Storytelling is an ancient form of teaching, and film is a modern take this on this powerful, age-old tool. These are some of our favourite films that open windows onto community. Pop some corn, invite a friend, and enjoy these selections.
Genre: Drama | Reviewer: Paul Born
This Walt Disney film is based on a true story of a struggle that occurred in 1971 in Virginia when the school board replaced the long-time Caucasian football coach with an African American. It is a story about community, integration, and the power of change.
Genre: Drama | Reviewer: Paul Born
This powerful film is based on a true story of community and inclusion in a small town where conformity is standard practice and high school football is serious business. The town becomes transformed by a young boy, Radio, whose differences teach the inhabitants the mutual wonder of acceptance.
Genre: Family | Reviewer: Louise Kearney
A beautiful story about a Maori girl who discovers that her community needs her. All the signs tell her that she must be her tribe's next chief, the only problem is that the chief must be a man.
Genre: Family | Reviewer: Laura Zikovic
A fun story that reminds us what we stand to lose if we don't venture out into our communities. This is a tale of love, adventure, support, and growth for kids of all ages.
Genre: Family | Reviewer: Paul Born
This is a story about ending loneliness by connecting with family and community, in which a stray dog changes the life of a girl and she, in turn, changes her community.
Genre: Family | Reviewer: Sylvia Cheuy
From overcoming feelings of abandonment to cooperating on a near impossible plan, the Toy Story toys offer great, human lessons in the value of friendship and community.
Genre: Documentary | Reviewer: Nola Poirier
From his communal lifestyle, to his work with children's camps, to his fundraising work for the eye care charity SEVA, Wavy Gravy truly does 'put his good where it does the most work.' The story of Wavy and his 'family' shows the power of community to affect those that are part of it...
Genre: Documentary | Reviewer: Nola Poirier
The story of the formation of and participation in this 200-piece amateur orchestra in the heart of Kinshasa provides a riveting account of finding community in challenging times.
Genre: Drama/Comedy | Reviewer: Mark Cabaj
A funny and uplifting film about the sacrifices that may be required to mobilize a community, and about the great gains that most often follow.
Genre: Drama | Reviewer: Laura Antal
Here is a story, and an idea, sure to inspire collective altruism in all viewers. Instead of asking us to pay favours back, it calls on us to pay them forward.
Genre: Drama/Comedy | Reviewer: Louise Kearney
A celebration of the humourous, as well as challenging, sides of family, community and culture, all brought to a head around a big fat Greek wedding.
Genre: Drama/Comedy | Reviewer: Paul Born
A funny, heartwarming story about love, friendship, and togetherness, in all kinds of traditional and modern forms. Love serves as a spark of hope for a better world, and an inspiration to reach out to others to make this happen.
Genre: Drama/Comedy | Reviewer: Helen Walsh
This film reminds us that community starts with family, and that family includes friends we hold close to our hearts.
Genre: Drama | Reviewer: Janet Dunnett
This film, based on true events, is about working for the greater good through community collaboration.
When a father loses his 21 year old son in an IRA bomb blast, he becomes a catalyzing force in the Omagh Support Group. An organization that forms, seeking to not only help each other recover from grief...
