Reflective Reels’ gives islanders something to talk about

The journey down the dirt road into the woods and meadows of the Whidbey Institute at Chinook solidifies the impression that it is a place for reflection and renewal.

The journey down the dirt road into the woods and meadows of the Whidbey Institute at Chinook solidifies the impression that it is a place for reflection and renewal.

Climbing the broad stairway up to Thomas Berry Hall, with its open, unfussy areas, and its predominance of windows and wood, the feeling is one of welcome and an immediate sense of calm.

The ceilings are high and the rooms off the wide, wood-hewn hallways are large and finished with earthy, stone hearths. The main room even has a baby grand piano in one corner.

It seems the perfect place for gathering with others to talk, eat, watch a film and talk some more.

That is exactly what institute members had in mind when they implemented a new film series called “Reflective Reels.”

Sparks for discussion

On the second Wednesday of every month, between September and July, a free screening of a film in Thomas Berry Hall is followed by a conversation among audience members. All are welcome to attend the casual potluck dinner in the dining room before the film at 5:30 p.m.

Beyond being conversation starters, each film in the series touches a cornerstone of the Whidbey Institute mission: environmental, spiritual, social and economic issues.

The criteria for the films is as important as the film itself. Organizers of the series have sought films of high quality and those that are respectful, informative and stimulating.

“One of our goals is to keep the dialogues going; to incite conversation,” said Juli Reinholz, a volunteer at Chinook and the film series coordinator.

“The issues of spirituality, socio-economic justice and the environment are important to us,” she said.

Last Wednesday before the main feature was screened, the audience of about 30 people were introduced to Mary Ella Keblusek, the Nigeria Project Director for Global Citizen Journey’s November 2005 delegation.

Keblusek was presenting a trailer for a documentary due out next year entitled “Sweet Crude,” a film about the people of the Niger Delta.

Directed by Sandy Cioffi and championed by Keblusek, “Sweet Crude” will tell the story of Nigeria’s Niger Delta – a story that has never been captured on film.

After the trailer, Keblusek urged people to go to www.sweetcrudemovie.com to learn more about the up-coming film and the plight of the Nigerian people.

It was illustrative of the institute’s mission that Keblusek was offered a platform for her cause. Here was a commercial that didn’t need to be muted.

Features for thought

Next, the main feature, “Oil on Ice” was screened. The film, directed by Dale Djerassi and Bo Boudart, is a compelling documentary connecting the fate of the Artic National Wildlife Refuge to decisions America makes about energy policy, transportation matters and how human activity directly effects our eco-system. Caught in the balance are the culture and livelihood of the Gwich’in Athabascan Indians, the Inupiat Eskimo people and the migratory wildlife of Alaska that thrive in this fragile and, as yet untouched, environment.

After the film there was the familiar sigh of comprehension that goes along with that feeling that “Yes, this issue is important and we are thankful for this film. Yes, I want to learn how to influence change.”

A facilitator started the conversation and the audience was encouraged to talk about the lasting images of the film. It was apparent that the film made a strong impression on the audience, as a lively discussion ensued.

Leaving that gentle place among its old growth and native plant life in the dark, with a head full of questions about how the way we live and what we take from the earth affects people, land and animals as far away as Nigeria or the hinterlands of Alaska, was a humbling yet motivating experience.

Upcoming shows

Future films promise to be equally moving. The next film in the series is “Baraka” (Blessing), to be screened on Dec. 13.

The move is billed as “One of the most incredibly beautiful and profound films ever made…a work of art intended to be a journey of rediscovery that plunges into nature, history and the human spirit. With the theme of human diversity and our impact on the environment, Baraka is a documentary filmed on six continents, providing a spiritual experience that enables the viewer to see the world in a totally different way.”

On Jan. 10, it’s “The Corporation.” The movie is described as “an entertaining and provocative look at the inner working, curious history, controversial impacts and possible future of the modern global conglomerate.” The film is a winner of 23 international awards and is also Canada’s biggest money-making feature documentary.

On Feb. 7, the series continues with “Net Loss: Storm over Salmon Farming.”

The movie was filmed in Washington, British Columbia and Chili, and examines the risks and benefits of salmon farming. It includes interviews with government and industry officials, as well as fishermen, native people and scientists who warn of the dangers posed by salmon farming.

According to Reinholz, this new film series will continue until the light-hewn days of mid-summer make it impossible to screen. It will resume again in September. That means islanders can pass the lazy days of summer helping in the lovely gardens of The Whidbey Institute and then, as the school year resumes, go inside again to engage in intelligent and lively discourse on important issues. But only after a welcoming sit-down to potluck, of course.

For information about The Whidbey Institute at Chinook and a schedule of events go to www.whidbeyinstitute.org.

Patricia Duff can be reached at 221-5300 or www.pduff@southwhidbeyrecord.com.