LOVE MERCY DO JUSTICE MOVIE NIGHT: “TILL”
May 13, 2023 6:00 - 9:00pm | Arvada Covenant Church
Love Mercy Do Justice will be hosting a viewing of the 2022 movie “Till.” We will meet in the youth room at 6 p.m., do a quick review of our group member values, and then begin the movie. After the movie, there will be a short time of reflection. We expect to be done around 9 p.m.
“Till” is a powerful story that is difficult and uncomfortable to watch at times, but needs to be viewed. The story carries as much weight today as it did almost 70 years ago when it first took place. The driving force of the film and what makes this film so effective is the fact that it is Mamie’s story and the unconditional love that pushed her to seek justice for the murder of her son, during a time when no justice was being served for such crimes. “Till” movie director Chinonye Chukwu makes it clear that she refuses to depict the torture and brutality inflicted upon Emmett, although there are a few difficult scenes that will put knots in viewers’ stomachs. While these sequences are hard to watch, some of the most powerful scenes in the film were the quieter moments, where close-up shots of Mamie, as she gazes into the unknown, allow audiences to feel the emotions of utter pain, shock, anger, and horror she is experiencing. At its core, “Till” is about a love story and the pain and heartbreak endured in the aftermath of the brutal killing of Emmett, which gave rise to his mother, Mamie Till Mobley, becoming a voice in the civil rights movement. (www.guide4moms.com/2022/10/till-parents-guide-movie-review)
As people of faith, we have a role to play in supporting one another in this transformational storytelling. The prophets remind us, facing the truth about the past and the present is sacred, inspired work to which we are all called. The light of truth is not meant to be covered: “No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar or puts it under a bed; rather, one puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. So pay attention to how you listen…” (Luke 8:16-18). Noted educator and social activist Dr. Iva Carruthers challenges us each to respond to this call, saying, “Then and now, honest engagement and storytelling of the Emmett Till murder and the courage of his mother, Mamie Till, is a testimonial call to the soul of a nation. With eyes to see, ears to hear and the heart to act, the church can guide and convict this nation to live into its claims of justice for all.” (jointhemovementucc.org/jtm-news/the-movie-till-facing-the-past-to-change-the-present/)