and join the discussion. We’d learn from them, too,” Powers said.
Sharon Wootton can be reached at 360-468-3964 or www.songandword.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
