Under Pressure Film Series (In Person)

Through film, we will examine how individuals, both real and fictional, react to oppression and evil. What motivates people to act or to turn the other way? When is the individual compelled to resist, even at the expense of their own life?

We will be watching three films at the temple followed by a discussion led by Ken Shulman.

April 1: Antigone by Sophie Derasp, Canada 2019
A contemporary adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles, the film tells the story of a determined 16-year-old Algerian immigrant to Canada willing to sacrifice everything to save her brother from deportation. Winner of five Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Motion Picture, Antigone was Canada’s entry for Best International Film at the 2019 Academy Awards.

April 8: Death and the Maiden by Roman Polanski, UK 1994
A filmed version of the play of the same name by Chilean playwright Ariel Dorfman, Death and the Maiden is a taut drama in which a political activist (Sigourney Weaver) is increasingly convinced that her unexpected houseguest (Ben Kingsley) is the man who kidnapped and tortured her during her country’s years of military dictatorship.

April 15: The 1936 Nazi Olympic Games by Laure Philippon, France 2016
In August 1936, the world watched as Hitler’s Berlin hosted the Summer Olympic Games. This documentary investigates the secret negotiations and compromises made between Nazi Germany, the Western powers, and the International Olympic Committee to bring the games to a Germany that was already preparing to launch a war of conquest.

This course follows a sequential structure, but anyone is welcome to join at any point, or to drop in to any class. If you have questions regarding participation, please contact the program leader.

Dates: April 1, 8 & 15

Registration: This event is available in person and online. Please click the appropriate purple bar above to register.

This event is sponsored by TBElle and Lunch & Learn, unique learning programs led by fellow congregants who are excited to share their knowledge and interests in a relaxed, fun weekday experience.