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The adage, first written by Alexander Pope, goes: "To err is human, to forgive divine."
A new documentary, "The Power of Forgiveness," explores the virtues of forgiveness at a time when society seems more drawn to revenge or retaliation. The film, brought to Park City by filmmaker Martin Doblmeier, will be shown at Park City Community Church for three consecutive evenings, starting tomorrow. The screenings, which coincide with but are not part of the Sundance Film Festival, will be followed by interfaith discussions.
Doblmeier, who said he views himself "first as a student of faith and second as a filmmaker," traveled the globe to find a collection of stories. He visited Belfast, long plagued by sectarian tensions and violence, and Pennsylvania's Amish community after the October school shooting. He sat down with Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel and went to France to meet with Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist who was exiled from Vietnam. He also spent time with women who lost loved ones on Sept. 11, 2001, and discussed attempts to create a Garden of Forgiveness at Ground Zero.
While all faiths tout the virtues of forgiveness, Doblmeier said he set out to ask, "How do you translate what you believe into how you act in the world?"
Taking a break Wednesday from last-minute editing in Virginia, Doblmeier said that along the way he was struck by the importance of self-forgiveness. He also learned, with the help of researchers featured in the film, that letting go of grudges does more for the forgiver than it does for the forgiven.
During the 2003 Sundance Film Festival, Doblmeier conducted similar church screenings of his film "Bonhoeffer," the story of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who had plotted to assassinate Adolf Hitler. The success of those screenings, and the relationships he forged with Park City's interfaith community, prompted his decision to return.
"The Power of Forgiveness," intended for use on public television, is expected to air later this year.
Screenings of "The Power of Forgiveness," a new documentary by Martin Doblmeier, followed by interfaith discussions. All events held at Park City Community Church, 4501 N. Highway 224, Park City. Suggested $10 donation.
* Sunday, 7 p.m.: Discussion moderators: Martin Doblmeier; the Rev. Bob Bussen of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Park City; Rabbi Joshua Aaronson of Temple Har Shalom, Park City
* Monday, 7 p.m.: Discussion moderators: Martin Doblmeier; the Rev. Jeff Louden of Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, Park City; Tina Kohfield, caseworker at Peace House, Inc., a Park City shelter for battered women
* Tuesday, 7 p.m.: Discussion moderators: Martin Doblmeier; the Rev. Bob Kaylor of Park City Community Church, Park City; Jeff Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' representative to the Park City Interfaith Council
* For more information: about "The Power of Forgiveness," visit http://www.journeyfilms.com.