For all the ways we can discover inspiration from Christ in our daily lives, Mark Atkinson didn’t expect to find it in a movie about vampires in the Jim Crow South. And yet, after watching the Oscar-favorite “Sinners” with the Blacknall Film Collective, he found themes of love, redemption, and sacrifice that sparked ideas and discussion connecting back to Scripture.

“Christ can be hidden in our world — we should all exercise our ability to look for Him in new places,” Mark said. “Movies help me to train my eyes and ears to see and hear Him in places I’d never expect.”

Mark and his wife, Helen, have been a part of the Film Collective since it launched in September 2023. Led by Lindsey Dunn and Evan Cate, the group brings together Blacknall members, attenders, and friends to share a mutual love for movies and uncover all the ways Jesus and His message can appear in different genres and cinematic forms. Screenings and discussions have included “Silence,” a Martin Scorsese film about Jesuit priests in Japan; “Origin,” a biographical drama about an author working on a book about caste systems; and “Nine Days,” which explores the meaning of life.

*The Film Collective’s next gathering is on* *Saturday, Nov. 22, to discuss “Sinners.”* *All are welcome to attend, even if you weren’t at the group screening. The movie is available to stream on HBO Max.*

Whether the movies offer explicit ways to see God’s work in the world or require conversation and reflection to uncover spiritual truths, Film Collective members gather after each screening to talk about what they saw, learned, and the ideas that stayed with them.

“I never took a film class, so being a part of the group helps me appreciate the work that goes into making these movies and how we can take something from them, too,” said Alicia Ramos, whose husband, Jeff, also attends screenings and discussions. “Watching a movie of fiction or even fantasy takes you out of your own world and helps us ask spiritual questions in a way that we would never otherwise.”

In addition to Sunday services and Small Groups, Alicia said the Film Collective offers a creative way to contemplate God and the Holy Sprit's work in the world. “Every time, these movies give me a new way to experience the wonder and imagination of God’s work,” she said.

And even in a critically acclaimed movie about vampires, Mark found a similar experience — asking himself a question he repeats when he gathers for another Film Collective screening: “Where is Christ present in this?”

“Sometimes we encounter Him in ways we least suspect,” he said.

Anyone is welcome to join the Film Collective. Upcoming screenings, discussions, and movie suggestions are shared through its Church Center group.