Film Events 4/3-4/10

While there are no car chases and seemingly the only cinematic event in the last year not starring Matthew McConaughey, this simult-cast is a highly delicious event, bringing a near four-hour performance from one of the best operas in the world by the gold standard of Italian opera to Central Oregon.

Sat., April 5, 9:55 am. Regal Old Mill Stadium, 680 S.W. Powerhouse Dr. $18.

One of my favorite classes in college was a seminar called “Religion & The Environment.” At the time, it was a groundbreaking concept: Taught by Steven Rockefeller (as in, yes, that Rockefeller), with guest speakers like, oh, the Dali Lama (yup, that guy) and Bill Moyer, it was a mind-blowing class. At its core, though, was the idea that the environmental movement and religious beliefs share a powerful nexus: that is, stewardship.

The Renewal documentary—a collection of eight stories from eight different churches, synagogue and walks of religious belief, each taking on a fight to solve an environmental problem—tell that same story. Each individual story is captivating and inspiring on its own—Evangelical Christians who want to preserve a mountaintop from coal strip mining for religious, moral and humanitarian reasons, a group of Muslims undertaking sustainable farming. But taken as a whole, the film tells a story greater than its part: That there is a righteous reason to protect the environment. (Not coincidentally, produced by Terry Kay Rockefeller.) Presented by the Justice Film Circle. (PB)

Tue., April 8, 6:30 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century. $5 suggested donation.

This article appears in Apr 3-9, 2014.