~Mark Twain

I got an e-mail about the other day from the PR person for a film that has been making the rounds of public television stations. Here are the details:

The POWER of FORGIVENESS will be shown on Nashville’s WNPT-8 on Friday, March 28 at 8:00 p.m. The film is released nationally on Public Television through American Public Television (APT) and is a production of Journey Films. Best Documentary 2007, Sun Valley Film Festival

The one-hour film is a collection of seven short stories showing the limits, difficulties, healing qualities and unforeseen effects an act of forgiveness can have in people’s lives. It includes stories on The Amish, Ground Zero, Northern Ireland, and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, plus reflections from renowned Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, and best-selling authors Thomas Moore (Care of the Soul) and Marianne Williamson (The Gift of Change).

Other highlights:
- A celebrated forgiveness expert has his theories put to the test after his mother’s brutal slaying
- Latest clinical research shows a link between forgiveness and lower blood pressure, other health benefits
- Equally revealing stories of people who cannot forgive or find relief from anger, grief and resentment

I’ve included more information from the e-mail after the jump…

“A healing message.” - Christian Science Monitor

“Its message is as satisfying as the sweetest revenge.” Chicago Tribune
The POWER of FORGIVENESS presents how the act of forgiveness converges with faith, health, and science. The film shows the role of forgiveness in alleviating anger and grief. It features insights from leading forgiveness experts, and references a growing body of scientific evidence that says holding on to grudges is harmful, and that forgiveness is good for your health.

It will be broadcast on national public television, beginning in March 2008.

Gaining widespread acclaim, The POWER of FORGIVENESS was selected for special advanced screenings at Virginia Tech, the United Nations, Washington National Cathedral and dozens of venues across America.

“Forgiveness has struck a chord,” says director Martin Doblmeier (director of the critically acclaimed BONHOEFFER). “It reflects a moment in our culture when we take responsibility for our actions, our anger, our neglect, and we have the courage to say things must change. Forgiveness is the first step in a new direction.”

Small group conversations around the country are underway, guided by articles, group-leader instructions and discussion questions designed for a variety of communities, all freely available online. An outreach effort has also begun with public television stations in ten cities nation-wide.

For the past 25 years Journey Films has produced over 20 award-winning films about spirituality, history and social issues. Visit www.journeyfilms.com.

The POWER of FORGIVENESS is an Journey Films production and will be distributed by American Public Television, which has been a prime source of programming for the nation’s public television stations for over 44 years. APT is known for identifying innovative programs and developing creative distribution techniques for producers.