Part of the Women and Religion in Film Series at Aperture Cinema

Saturday, December 15, at 9:30 a.m. I’ll engage in conversation with Joshua Canzona about the visually stunning and narratively captivating film The Innocents (2016).

Set in a Polish convent just after World War II, this film is a powerful meditation on faith, doubt, love, and purpose from the perspective of women.

Dr. Canzona, Senior Fellow at the School of Divinity at Wake Forest University, has organized this fall film series around three films. 

“I knew I wanted to include one silent film, one just after World War II, and one contemporary selection,” says Canzona. “The Innocents is notable for its predominantly female cast and is the only one of our films directed by a woman.”

Watching the film myself, I was deeply engaged in it on multiple levels.

Frequently, the images are composed with the care and craft of sublime paintings. Beyond the striking aesthetic sensibility of the film, the characters and situations are engaging and the themes presented inspire deep reflection.

I asked Dr. Canzona what he wants first-time viewers to consider when watching The Innocents.

“Film critic Christy Lemire this is a war movie by women and about women. That important observation suggests viewers might think about how this perspective shapes the film and situates it for comparison with other war films.”

“With respect to religion,” says Dr. Canzona, “there are some significant thematic relationships to look for:  faith and doubt, providence and free will, order and chaos.”

Hope to see you at the movies Saturday morning. You will not be disappointed by the film or the discussion to follow. 

General admission tickets are $14.50, and student tickets are $12.50.