"A Man Named Pearl" Oct. 17 at Hillside Church
This month we are having a Special Movie Night on Saturday, October 17 at 7:00. The film is a 2006 documentary titled "A Man Named Pearl." Read the following review written by Annette Bailey, a friend from the San Francisco Swedenborgian Church:
"One of the joys of Netflix is the extensive library offering diverse videos one might not otherwise see. A couple days ago, I stumbled across a 2006 documentary entitled 'A Man Named Pearl.'
I watched it 4 times over (the first two times back to back) before passing it on to a friend! I laughed and cried and clapped my hands through out. This film leaves the viewer with a flowing love for the neighbor and community. It demonstrates how we lay people can minister to one another by the manner with which we live our lives and by how we use our individual gifts. It also questions what constitutes success. That success isn't always career related.
The film is about Pearl Fryar, a 66 year old black man in Bishopville, South Carolina. Bishopville is a small Southern town in Lee County, the poorest county in South Carolina. Pearl worked in a soda can factory for 36 years. However, in his spare time he cultivated a fantastic garden that today has made Bishopville a tourist destination.
In the late 70s Pearl looked to buy a house in Bishopville and was discouraged by the then townfolk. They said that by his being black he would not keep up his yard. He ended up buying a house just outside the town limits. It was the first time he owned land. Fast forward to today and he has cultivated such an incredible garden that tourists and professional horticulturists come from around the world to see it. What's more, he started with plants he rescued from the trash pile of a local nursery (with their permission). (I won't describe his garden. You just have to see it for yourself. The film was shot in high definition to capture the beauty of the plants.)
Now it would seem this might be a typical story about race relations and someone disproving a negative stereotype. But it's not. It's a film about a man who ministers to his neighbors and his community. Pearl says that in the beginning that he set out to create a feeling, rather than just a pretty garden. Pearl is a spiritual person and his relationship with God shines throughout the film. His garden fulfills a spiritual calling.
If you haven't seen it, I recommend renting it. It will leave you with a warm glow about the human condition. There is sage wisdom throughout the film. It's also funny. The director of the local chamber of commerce is hilarious! "
Do come see this movie! It's free, the popcorn is free, and childcare will be provided (please RSVP so the babysitter is prepared). Please bring a donation for the Contra Costa County Food Bank.
Hillside Community Church
1422 Navellier Street
El Cerrito CA 94530
510-235-3646
www.hillsideswedenborg.org
Run dates: 2009-10-11 - 2009-10-17 |
