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Coming Alive — Film Group Helps Lindsey Dunn Bring Her ‘Whole Self’ to Blacknall

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Three things came together in 2023 that caught Lindsey Dunn’s attention.

First, it was Pastor Goodie Bell using “Au hasard Balthazar“ — a French film about a humble donkey — as a central illustration for her Palm Sunday sermon. Later that day, a small group gathered to watch and discuss “Jesus Christ Superstar.” A few months later, when Lindsey attended a New Members Weekend and heard a long list of groups and ministries at Blacknall, she noticed something missing: movies.

As a longtime film lover, she saw these things as more than coincidence. It was an opportunity God presented to share her passion and gifts with others. In September 2023, she launched the Blacknall Film Collective with co-leader Evan Cate, offering a new space for people to watch, discuss, and discover how God is at work in cinema. Celebrating its third anniversary in September, Lindsey said the goal of creating the group was to develop a culture of appreciation about movies and leave a lasting impression for anyone who joins.

Lindsey interviews director J.D. Dillard and producer Rachel Smith during the premiere of “Devotion” at Film Fest 919 in 2022.

“When you watch a movie together, it becomes about community, and that makes me come alive,” said Lindsey, who’s been writing about television shows and movies for almost 20 years. “It gives me a sense that a moment matters: We’re having conversations that become formative for us all.”

Between Sunday services, small group, special events, and launching the Film Collective, Lindsey found at Blacknall something she hadn't at previous churches she attended. “Until Blacknall, there wasn't really a place for me to use my gifts for the Kingdom fully,” she said. “When I watch movies, I feel deeply connected to God.”

Lindsey had become frustrated by a common pattern at other churches: She'd be welcomed warmly but would discover there wasn't space for her to build something of her own. She would serve as a volunteer, but only in ways that had long existed. The Film Collective changed that, giving her space to engage with others who show up for screenings, in-person discussions, or simply share their own updates via email about what they’re watching and thinking about.

Lindsey Dunn co-led “The Communion of Cinema” Sunday School class this summer.

“It's an absolute joy that I was able to find a place where I feel like I can bring my whole self to church,” said Lindsey, who co-led a Sunday School class this summer, “The Communion of Cinema.” “I can show how I use film as a tool for understanding God and understanding other people better.”

The Film Collective has typically met every few months to screen and discuss films that range from quiet and spiritual to beloved streaming hits. Over the years, they've watched “Silence,” “Nine Days,” “Lars and the Real Girl,” “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” and more. Lindsey selects or recommends movies to the group by approaching each choice the way she might view a menu, looking for something that will nourish a viewer's curiosity and faith. “It's like eating a hearty meal,” she said.

The Blacknall Film Collective

The Blacknall Film Collective offers space to explore a love of cinema in community. Watch and discuss movies and discover spiritual truths in unexpected places.

Join the Group

No screening captured that feeling better than a January 2024 gathering for “Origin,” Ava DuVernay's biographical film based on Isabel Wilkerson's nonfiction book about race, class, and gender, “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.” While the Film Collective was planning its screening, members at Blacknall ministry partner the Mt. Level Community Partnership for Racial Justice had read the book together and learned about the event. What began as organizing a small Film Collective evening grew until 30 people joined in the Fellowship Hall.

“That was an example of seeing how watching a movie together can hit on something important people want to deal with and discuss,” she said. “When we watch films, I want people to feel deeply moved to consider new issues or ideas.”

After three years, Lindsey is still excited to bring people together for a movie and explore the question of “Where is God in this?” Answers don’t just come from a film, but also in the room, in conversation with friends.