It’s July. It's Minnesota. It’s pretty hot out but people still want to gather, and perhaps make meaning of July 2026 as the U.S. turns 250 years old. You can help them cool off, engage, and grow in love by offering a thought-provoking film and discussion.
Four sites have already shared interest in welcoming their neighbors into their theater, sanctuary or other screening room this July to show one or more selections from the Better Together Film Festival this July.
Hosting a screening involves setting aside time to show the movie, helping people talk about it afterwards, and inviting folks to attend. MCC helps with promotion on our website, in our social media and newsletter, and (new this year) our Director of Civic Dialogue is on the film festival jury, screening all selections with Minnesota congregations in mind.
What should a Film Fest Host expect?
- Free license to show a juried film selection in which multiple audience members can find themselves in a main or featured character, and which models bridging behavior in some way.
- A set of slides to introduce the festival concept and mission.
- A discussion guide for large or small group discussion following the movie.
- A report at the end of the festival that helps you demonstrate your screening's impact on two key metrics - "affective polarization" and "bridging quotient" - seen as important for peace and democracy. Think of them as "love your enemy" and 'blessed are the peacemakers."
- Accompaniment by MCC staff throughout the process
- Support from MCC in promoting the film on our social media, News for the Common Good newsletter, and via press release.
- An experience that includes the length of the film (30-120 minutes depending on selection) plus 20-30 minutes of conversation and evaluation.
The specific film options licensed for display in your community room or congregation should be known in the first week of June. To connect with the festival, reach out to Rev. Morey at j.morey@mnchurches.org . It is helpful if you already have a July date/s and time/s in mind for your screening.