Westport's Film Chat Room and Cinema 'n' Soul sessions are sponsored by a church, but don't let that scare the bejesus out of you. Shown in a parlor where pews have been replaced by comfy sofas, movies are geared toward open-minded investigation. The monthly Cinema 'n Soul program began when Reverend Scott Myer decided to show Krzysztof Kieslowski's
The Decalogue, a series of films based on the Ten Commandments. Discussion group members found that
The Decalogue challenged them to critically evaluate the Commandments' role in contemporary life. The series was so popular that Myer has continued to show films that pose moral and ethical questions -- but never provide easy answers. Westport's Film Chat Room, meanwhile, is made up of a core group of regulars who simply want to see and discuss independent movies. The selections tend to be films that had too-brief runs at the Tivoli or Fine Arts (including
YiYi,
Sunshine,
Gods and Monsters, Breaking the Waves and
Smoke Signals). Some people leave right after the screenings, but most stay to talk. This is a great, reflective way to spend a Sunday evening.
