There is a fantastic film playing now at the Ontario Science Centre in their IMAX theatre for a limited time. It is called Jerusalem and was produced by National Geographic with the participation and approval of the three religious groups represented in it. Because it is an IMAX film the visuals are incredible as you fly into Jerusalem and travel the streets and alleys of the city. The film completely draws you into it and makes you feel you are really there.
This is an incredibly beautiful and lush film about Jerusalem and the three major religions that come together in that very tiny space. It features three young women acting as our hosts who represent and reveal for us each of the three religions and as they individually show the quarter in which they live in Jerusalem, the rituals of their worship and their experience of faith in their family and community. The movie also features some fascinating archeological information about the rock on which Jerusalem was built.
The film is completely apolitical and does not discuss any of the conflict ever-present in Jerusalem. It instead focus' on the people, rituals, practices of the three religions and the places in which they worship. For some the lack of political acknowledgement may be a frustration, but for others it is a fantastic and clearly presented introduction to the three major religions through the eyes of young people growing up there.
I saw Jerusalem in Atlanta in January and envisioned all sorts of ways churches could use the film in their educational ministry programs. It would be great to take a youth group to the film and then go to a nearby restaurant and talk about what they saw, what was new for them, what they have questions about and what more they want to know as well as how we live in community together here in Toronto. It would be great for an adult or intergenerational group to do the same. It would be a great starting point for an in depth study on the major religions.
The movie is only 45 minutes long so leaves lots of time to meet afterward for discussion while it is still fresh in your memory.
The film is only playing at the Science Centre until April 17th, so make plans to see it. (taken from a letter from Tori Smit, Christian Education Consultant
Synod of Central, Northeastern Ontario & Bermuda
The Presbyterian Church in Canada)
You can follow this link for more info: http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/imax/film/40/
New IMAX® Film:Jerusalem
Now Playing
Jerusalem takes audiences on an inspiring and eye-opening tour of one of the world’s oldest and most enigmatic cities.
What makes it so important to so many different cultures? How did it become the centre of the world for three major religions? Through the eyes of three young Jerusalemites – one Jewish, one Christian, one Muslim and their families, learn what it means to call Jerusalem home and experience celebrations and events that mark the high points of a year in the life of this city.
Also follow noted archaeologist, Dr. Jodi Magness, as she explores some of the most extraordinary historical sites in the region in order to better understand this crossroads of civilization. Gain a completely unique perspective of a part of the world that captivates the imagination of billions of people.
