Prisoners See "Passion" Movie

Whatever the controversies surrounding the film, Mel Gibson’s movie, The Passion of The Christ, succeeded in presenting the story of Jesus to a vast number of people throughout the world. And now PF Peru is using it to do the same in prisons. PF Peru recently arranged for a special screening of the film in the Santa Monica Women’s Prison. Seven hundred of the 800 inmates came to the showings. “The prisoners developed such interest that they themselves were the ones that insisted to their fellow inmates that they should come and see the movie with them,” explains PF Peru volunteer Pauline De Ferrero.
Inmates were encouraged to come to the Chapel prior to the movie showings for lectures about the film’s content. The film was shown in the prison’s auditorium using a rented projector, a big screen, and speakers. Not prepared for the strong turnout among the prisoners, only 2 guards were available for each night’s screening, yet the prisoners were quiet and well behaved throughout. “When the film presentation was over, most of them decided to leave in silence and came to express their appreciation for the opportunity,” said Pauline. Following the film screenings, PF Peru volunteers set up small group meetings to allow the prisoners to ask questions about what they’d seen. Later, they began a discussion series on the Resurrection of Jesus.
PF volunteers say the prisoners continue to make reference to the movie. Pauline recalls one prisoner who had often vehemently argued that she could never forgive the wrongs that had been done to her. Shortly after seeing the movie, the woman stood up among the other prisoners urging them to forgive their enemies, saying she had learned from Jesus how to forgive and be at peace. “She almost begged them to be able to forgive,” said Pauline.
Another inmate said the film gave her “a totally different perspective.” Calling selfishness the “terrible origin of all evil,” the woman turned from pre-occupation with herself to help her fellow inmates. PF Colombia has also shown the film in the Bellavista Prison. It has caused a tremendous impact, to the point that the chapel is now overcrowded,” says PF Colombia Board Chairperson Lacides Hernandez.

For more information:
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