Spirituality in Asian Film 11 to 13 Jan

Last week, I had the privileged to attend Faith and Film 4 Seminar--Spirituality in Asian Film organized by the CFA Media in Manila. This was actually an invitation extended by the generosity of our Pauline Cooperators--Theresa and Winifred. It was indeed an eye-opening experience for me, as most of the time American films are used for our media literacy talks. This time, as the theme said, we focused on the major Asian films.

Both Win and I left for Manila on 10 Jan and we were welcomed by our two cheerful Pauline sisters, Perla and Mennen at the airport. Win stayed with us at the convent throughout the seminar.

Together with us were another 5 FSP sisters from Manila. The first 2 days' seminar were given by the former Signis president, Fr. Peter Malone. He started off with the Theme, Orientation to Spirituality and Asian Film, with the definition of Spirituality and he englightened us how most Asian Cinema can be contemplative. This was followed by Focal Themes for Spirituality where he introduced the 4 Facets of Spirituality: the Divine, Faith, Ethics & Morality and Lived Spirituality. The Asian Perspectives were highlighted: Traditions, Commuities, War, Family, Simplicity, Suffering and Ritual. Many clips were shown to explain his points ranging from Zhang Yi Mou from China, to Korea, India, Mongolia, Bhutan, Japan, Bangladesh, etc. At the end of the day, we also watch a korean film entitled: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring.

Avatar

Yesterday to celebrate sr. Lynette's birthday, the whole community went to watch Avatar right after the morning Mass. Personally, watching with 3D effect gave me a whole new perspective. I enjoyed it a lot, the special effects and the whole story line. Actually to think about it, the whole idea of human destroying nature, destroying another culture, tribe for their own selfish motives is nothing new. Quite a number of movies have such theme, like Pocahontas. Yet this message is ever growing urgently. We continue to destroy nature, we continue to destroy other culture, especially those marginalized, just because we think we are more developed or advanced than them.

I am not a movie critic, so you can read more from Sr. Rose's My Movie Weblog.

Happy New Year 2010

Yes, I know, it has been a long, long break and I must say that once there is a break, again, it is hard to restart. Tend to give many excuses. Personally I am no writer, so it will always take a while to really put something down.

Well, beginning of a New Year. One of my hopes and even dreams is to keep up with this blog, to share with you my thoughts, reflection and most of all, the love of God. Do share your experiences too, in this way, we can help one another to deepen our faith with our Divine Master.

So, let us continue to pray for one another and especially at this start of the year. I wish you all a Blessed and Grace-filled New Year, beginning with the Lord. May He be your Light and constant Guide in your daily life.

God bless you!