Westmont Film Festival Focuses On Mary

Westmont’s Reel Talk series is collaborating with the Reynolds Gallery to present a mini film festival Jan. 27, 29-30 about the various depictions of the Virgin Mary. All films will be shown at 7:30 p.m. in the Art Center Classroom 101 to allow for viewing of painter Bruce Herman’s exhibit, “Miriam--Virgin Mother.”

On Tuesday, Jan. 27, Charlene Villasenor Black, UCLA professor of art history, will show and discuss “Guadalupe,” a film about Spanish archaeologists who travel to Mexico to investigate newly discovered information on the Virgin of Guadalupe. Through these journeys, the characters learn about the history of Mexico and the meaning behind many of its traditions.

On Thursday, Jan. 29, Caryn Reeder, Westmont religious studies professor, will show and discuss “Mary, Mother of Jesus,” a film that gives a fascinating rendering of Mary’s influence on the ministry of Jesus.

On Friday, Jan. 30, religious studies professor Helen Rhee will facilitate a discussion on “The Nativity Story,” a film depicting the Christmas story under the oppression of King Herod from the perspective of Mary.

The film festival is hosted by the Gaede Institute for the Liberal Arts, promoting the continued vitality of the liberal arts tradition in American higher education.