“Summer in the Forest” is a full-length feature film about our founder, Jean Vanier, and the L’Arche communities in Trosly, France and Bethlehem. It tells how two L'Arche communities, though quite different from those in the United Kingdom, share our common values.
It is a thought-provoking film, which invites viewers to reflect upon their own experience, and understanding, of people with learning disabilities. You may wish to watch the film as part of a group.
Scripture: Matthew 25:31-40 (The Judgment of the Nations)
Jesus said: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
“Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’”
Comments and Reviews
From the Vatican: “His Holiness Pope Francis wishes to affirm his warm support of all initiatives to foster and integrate at the heart of our societies the mentally disabled.”
Tim Shriver, Ph.D. leads the International Board of Directors of the Special Olympics: “This film represents the best of L’Arche and Jean Vanier. The people shown in this film, Jean, Michel, Patrick, Philippe, and Andre showcase the intricacies of humanity and the beauty of the human spirit. In particular, Jean’s story of how he accepted and included the people who society hid away and forgot reminds us all to live with open hearts and minds. It was a joy to watch and to get to know them.”
The Guardian (London) remarks: "Breathtakingly beautiful... the keynote is joy... It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. And it will remind you of what it really means to be strong"
You can purchase a digital copy of the film through iTunes. Unfortunately, UK copies of the DVD are unavailable. If you would like to arrange a private showing of Summer in the Forest, then please be in touch. Contact joe.revell@larche.org.uk or call us on 0161 438 2832 (or buy locally).
After viewing the film, some reflection questions
To encourage reflection and discussion, we have prepared some questions to consider.
In your opinion, what were the three most important 'teachable' moments in the film? What might they teach us?
What do you understand to be the film’s core message about people with learning disabilities, community, and the human condition? Do you agree with what the film appears to be saying?
At what point did you notice people with disabilities speaking for themselves? What did you hear?
At what point did you hear other people speaking for them? What did you hear?
Women are not well represented in the film. Why do you think that is, and how did that make you feel?
What inspired you?
What upset you, if anything, and why?
How does the film help you to understand the mind and heart of the founder of L’Arche, Jean Vanier?
What did you learn from the film that you did not already know?