Some of the strangest things happened the other day when I went to see a new film called MARCH OF THE PENGUINS. First, the theater was packed for a Friday afternoon matinee. Next, except for the laughter and delightful sighs that naturally emanated from responses to the charm and whimsy of the film, the theater was quiet for the entire movie. No cell phones, no people talking to those in nearby seats, just rapt attention to the screen.

MARCH OF THE PENGUINS is an amazing, beautifully written and utterly compelling story gloriously narrated with style, wit, and panache by the inestimable Morgan Freeman.

Next, there were no car crashes, special effects, or violence against men, women, or children. Where there was an indication of violence or sexuality, it was merely suggested in the most tasteful of ways and left entirely to the imagination of everyone in the theater.

When the film was over, there was generous applause from the audience and then we all quietly and politely filed out with smiles on our faces and, for many of us, tears of joy in our eyes.

Imagine all that and you have my favorite summer movie—MARCH OF THE PENGUINS. This amazing film is a documentary shot over a period of almost a year in Antarctica that follows the fascinating saga of emperor penguins as they literally march over 70 miles of unmarked and shifting ice from the sea to their ancestral breeding grounds. Once they reach their destination, they engage in a thoroughly delightful mating ritual (only the G-rated “foreplay” is depicted) and then embark on an absolutely compelling and riveting nine-month adventure of courage, love, devotion, and survival. To say more would ruin your thrill of discovering all the mind-boggling logistics of how these adorable and extraordinary creatures make it through the Antarctic winter—withstanding temperatures of 60 degrees below zero and windstorms that often reach 100 miles per hour!

This film is one of those where you just sit with your mouth open wondering things like “That’s unbelievable!” “How did they think of this?” “How did they shoot that?” “How do penguins survive that?”

The unexpected delights of the summer turned out to be two documentaries—PENGUINS and MAD HOT BALLROOM wherein filmmakers told beautiful touching stories about love and commitment.

I hope you will see PENGUINS with your kids, friends, parents, grandparents, and significant others. When PENGUINS was finished, I left feeling something special for the first time in a long time after leaving a film. I felt wonderful about being human, conscious, and alive…imagine that.

This Month's Spiritual Cinema Circle Films

GRACE
A loving sister decides to bear a child for her gay brother and his partner in this comedic short film—exploring an alternative take on birth, death, love and parenting. Written and directed by Adrienne Alitowski (16 min., in English)

HIGHER GROUNDS
Ann Cusack (sister of Joan and John) stars in this turbulent yet whimsical short film as a woman on the brink who has lost her will to live. Just when all hope is gone, an angel appears and the adventure begins! Many twists and turns mark this original, inventive and very touching story with an ending tailor-made for animal lovers. The director has donated all money made from this film to animal charities. Written and directed by Diane Duarte. (22 min., in English)

THE COLLECTOR OF BEDFORD STREET
is about a very special man who lives in the West Village of New York City. Larry Selman is a fundraiser, dog lover, and friendly voice in the neighborhood who lives with a mental disability that leaves him feeling concerned about his future and how he is going to take care of himself once his elderly Uncle Murray passes on. One of the most inspiring tales we’ve seen about how a few people can make a huge difference by opening their hearts and focusing their energy within their own community to help a friend in need. Directed by Alice Elliott. (40 min., in English)

THE HEALER
An astonishing feature film of the dramatic tale of a young mother of twins whose life is suddenly falling apart. She follows her instincts to a Russian healer she finds in Poland. From its first moment, this very adult and sometimes emotionally raw film takes us on a powerful journey though love, heartbreak and revelation—delivering us with grace and care to the other side.

THE HEALER is thought-provoking and poses fascinating questions—leaving the answers to us. We suggest you watch this one with a friend and talk about it afterwards! Written by Agnieszka Holland, Roman Gren and Arlene Sarner. Directed by Agnieszka Holland. (114 min., in English) 

For more information about the Spiritual Cinema Circle, click here.