Every first Thursday of the month, 7 p.m., St. John’s brings independent and provocative films that highlight critical issues about peace and justice to us and our community. Admission is free.

Amazing Grace (2006) PG
July 2, 2009, 7 p.m.

Based on a true story, this historical drama starring Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic Four) tells the story of William Wilberforce, an 18th-century English politician who fought for the abolition of slavery. Despite staunch opposition, Wilberforce waged an aggressive campaign using boycotts, petitions and slogans. Director Michael Apted's (Coal Miner's Daughter) powerful film also stars Albert Finney, Michael Gambon and Rufus Sewell.
111 minutes

Jimmy Carter: Man from Plains (2007) PG
August 6, 2009, 7 p.m.

Prolific Hollywood director Jonathan Demme tackles the documentary form in this intimate portrait of Jimmy Carter that explicates the former president's view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by shadowing him on his national book tour. During this publicity junket, Carter is accused of being a liar, bigot and anti-Semite. But it's his candid responses to the controversy and criticism that reveal the Nobel Peace Prize winner's true character.
126 minutes

Frontline: Inside the Meltdown (2009) NR
September 3, 2009, 7 p.m.

Shining a light on the economic meltdown that changed the mood of the 2008 presidential election, this edition of "Frontline" offers an inside look at what caused the crisis and who -- if anyone -- could have stopped it. Segments focus on the failures of Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers and AIG; the U.S. government bailout costing taxpayers $700 billion; and the roles of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve in repairing the damage.
60 minutes

Rivers and Tides: Andy Goldsworthy Working With Time (2001) NR
October 1, 2009, 7 p.m.

This amazing documentary from Thomas Riedelsheimer won the Golden Gate Award Grand Prize for Best Documentary at the 2003 San Francisco International Film Festival. The film follows renowned sculptor Andy Goldsworthy as he creates with ice, driftwood, bracken, leaves, stone, dirt and snow in open fields, beaches, rivers, creeks and forests. With each new creation, he carefully studies the energetic flow and transitory nature of his work.
90 minutes

The Times of Harvey Milk (1984) NR
November 5, 2009, 7 p.m.

Harvey Fierstein narrates this documentary by Rob Epstein about San Francisco 's most colorful -- and unfortunately, tragic -- political figure: Harvey Milk. A staunch fighter for gay rights, Milk helped forge a presence for the city's gay community in city hall, becoming the first openly gay member of San Francisco 's combative city council. But his life, along with Mayor George Moscone's, was cut short by infamous fellow politico Dan White.
90 minutes

The films we choose for St. John’s Cinema are intended to give our neighborhood insight or inspiration, maybe education, or perhaps just some joy. We hope the shared adventure of viewing these films will foster discussion and a new perspective. The views or opinions that may be expressed in these films are not necessarily those of St. John’s or its members. We encourage participants to form their own opinions.