Therese, by Alain Cavalier, Two days, one night, brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, The innocents, by Anne Fontaine, Something is happening, by Anne Alix, Rome, by Alfonso Cuaron, The Perfect Candidate, of Haifaa al-Mansour…
The 12e edition of the Cinema and Reconciliation festival, which will be held at the sanctuary of La Salette, has chosen this year to honor women. Twelve movies will be projected. In connection with the pastoral theme of this Marian place, “the Virgin Mary, full of hope”, this red thread will show the paths of inspiring and edifying women through their inner strength in the face of adversity. Believers or not, of all denominations and from various socio-cultural backgrounds, these figures have one thing in common: they are bearers of life, whether they are parents or not.
Everyday heroic women
Thus Magali Van Reeth, film journalist and speaker at the festival, will present three films exposing extraordinary women in ordinary situations: “It seems important to me to bear witness to this heroism on a daily basis to which we all have access”, notes the one who leads cinema retreats within the framework of Signis, the World Catholic Association for Communication. “Sparks, graces, a certain magic can arise in this seemingly banal daily life. It’s all about the spiritual.”she adds.
Also, Magali Van Reeth always chooses contemporary films insofar as “artists have an intuition about the world around us, about our society and its transformations”. And insofar as Christians are called to find their place and their voice in this world. “Cinema allows reflection on society and on oneself. And therefore a spiritual path. »
Real debates without judgment
Take a cinephile and spiritual look at denominational or non-denominational films, of all styles, eras and origins, which reveal to us a look at humanity and the current world. This is the purpose of this meeting, which each year brings together hundreds of people; the projection room has a capacity of 450 seats. “We seek to show hope and reconciliation through these films”notes Vincent Fauvel, secretary of the Cinema and Meeting association at La Salette. “People come for a cinematic break in a place of peace and reconciliation which is that of La Salette, the place where the Virgin appeared in 1846 to two shepherd children. » The public can also attend services and the various activities offered by the sanctuary.
A cinephile break, “but not smart”, he emphasizes. If each film viewing is followed by a debate led by a qualified speaker, it is more of a casual discussion than a masterful and academic commentary. ” At La Salette, there is a whole audience of faithful who do not hesitate to speak out. That’s great for an animator! », enthuses Magali Van Reeth who has noticed over the years a great thirst for exchange among the spectators present. ” Some don’t have any other places to trade. They want to participate in a real debate, argued and without judgment. The cinema allows not only that, but also to relive certain things. Sometimes, very touching testimonies arise. » And paths of faith are born.
To see: Cinema and Reconciliation Festival 2022, from October 27 to 31, 2022, free admission, cinemalasalette.fr Such. : 04 76 30 32 90. Possibility of accommodation and catering on site (registration required).