Category Archives: -Movies and politics

Adelson and Ross: Yin Yang of US Politics

Posted on January 8, 2012 by wallwritings

by James M. Wall What unites Sheldon Adelson and Dennis Ross? And why did both show up at the same time in the weekend news in two different locations? Here is how it came down: Casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson gave $5 … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in -Movies and politics, Media, Middle East, Middle East Politics, Television | 12 Comments

A Teachable Moment: Linking AVATAR To Gaza and Af-Pak

Posted on January 3, 2010 by wallwritings

by James M. Wall At a special morning New Year’s Eve screening in Hawaii, President Obama took his family to the mall to see the new 3-D movie, Avatar. Whose idea was that? Did the leader of the Free World realize … Continue reading →

Posted in -Movies and politics | 13 Comments

Leipzig 10/9/89: The Day Prayers and Candles Ended an Occupation

Posted on October 11, 2009 by wallwritings

By James M. Wall Twenty years ago, October 9, 1989, East German citizens marched to a prayer service at Leipzig’s St. Nicholas (Lutheran) Church. In a ritual they had repeated many nights before, they marched  to the church holding lighted … Continue reading →

Posted in -Movies and politics, -Movies and Religion, Middle East Politics | 4 Comments

At the Montreal World Film Festival: A 24-Hour “Ceasefire” in Fallajuh

Posted on September 2, 2009 by wallwritings

(Tuesday Update: Ceasefire was honored with the Ecumenical Jury prize as the best competition film in the Montreal World Festival at ceremonies, Monday, September 7.   The prize was presented to Director Lancelot von Naso by Jury chair Julia Laggner, … Continue reading →

Posted in -Movies and politics, Movies | 4 Comments

After 31 Years Jack Shaheen Still Helps Us See “Reel Bad Arabs”

Posted on July 17, 2009 by wallwritings

By James M. Wall My first encounter with Jack G. Shaheen came in the summer of 1978. He was a professor of communications at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. I was the editor of the Christian Century magazine in Chicago, Illinois. … Continue reading →

Posted in -Movies and politics, Middle East, Middle East Politics, Movies | 4 Comments

Ron Holloway Finds “Political Movies” at the 2009 Berlin Festival

Posted on March 20, 2009 by wallwritings

By James M. Wall Ron Holloway was one of my earliest mentors in relating film to religion.  We met during the 1960s, the peak era for art movies when European imports were arriving in the US from directors like Ingmar … Continue reading →

Posted in -Movies and politics, -Movies and Religion, Movies | 1 Comment

In “Waltz With Bashir” Art Connects Gaza to Sabra and Shatila

Posted on January 25, 2009 by wallwritings

  by James M. Wall             Waltz With Bashir, an animated documentary film by Israeli Director Ari Folman, arrived in U.S. theaters during the recent Israeli invasion of Gaza.  During the invasion, Gary Kamiya wrote … Continue reading →

Posted in -Movies and politics, Middle East Politics, Movies | Leave a comment

The Best Film Ever Made About Politics

Posted on August 15, 2008 by wallwritings

John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart in a John Ford political film by James M. Wall Critics and scholars may differ, but what do they know.  With two national nominating conventions looming, it is time to single out the best film … Continue reading →

Posted in -Archive 2008, -Movies and politics, Movies, Politics and Elections | 3 Comments

Primary Colors

Posted on April 25, 2008 by wallwritings

The following post is a revised and updated version of a Christian Century column magazine which was initially published January 29, 2008.   by James M. Wall . . .Movies can be revealing of the character of  presidential candidates.  Some … Continue reading →

Posted in -Archive 2008, -Movies and politics, Movies, Politics and Elections | Leave a comment