SABRINA JENDLY
Staff Writer
Starting Oct. 20, City of Angels Film Festival will host a series of screening and discussions on a selection of films for three days. Since 1994, the CAFF has emphasized its role in filling the need for an outlet for the theological community to contribute to Hollywood discussions by bringing in a theological and philosophical perspective.
“The City of the Angels Film Festival” grew out of a dialogue between filmmakers and theologians who believe that spiritual perspectives are indispensable to the filmmaking process,” according to the CAFF Web site.
This is the festival’s 12th annual event. Every year, CAFF picks a theme centered on a theological issue or aspect.
“That’s what makes the Film Fest different,” said Dr. Carl Flynn, one of the three Pepperdine faculty members who are advocates for the CAFF. “It has always been associated with Catholic film organizations and Fuller (Theological Seminary).”
Last year, the theme dealt with a selection of some of the greatest films of each decade, called “Reel Myths.” This year’s theme, “Divine Comedy: Spirited Laughter,” focuses on the humor of the human condition with a selection of 10 films including “The Big Lebowski,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “Life is Beautiful.” Following each screening, participants will be able to engage in discussions led by a panel of leaders, of which Pepperdine English professor, Dr. David Holmes, has been part of in the past.
Pepperdine University became involved with CAFF through Dr. Michael Gose, Pepperdine professor of humanities. Gose said he first learned about the CAFF through Brian Oppenheimer, script writer, who spoke at one of Gose’s film classes about six years ago. Gose has been a devoted member of promoting the film fest and an enthusiast ever since.
The other addition to the Pepperdine sponsors happened three years ago when the third member, Provost Darryl Tippens, joined in the enthusiasm for an opportunity to indulge in a combination of film and theology.
According to Flynn, the panel avoids discussing films based on their aesthetic qualities but rather, for their quality as cultural artifacts and the potentialy deep questions they bring to the table, such as “how does this film address our fallen condition?” and at the criteria of what makes a good film.
“I think it will be a challenging festival because most people assume that comic film is “merely” entertaining, with nothing important to say,” Tippens said. “Of course, the finest comedy does have something powerful to say even as it delights us.”
“Having the honesty to laugh at ourselves even in the worst situation – that’s what humor’s about,” Flynn said.
Gose agreed.
“I like to think that somehow God speaks to us through laughter. You have to earn a good laugh, but tears are more manipulative. I generally trust laughter over tears as being more genuine,” he said.
Although no statuettes are given out, there is one award given to student filmmakers who succeed in providing moral and theological commentary.
The aspects of not only going to see a timeless film but also to have that discussion outlet available are two main reasons students attend the CAFF, Gose said.
“The discussion goes far beyond whether someone liked or did not like the movie. It is rich, thought-provoking discussion that challenges how and what you think,” said Ezra Plank, a Seaver graduate and regular participant of the CAFF.
Another major draw for the festival is its location. Held at the Directors Guild of America, situated on Sunset Boulevard, it’s also a convenient spot for those who want to hang out in the Hollywood locale.
For tickets and information go to www.cityofangelsfilmfest.org
10-06-2005