Meet God at the Movies

Meet God at the Movies will discuss the 2020 American drama film based on the 1982 play of the same name by August Wilson for its exploration at 6:30pm this Monday, July 18.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom takes place in 1927 and fictionalizes the real-life singer Ma Rainey, known as the Mother of the Blues, whose career spanned from 1899 to 1933. The play takes place over the course of one day in a Chicago recording studio, in which Ma Rainey and her band are laying tracks for a new album.

The movie comments on the exploitation of black artistry during the 1920s, as the blues became popular in mainstream society. The movie shows the buildup of anger and frustration during the era of segregation and legal discrimination, and the ways in which a racist culture uses the talent of the oppressed while continuing to oppress them.

The Saint Philip’s movie discussion group gathers on the third Monday of every month via Zoom to explore a film generally, and then plumbs it for theological content in the area of creation (what is the world of the story like); what is broken/where is sin; is there a moment of turnaround, repentance; and where is redemption or the reign of God visible.

All are welcome to join the discussions, but registration is required. You can register here.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom can be streamed on Netflix. More about the movie from Wikipedia here.