The Catholic Church teaches that social justice is an integral part of evangelization and an essential part of the Church’s mission. There are so many issues of injustice all over our world, how do we know where to begin? The Bishop Farrell Library & Archives has partnered with Development and Peace to offer the Reel Justice Film Festival. The films act as a starting point for discussion and debate, creating a platform to consider how we can all do our part to tackle issues of injustice. Films are screened at various locations across the Diocese of Hamilton, providing opportunities of engagement in communities throughout Ontario.
Development and Peace is the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada and the Canadian member of Caritas International. For over 50 years, Development and Peace has supported local initiatives in fields such as agriculture, education, community action as well as the consolidation of peace and advocacy for human rights in 70 countries. Inspired by Gospel values, their mission is to support partners in the Global South who promote alternatives to unfair social, political and, economic structures. Development and Peace also works to educate the Canadian population about the causes of poverty and mobilize Canadians towards actions for change.
Films in the Reel Justice Festival have included titles such as “After the Last River” documenting the struggle of Attawapiskat residents living in the shadow of the De Beers diamond mine.
This is the Bishop Farrell Library & Archives’ second year partnering with Development and Peace for the Reel Justice Film Festival. Past titles have included: “Romero“, “Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai“, “After the Last River“, “The True Cost“, “Ethiopia Rising: Red Terror to Green Revolution “, “Gold Fever“, and “Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story“. All films from the festival are available for loan through the Library. To search for titles visit our online public catalogue.
There are so many issues of injustice all over our world, it is hard to know where to begin. Start by joining us for a movie and discussion evening at a parish near you!
On February 22nd will be be showcasing the film “After the Storm: Building the Pope Francis Village” at St. Raphael Parish in Burlington (4072 New St.) followed by a special talk with Jess Agustin, Development and Peace program officer for the Philippines. The film is an inspiring journey that documents 550 families working to transform a piece of land into new homes, a new community, and new lives after the devastation of the 2013 Super Typhoon Haiyan; the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of the Philippines. This 47-minute documentary was filmed over three years and shows what happens when you bring people together, when they are given a voice, a chance to be heard, and when they know how to take action.
The evening will begin with a pot-luck dinner followed by the screening and discussion with Jess Agustin. Jess is currently on mission in the Philippines and will return to Canada to give us the latest news on the community featured in this film, following the February 11, 2019 inauguration of the Pope Francis Village.
Dates and details for future screenings can be found on our website at Reel Justice Film Festival.
Join us February 22nd for the screening of the Development and Peace documentary, After the Storm: Building the Pope Francis Village with special guest Jess Agustin. St. Raphael Parish, Burlington (4072 New St.). Doors open at 5:00 p.m., Screening and Talk 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The event is FREE and open to everyone!