Volume 10 2009

The following are the SCC Volume 10 films. Feel free to discuss and post your comments on these thought provoking films here! Enjoy…
 
The Gift: Episode 1
The first episode of this Spiritual Cinema Circle original, three-part series by (five-time SCC filmmaker) Scott Cervine is here! We meet Eno on his spacecraft where he is realizing that humans have not discovered the true purpose of a gift given long ago.

Reflection: What do you think the gift is?

Reflection: What surprises you most about the credits?

Reflection: Can you describe a time when a stranger changed your perspective?

Reflection: What does the title mean to you?

Re: Volume 10 2009

“The Gift” - I have been looking forward to this.  As a newer member, I haven't seen any of Scott Cervine's other films.  This film was hilarious.  I love Scott's deadpan delivery.  After watching it 3 times, I will say that I think the gift is the power of films to bring us together, to help the world understand each other, to open our hearts - the moviegoers stood  up at the end, faced the projector, and put their hands over their hearts.  And this is what you have been talking about in SCC - how films are the storytellers and bearers of our culture and traditions, and how they can change us.  By the way, I found an autographed copy of Stephen Simon's book, “The Force”, at my local coffee shop - what a coincidence, huh?  I would also like to say that I am just so aware and overwhelmed by the incredible speed with which technology is expanding. This technology is bringing the world closer together and making us capable of bringing about positive changes.  I am very grateful to be alive in this generation, to see this happening.

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hi karen….our first GIFT comment–thank you!!…i'm so pleased that you enjoyed it…episodes 2 and 3 will unravel the mystery and introduce new characters who take us along on their own journey of discovery..and then there's the lemurian dreamers—ok, i'll shut up now before i say too much….this series is, we hope, the beginning of many of these for The Circle…so please let us know how you feel as the series unfolds in november and december…interesting that you found my book in a local coffee shop..i'm curious–what city is that in?…..as to technology, yes, it is amazing…and we now must focus on the evolution of our humanity catching up with the evolution of our technology..again–thanks so much, karen!!…hugs..stephen

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Thank you, Stephen.  I can't believe you replied so quickly - on a Sunday morning.  What I love the most about SCC is the community.  And, I am thrilled to be able to chat with you.  I live in Chicago, in the Rogers Park neighborhood, on the north side along the lake.  I think I may know who you signed that book for.  I will let you know if I get the rest of the story.

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Oops.  I do have one of Scott Cervine's films - “We Were One”, Vol. 2, 2009.  Just rewatched it, with the discussion, and appreciated it more this time.

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I received my DVD yesterday and have already watched The Gift twice.  At first I thought maybe it was the power of films to bring people together, but then I thought it HAS to go deeper than that, something a little less obvious, unexpected.  So I now have two different theories.  Either the gift is the ability to capture and record sound and light or the ability to project light.  And that somehow humans aren't using those newly discovered skills in the way they were intended and that the potential for it is beyond our own world.  Of course the fact that I'm taking a physics course this semester helped me think along those lines, lol!

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I am so excited about The Gift. The month before it was announced I was thinking how cool it would be to develop a series for SCC. They beat me to it. I had no idea what to expect but was instantly pulled into the series. The quality of the production is amazing, the story is captivating and the characters are intriguing.
I think the gift has to do with how we can use movies to teach people. I think people can learn a lot when it's presented in a way that they don't realize they are learning, especially if it's funny.
I was going to wait to get all three episodes before I watched them but I'm glad I didn't. I also liked the discussion after saying that there will be things unfolding and that it will be watchable again and again, which is something I enjoy doing.
Can't wait to see how this series unfolds and what new series come down the pipeline.

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Hi, I'm a new member but have been watching the growth and development of SCC for the past five years. It's been very exciting to witness.
In enjoyed this month's selection very much - The Wishing Well was charming. A lot of hard work and creativity from a dedicated filmmaker. As a musician I can relate to wearing all the hats…bravo. The Gift is provocative - I'm literally waiting on the edge of my seat to see what happens next. The Cake Eaters was a treat - I grew up watching the director - the Kristen Stewart role is something she would have totally played at that age. And how nice for the 1st son in the cast to direct - the entire ensemble was excellent. It was heartfelt, like how films in the 70s and 80s were made. 
Surprisingly, the little blue man film was my favorite. I love european short films anyway but the sadness repairman blew me away. He reminds me that it's all about shifting consciousness and perspective, whether or not you choose to have a good or bad experience on any particular day.
Namaste and thank you.

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Hi Atrium, Thank you for sharing your comments on Volume 10 films. I can't wait to see the next episode of The Gift too!
Just curious - you said you have been watching the growth and development SCC for years. Why is it that you just now became a member? And what finally made you decide to join?
Thanks again for your thoughts and please continue to post :).

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Atrium - Thank you for your wonderful post. I loved everything you had to say about the movies and am glad each touched you in the way you explained. And The Little Blue Man was my favorite, too!
Have a beautiful day and thanks again for saying hi!

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Hi Jessica!
We got it, have had it, can't watch it ….
Judy's not home, visiting a sick friend.
I did peak at it and read the insert.
And, I like the new package.  Yep, we are still evolving.
Moon day is coming and Judy will be back on our ridge in the Ozarks.
Hi Steven where ever you may be.
Peace, Love, Happiness & hugs,
Michael  ;o)

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Hi Michael (and Judy!)
I anticipate hearing your thoughts once you get to see the films :) I think you'll like them.

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Anticipation kinda complete Jessica.
Judy arrived home yesterday evening an after 12 hours on the road.  After a little personal time I shared we had the next Spiritual Cinema DVD.
Yep, we agreed to see some of it.
I'll only share on “The Gift” since I was distracted watching Judy stay awake during “The Wishing Well”.
First, it reminded me of going to the movies on Saturday's and watching the serial “Flash Gorden”.  (Steven might remember those times.)  We enjoyed that and the two-bits we got for food and drink.
Anyway, back to the Gift.  Listening to Eno and Eela chat on the 'acostic records' reminded me of one having faith in their personal belief.  (not sure of that spelling; acostic)
Also, enjoy my perception of Eno and Eela have different personalities.  Like left and right brain individuals. 
Judy guessed the 3rd condition.
Google = gurgle, yep, good one….
So, big question … what is the gift?  So far, I'd guess a combination of the two answers from Dorthy and Michael and then some.
Speaking of Dorthy Morgan;  let it be know she has a beautiful Energy about her.  Something loving and mysterious.
Michael, he's cool too.
What did I like best so far.  Scott's dedication to Bonnie Fern Crevine.
I share this in Peace, Love and Happiness
Michael  ;o)

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Hi pal…well, you nailed it, michael—a spiritual cinema version of the old serials we used to flock to see on saturday mornings is exactly what we were going for..episodes 2 and 3 are very different, too…i think the twists and turns will really surprise and delight you…..on another subject: the sad passing of soupy sales….that one kind of hit me in the heart…we early baby boomers used to race home to watch soupy, and white fang, etc…he was so much a part of that time and that excitement…rest well, soup….you were the pie–in-the-face king…hugs to you and judy….stephen

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Hi, Stephen.  Must reply on Soupy Sales. Having grown up in Detroit, where Soupy started, I have lots of childhood memories of Soupy's silly routines.  He would get right into the camera, hold his bowtie like an airplane propeller, yell “Contact”, and go to cartoons.  Another of his favorite things was to hold up a plate of fried eggs, stab the yolks, and say, “Oh, the bloody run!”  (He had a lunch, and maybe breakfast show, and we would eat in front of the TV with him - the start of a lifetime bad habit :)  He was corny, but we loved him.

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Ya know Stephen, after chatting with Judy on episode 1 of 3, I change my opinion, kinda.  Yep, lookin' forward to episode 2.  Could it have something to do with the light from the camera? …. we shall see next month, maybe…
And, I now have clarity on the TV trays.  I gave the Mom and Dad credit for them little remembering watching The Soupy Sales Show from behind one.  Could be we didn't rate one as a child then.  Matters not.
Fond memories are cool.
Karen of 2609;  did not know or remember Soupy started in Detroit area.  Two beautiful people came into my life from there. Soupy and Judy.  Judy by way of Atlanta Georgia, Soupy by way of black & white TV.
Stephan;  Judy agrees, couples is a good idea for the gust slot. Balance or something….
w/ Love & Hugs,
Michael  ;o)  

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Hi, Michael.  Well, I had to check my facts on Wikipedia.  Always thought Soupy had his first show in Detroit, but I was just a little kid, then :)  Maybe Judy and I were in school together.  I went to McKenny Elementary School.  Then we moved to the suburbs.

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Hi back to ya Karen.
(w/ Love & hugs of course)
Judy went to Kosciuszko Elementary in the '50's.  It's in Hamtramck which is I'm guessing a part of Detroit. She lived in a few different places outside the city before ending up in Atlanta where I met her at Hospice training for prospective volunteers.
Yes, she became one and now we live on a ridge in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas.
We know ya gotta be cool Karen if your here with SCC.
Peace, Love, & Happiness,
Michael  ;o) 

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Thanks, Michael and Judy.  I've never done chat groups before, but this is a good group, and I'm having fun with it.  Of course, I have seen Michael on SCC, so I know you a little more.  Have some new pictures of myself, so will put one up and make this a little more personal.  I also grew up in the 50's - turning 60 next year, YAY! (better than the alternative) - actually looking forward to it!  Feel like a new phase of my life is starting.  Really like the Barbara Marx Hubbard, “Humanity Ascending”, and the “2012” positive view of the future.  Also have done a little hospice work, and know it is very rewarding. 
Nice to get to know you. 
Peace, Love, Health and Happiness to You,
Karen

Re: Volume 10 2009

Chat group, hum, where are you Jessica and Stephan …. and any others who want to join in.  I guess we can call ourselves that here Karen on volume 10 site.  This is a second for me Karen.  I've only done it on facebook and I guess that is what it's called there when someone is at the chat thing on the bottom.
Grew up in the '50's, hum.
60 next year, this is good and 63 is better.  Then, ya make a choice.  
There IS a positive future awaiting us. Glad you feel it too. As more folks realize this, the Energy's will change even more for the positive.  
Take care and enjoy the moment.
Michael

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Yeah, you're right.  This is a message board, not a chat group, right?  I don't know all the lingo :)  I'm just surprised when people reply to me.  Anyway, it's fun. 

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Hi Karen…he was way beyond corny, that's for sure…and, yes, he's to blame for for any of us eating in front of television, i agree!!!….my favorite memory was that time he urged all of us to go into our parent's wallets and purses and send him every “piece of green paper” we could find…remember that one?…he got in so much trouble that they almost fired him…but he was such a lovable guy…my brother in law found himself on two different planes with soupy about 10 or 12 years ago…and he said that soupy was kind, gracious, and just as wacky as ever….the world is better for having had him with us…”oh-rah” “oh-rah” “oh-rah” (that's the closest i can come to imitating the way he used to talk to white fang)…ah, those indeed were the days…hugs..stephen

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Very funny!  Don't remember that.  Glad to hear Soupy was a nice guy in person.  Thanks for your reply.

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It is disappointing to pay $25 for a film I can watch for free on a cable channel! I joined to see films I DON”T see elsewhere!
Chris

Re: Volume 10 2009

Hi Xski,

Thanks for your post.

Of the 12 features we distribute each year, 9 or 10 are usually not available elsewhere, such as on cable or DVD.  2 or 3 times a year, we will indeed program a film like THE CAKE EATERS because we believe that it will resonate with our community, even if it has been on pay television in some markets or available on DVD elsewhere. Many of our community members do not subscribe to pay cable and, even for those who do, having a film play among the hundreds that are offered each month does not mean that anyone will have heard of it or have a sense that it might be appropriate for Spiritual Cinema. The same applies for DVD availability.

Of the 36 shorts we distribute each year, there are again usually 3 or 4 that are available elsewhere, but 90% are seen only via The Circle.

We very much respect your desire to get films from us that you would not know of without The Circle, and that is our goal as well.

Again, thanks so much for the opportunity to address your concerns and welcome to the community.

Hugs

Stephen

Re: Volume 10 2009

So, this month…I feel the array of films was all over the place. I liked it, don't get me wrong, but some months have seemed like everything flowed within a theme.

The Gift- I'm reserving my judgment until I see the other installments!
The Wishing Well- At first I was filled with this mixed feeling of awe and being weirded out by the effects. I tried to get past it to understand the films motive. I suddenly realized what I was seeing was all the same person, and I was able to fully push past that weird feeling. As a plus sized girl, I could relate with the woman who was trying to get her wish into the Love section, and always feel like she was missing what she needed… I can only hope to have somebody show up next to me that I can truly connect with like she did.
Also…totally amazed that he did the animation sequences and made his own masks and suits! INCREDIBLE talent there!
Le Petit Homme Bleu- I wish there really were a man like that, that could come and help parting ways become joyous. I could use a “sadness repairman” or somebody to erase my melancholy! I need some of that magic powder….did anyone catch his number? Maybe I should give him a call…haha.
The Cake Eaters- They want to have their cake and eat it too! Kristen did an incredible job putting herself into a fairly difficult role of being somebody with a physical disability when she is “normal.” Unbelievable performance! All of these characters had so much going on…and honestly, I wanted to see more! I was glad that the men were able to reconnect and finally push aside all their issues finally, nothing like a beer, right guys?!  It was interesting to see the parralelled relationships of The father and grandmother as well as the two kids….neither relationship were really supported by a few of the extraneous family but everyone was equally as stubborn about wanting their freedom and relationship etc. I think one of the big messages, whether intended or not was to live each day to the fullest. Clearly Georgia had more reason to live each day to the fullest, as she so delicately put it “I'm the one Dying!” But in reflection (especially since my Grandmother just passed and has made me examine my life a little more) we all are dying a little bit each day, and we really need to live each day in a way that leaves us happy and fulfilled.

I had tried to post on Volume 8, but apparently I didn't finish it or it didn't get posted so this is my first. I'm 23, and the older sister of triplets with Autism. Hi All!!

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hi stephanie….thanks so much for your comments about the films…this is really the only way we know how our community is feeling about the movies so i deeply appreciate the depth of your comments…i'm a little blown out by your last sentence:
are all 3 of the triplets autistic?…if so, my goodness, what a responsibility for you and your parents…i send all of you my love and respect…and big hugs to you in particular…stephen

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Yes Stephen, all three of them have Autism.  They're 21, and still living at home. I'm 22 months older than they are, so I've grown up with them and tried to help them along. Sometimes I catch myself talking about them like they're my kids!

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Just watched “The Cake Eaters”.  Really touched by the humanity of the characters.  All of them were imperfect, and yet they all showed love and compassion for each other.  I was especially impressed with the way the grandmother and the father of Beagle allowed the young couple to have their dignity and their own life, their own experience - that was really moving.  In real life, that might have turned out very badly - after all, the young man was an adult, and the young woman was a minor.  And, the decision that Beagle made to spend the night with Georgia.  He didn't feel comfortable with it, at first, but he did it out of love for her, regardless of the consequences.  He took a very big risk.  This film was very inspiring - to live our own lives, to make decisions based on what we feel, in our hearts, is right.  Thank you for picking this one.

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Finally finished Vol. 10 :)  From the beginning of “The Wishing Well”, I was delighted.  It was wonderful, charming.  I really didn't need the credits to love it, but the whole explanation of the process made it even more spectacular.  Made me think of Tom Hanks playing multiple roles in “Polar Express”, only that was in animation.  This was even more amazing.  Good job!