Women's Spirituality / History

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The Burning Times

Through interviews, historical stills, performance, and narration, this film presents the 400 years of witch burning during which time up to nine million women were killed. It shows the systematic devaluing of women's wisdom by patriarchy. (58 minutes)

Goddess Remembered

The second part of the trilogy beginning with The Burning Times. This film explores thealogy and how it has affected women's spirituality today. (55 minutes)

Full Circle

The final part of the Women and Spirituality trilogy - an exploration of the history, repression, and resurgence of the women's spirituality movement. Filmmaker Donna Read finds women meeting together around kitchen tables and in circles on hilltops, discussing spirituality and performing rituals that give them the strength to transform their personal beliefs into political and social action. They emphasize that veneration of the earth comes from encompassing the female perspective, viewing the earth as a sacred circle, a community where we live our lives and which we must protect. The beauty of this film is unsurpassed. Although it follows Goddess Remembered and The Burning Times, it would be an excellent introduction to women's spirituality. National Film Board of Canada, 1993. (55 minutes)

The World of the Goddess

The scholar/author Marija Gimbutas has made the exploration of the prehistoric, pre-patriarhal cultures of Old Europe her life work. Over 100 images of figurines and painted artifacts are presented in a lecture format. It is too much to absorb without breaking into sections, but this video can be a valuable resource which can supplement or be supplemented by other discussion. (103 minutes)

Behind the Veil: Nuns

This engrossing feminist documentary explores the history of women in the Catholic Church while exposing the paternalistic and patriarchal attitudes and hierarchies that have prevailed. Part I contrasts the experiences of several contemporary nuns while Part 2 reviews periods in history when women held power: pre-Christian Celtic spirituality as well as scholarly women in the Middle Ages. Ever heard of Pope Joan? (106 minutes for both parts) Highly recommended!!

Sorceress

Donated by Sue Stone, Ozark, Arkansas

This French film (with English dubbing) is one woman's true story from The Burning Times. The suspenseful drama revolves around a 13th century Dominican friar who, sent by the Pope to seek out heretics, arrives in a small French village where he discovers Elda, the strangely beautiful and mysterious forest woman. Elda is respected in the village because she performs ancient healing rituals and understands nature's secrets. As an inquisitor, the friar sets out to investigate these practices, resulting in an explosive confrontation between the pagan-based ancient customs and the patriarchal reigious dogma. Produced, directed, and written primarily by women. A compelling film and highly recommended. (98 minutes)