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'Faith on Film' series in Shreveport to explore spiritual side of movies

Robinson Film Center

The Robinson Film Center in Shreveport will begin a series Thursday called “Faith on Film,” with discussions led by religious leaders who explore the spiritual side of movies.

The first faith-based dialogue will follow the screening of “The Homesman,” about three women driven mad by pioneer life who cross the West in a covered wagon. The series could attract new patrons who are interested in discussing religious themes in movies, according to Robinson Film Center education director Meghan Hochstetler.

“It’s really going to be a talk about the film and examining it in ways like, where do we see faith in this film? Or, how does my faith background shape the way that I look at this film?” Hochstetler said.

The first conversation will be led by Rabbi Jana De Benedetti of B’nai Zion Congregation and Pastor Justin Haigler from The Simple Church. Hochstetler says she’s pleased to bring together guest clergy who share a passion for movies, but come from different faiths.

“Simple Church is a relatively new church that has several thousand worshippers every Sunday. B’nai Zion is a Jewish community that is much smaller than that, but also much more established and has been in our community for decades. I think they will bring very different perspectives to this film,” Hochstetler said.

Hochstetler says the series will continue monthly through the year with new guest clergy for each discussion. “The Homesman” begins at 6 p.m. Jan. 8, at the Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas Street, Shreveport.

Chuck Smith brings more than 30 years' broadcast and media experience to Red River Radio. He began his career as a radio news reporter and transitioned to television journalism and newsmagazine production. Chuck studied mass communications at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and motion picture / television production at the University of California at Los Angeles. He has also taught writing for television at York Technical College in Rock Hill, South Carolina and video / film production at Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport.