Prodigal Sons: A Film Screening, Discussion and Celebration

Plymouth Congregational Church will host a public screening and discussion of a relatively new documentary film called “Prodigal Sons” written and produced by Helena native, Kim Reed, September 25 and 26. It is a personal story of Kim’s family, their relationships with one another and the challenges that complicate their lives. The film illumines several themes including: Sexual Identity; Mental Illness; Family Dynamics (with regard to questions of nature and nurture); and the philosophical and theological basis for relational Forgiveness and Reconciliation, all of which can be better understood when considered in the context of the humanities. After the screening there will be four breakout sessions, each facilitated by trained and accomplished counselors, clergy and scholars. The event concludes with remarks by Kim Reed and a “lavish” meal in recognition of the feast described in the original parable.

This project is directed by Jennifer Thompson and is supported in part by a grant from Humanities Montana. Three weeks before the event, Humanities Montana caught up with Jennifer for the following brief interview:

Humanities Montana: Why hold the screening and break-out sessions at the Plymouth Congregational Church, rather than, say, a theatre?

Jennifer Thompson: I really like the idea of holding the screening, discussion and celebration of "Prodigal Sons" at the church for several reasons. The title of the film recalls the well-known prodigal of an errant son returning to his home, a Biblical tale most likely first related to the author of the film and her brothers at Plymouth Congregational Church (United Church of Christ), the family's home church. The returning "prodigal" is indeed coming home. The church is equipped to not only seat 250 people, it can also provide space for safe, quiet reflection and discussion. And, as is our custom, we can accommodate and feed more than hundred, as well as sincerely embrace the joys of family reconciliation.

Humanities Montana: What inspired you to make this event more than just a traditional film screening and Q&A? Where did the idea for the events on Saturday and Sunday (break-out sessions, luncheon, etc.) come from?

Jennifer Thompson: I attended the Missoula showing of "Prodigal Sons" in January 2009, part of the Rocky Mountain Film Festival. Luckily, a good friend of the film producer's family drove me to and from, because when I left Missoula, my head was full of questions. As a captive passenger in the car (maybe the driver was the captive?), I could talk about it for hours, and have the satisfaction of some answers. It occurred to me then that when the film played in Helena, we should make provision to be able to talk about it, to encourage a wide public audience to look at it and be influenced by it, and that we should be able to celebrate in some way our families and the great power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Later, however, as plans for the event began to congeal, a church benefactor reminded me that this important weekend does not end on September 27th. It is really just the beginning of many efforts to reach out and minister to the needs of those challenged by mental illness, or sexual identity, or family secrets, or simply those who find it difficult to talk about these things. Humanities Montana will make it possible for us to not only provide a provocative weekend, it will remind us that our obligation is just beginning.

Humanities Montana: Clearly since Kim Reed is from Montana, it makes sense to hold the event in her hometown of Helena. But do you think the issues raised by the film—sexual identify, mental illness, the power of family, forgiveness and reconciliation—have any special resonance in Montana? Do Montana communities struggle with these issues differently than other places?

Jennifer Thompson: The three boys represented in the film grew up and attended school in Helena. Their parents, a physician and a classroom teacher, lived in a big Victorian house, a few blocks away from the state Capitol Building. While the story just happens to be connected to Helena, the challenges presented can be found everywhere, anywhere. They are stories of our neighbors, friends, or people we don't know well. It must take tremendous courage to say, "I'm not happy with my sexual identity, mom and dad, and I want to change." It also takes courage to say, "No matter what, I accept your choice and I love you." In every neighborhood there are behaviors that are questionable or different. Talking about it opens the door to public understanding. The Humanities can help unravel the layers of complicated emotions mixed with studied analysis, provide safe discussion and unbiased information, and encourage reasoned comment and direction.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 25 — 7:00pm — Film Screening, Q&A, Reception

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26 — 9:00am - 11:00am — Four concurrent, facilitated breakout sessions (Sexual Identity, Mental Illness, The Power of Family, Forgiveness & Reconciliation)

SUNDAY, SEPT. 27 — Sermon meditation by Kim Reed, followed by lunch

All events take place at the Plymouth Congregational Church - United Church of Christ, in Helena

"Prodigal Sons" is a film written and produced by Kim Reed, a Helena native who now resides in New York City. She made the film to tell a story about her family, which many might define as "dysfunctional". It is a 110 minute documentary that is fascinating and difficult all in one; it is well-served with discussion and investigation.

The family featured in the film lived and worked not far from Plymouth Congregational Church, the place they attended and where the mother continues to worship. The family consisted of 3 boys, the first adopted, the other two biological offspring. The oldest, Mark, showed early signs of emotional problems and by the time he was 25 was involved in a major automobile accident that left him with significant brain injuries. The middle son, Paul, was a star quarterback for his high school football team, straight A student, and extremely popular among his fellow classmates. After high school he went to Berkley to learn to be a film maker. The third child, Todd, was also very bright and a successful student who became an architect and lives in San Francisco.

As the years passed, the boys did not return to Helena, though their loving parents kept in touch. A few years ago, the beloved family partriarch died, and the children returned for the service. Mark, still suffering from emotional distress and brain trauma, came with his wife and child. In the years before his father's death he had struggled to find his birth family and to learn about why he was the way he was. The whole family learned together that Mark is the grandson of Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth, both of whom suffered from mental illnesses.

The middle child returned a transgendered woman, exhibiting great courage as she reintroduced herself to old friends. She is the producer of the film, and her name is Kim. The third son is gay. The tragedy and mystery of the documentary focuses on the mother, a southern woman by birth, who kept many of these family secrets from her husband and from her friends for years. The documentary abounds with heart-rendering accounts of mistrust, betrayal, and searches for reconciliation particularly between Mark, who has discovered his family of origin and his sister, Kim, who also found a new identity.