Bridges to Community: The Imam and the Pastor
25 May 2007
A Free Film Screening and Community Forum
Here is your opportunity to come out for a free community presentation of the internationally recognized documentary, “The Imam and the Pastor.” In 40 minutes, you will be entrenched in a film which depicts the harsh reality of the sectarian violence between Muslims and Christians of central Nigeria during the 1990s, and two leaders quest to end the violence.
Presented by the Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee, in partnership with Initiatives of Change, the film starts:
Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2007 Time: Doors open: 6:30 pm
Film starts: 7:00 pmLocation: Richmond Council Chambers
6911 No. 3 RoadDetails: Doors will open at 6:30 pm, followed by the Mayor’s welcome and film screening at 7:00 pm The evening will conclude with an informal discussion and refreshments at the Heron Café from 8:30 – 9:30 pm
The film documents how leaders of both the Muslims and Christians came to realize, after the unnecessary loss of thousands of innocent lives, that the conflict was needless. They made a mark in history through reconciliation and working together to serve their country. It is both a story of forgiveness and a case study of grass-root initiatives to rebuild communities torn apart by conflict.
“This film shows us how lucky we are to live in Richmond and in Canada,” says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Having said that, we should never be complacent with our status. Being aware of the strife and fighting occurring in so many other nations allows us all to see how fortunate we are, and how free we are to make positive contributions to this world.”
“The film illustrates the dynamics of personal forgiveness and shows that it is possible for the perpetrators of inter-cultural and religious violence to become instigators of peace,” says Shawkat Hasan, Chair of the Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee. “People from anywhere around the world, including Richmond, can learn from that experience in Nigeria.”
Following the film, there will be an informal discussion about how the lessons learned might contribute to Richmond’s intercultural vision of being “the most welcoming, inclusive and harmonious community in Canada.”
For further information on the film screening and community forum, please visit www.ca.iofc.org or call:
Lesley Sherlock
Social Planner
Phone: 604-276-4220
