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Course Overview

Good cinema can be transformational. We’ll view films from around the world. Some well-known, others harder to find. Our definition of spiritual is wide, and includes inspirational, metaphysical and philosophical topics. We’ll begin with a teaching piece about spiritual cinema and then a short introduction of the film of the day, followed by the movie (popcorn and cookies included!). We’ll discuss what interested and moved us, including the psychological and spiritual themes, motifs, symbols and life lessons. Documentaries and feature films will be screened, including at least one international film. There will be suggested reading but no textbook. Please note: The films will be chosen by the instructor and listed on the syllabus well in advance of the first week of class.

Additional Information

Films to be Viewed

Week 1: Young@Heart: You’re Never Too Old To Rock (2008, 108 min.) (D)

Week 2: Whale Rider (2003, 101 min.) (F)

Week 3: Ex Machina (2014, 108 min.) (F)

Week 4: Kumare (2012, 84 min.) (D)

Week 5: Sliding Doors (1997, 99 min.) (F)

Week 6: Something Unknown Is Doing We Don’t Know What (2009, 105 min.) (D)

Week 7: Samsara (2011, 102 min.) (D)

Week 8: Babette’s Feast (1987, 104 min.) (F)

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Type
In-Person Class
Days
Th
Time
1:00PM to 3:30PM
Dates
Apr 03, 2025 to May 29, 2025
Schedule
View Details
Contact Hours
20.0
Location
Delivery Options
In-person  
Course Fee(s)
Fee non-credit $99.00 Click here to get more information
Potential Discount(s)
Drop Request Deadline
Mar 31, 2025
Transfer Request Deadline
Mar 31, 2025
Instructor(s)
Section Notes

Please note there will be no class on April 24, 2025

“Every great film should seem new every time you see it.”

--Roger Ebert

“The secret name of cinema is transformation.”

--James Broughton

This class introduces students to eight films from around the world (U.S., New Zealand, Denmark, and more), on various spiritual, metaphysical and inspirational topics. Each class begins with a short teaching by the instructor on some aspect of film studies, followed by an introduction to the movie, and then the screening. The movies this semester vary in length from 84 min. to 108 min. The following week, we always have sharing and discussion concerning what interested and moved us most about the previous film, including the psychological and spiritual themes, motifs, symbols and life lessons. There are 2-3 breakout groups, weekly handouts, study questions, and optional homework. Popcorn and cookies included!

Films to be Viewed

Week 1: Young@Heart: You’re Never Too Old To Rock (2008, 108 min.) (D)

Week 2: Whale Rider (2003, 101 min.) (F)

Week 3: Ex Machina (2014, 108 min.) (F)

Week 4: Kumare (2012, 84 min.) (D)

Week 5: Sliding Doors (1997, 99 min.) (F)

Week 6: Something Unknown Is Doing We Don’t Know What (2009, 105 min.) (D)

Week 7: Samsara (2011, 102 min.) (D)

Week 8: Babette’s Feast (1987, 104 min.) (F)

Additional Information

Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is no longer required for entry. Masks are recommended.

A current OLLI Membership is required to register for this course, please click here to add to your cart. Please purchase one membership per account.

This class is eligible for UNM Tuition Remission under Personal Enrichment.

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