The Spirit of Cinema - illuminating the journey of faith
IT'S HERE!
Hollywood Biblical Epics: The Podcast
Current Exhibition: The Spirit of Cinema
The Christian imagination is suffuse with light. John the Baptist saw and testified to the true Light, which enlightens everyone and was coming into the world (John 1). And this Eternal Light is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s every being (Hebrews 1). Paul of Tarsus, struck blind by this Light, urges Christians to “cast off deeds of darkness” (sin) and put on the “armor of light” who is, of course the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:12).
The Spirit of Cinema, presented by Blackfriars Gallery, is a collaboration between DSPT and Santa Clara University's Jesuit School of Theology (JST-SCU). Curated from the Blackfriars Gallery Biblical Movie Poster Collection, the exhibition focuses on two themes.
At Blackfriars Gallery (DSPT), Illuminating the journey of faith explores the relationship between faith, light, and pilgrimage.
At Manresa Gallery (JST), Miracle and Wonder in Biblical Epics explores the diverse ways in which faith inspires awe and wonder.
The exhibition was curated by Kathryn Barush, DPhil, Thomas E. Bertelsen Jr. Professor of Art History and Religion (JST) and Fr. Chris Renz, OP (DSPT).
Gallery hours during the academic year are Mon-Fri, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
HOLLYWOOD BIBLICAL EPICS SERIES
Blackfriars Gallery & Library is also presenting an exhibition of Biblical Movie Posters at Brandstater Gallery at La Sierra University (Riverside, CA): Sacred Cinematic Spectacles - Rare biblical film lithograph posters explore the spiritual power of material culture, from February 23, 2025 through March 16, 2025.
WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE that Blackfriars Gallery & Library has developed two important educational tools from this spectacular Biblical Movie Poster Collection
- Hollywood History through Biblical Epics is a two-part online lecture by Richard Lindsay, PhD and Ryan Parker, PhD. The video presentation takes the viewer through the history of the American movie industry as seen through the lens of biblical and religious epics.
- Hollywood Biblical Epics: the Podcast is an immersive, engaging, narrative sound documentary in five episodes created by Richard Lindsay, PhD and Ryan Parker, PhD. Focusing on the history of biblical and religious films in Hollywood, it features interviews with three experts on biblical films: David Blanke, Matthew Page, and Adele Reinhartz.
We rely on the help of our benefactors and friends to make this valuable and unique collection available.