You don”™t have to be religious to get into the spirit. That”™s the concept behind “Movies with Spirit,” started in 2006 by Gerry Harrington, who wanted to bring spirituality ”“ without being “religious” ”“ to the Hudson Valley community at large.
Harrington, who changed the name of his Kingston-based public relations firm from Harrington Associates to New Spirituality Communications, said the reason for the switch was simple: “It is a bold move to change your business name. I want to focus on the spiritual marketplace, not just public relations, but marketing as well for people who want to reach others that have a spiritual sensibility. I was happily surprised to receive inquiries as a result of the change.”
A steering committee comprised of Harrington and one representative of four different religious affiliations–Â Ulster County Religious Council, an interfaith group; the Kingston Area Council of Churches; Ministers Alliance of Ulster County; and the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association of Dutchess County ”“ help choose the films in the “Movies with Spirit” lineup. While they are shown in local houses of worship ”“ from synagogues to mosques ”“ the films themselves are not promoting religion, nor do they intend to steer people toward any particular religious group. The goal, says Harrington, is “to bring people together, no matter what they believe in, to find a common human thread through the movie.
“We look for the more critically rated spiritual films around,” he said. “There is a whole new genre of filmmaking called spiritual cinema … from ”˜Life is Beautiful”™ with Roberto Benigni to ”˜It”™s a Wonderful Life”™ with Jimmy Stewart, you don”™t have to be religious to enjoy these works of cinematic art.” Movies that give people a sense of hope and inspire faith in fellow human beings are the goals Harrington strives to impart to the audience.
“Movies with Spirit” is truly a moveable feast, making its way to different houses of worship throughout Ulster County every third Saturday of the month. “The showing is free; we do ask for a $5 donation ”“ sometimes, we”™ll find a $20 bill thrown into the donation basket. And there is coffee and discussion after the movie,” said Harrington. “Houses of worship provide a safe place to go and enjoy a show.”Â
Harrington said people come from all over the Hudson Valley from as far south as Rockland County and he hopes eventually to expand beyond Ulster County when it is economically viable.
Harrington has been the financial mover and shaker behind “Movies with Spirit” since starting it. It is now in its third season and has a lineup of films for 2009, ranging from “Wings of Desire” from Germany, a story about angels who watch over the people of  Berlin,  to “Tomorrow is Today,” a story of love, loss and survival of the spirit, which Harrington  obtained from its director, Frederick Lumiere. Others come from movie rentals outlets, others are bought. But no matter where they originate from, Harrington pays a fee to a division the Motion Picture Licensing Corporation in order to show the films publicly. He is currently raising money to buy a new LCD projector, which costs about $1,100. “We were very fortunate that Stewart Shops contributed $500 toward our new projector,” said Harrington. “It”™s helped us reach half our goal, and we”™re very grateful for that.”
Harrington will be traveling to Pretoria, South Africa, in April  with  members of Humanity”™s Team to recognize Anglican Archbishop and Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu for his spiritual leadership in the nonviolent end to apartheid. “Humanity”™s Team is a wonderful international group that strives to build alliances based on hope and the spirit of good within all of us,” said Harrington. Tutu will receive Humanity”™s Team a Spiritual Leadership Award.
A good movie, some good conversation and some light refreshments offered after the show can do wonders for the body, body and spirit: “All taking place in a nonjudgmental atmosphere where you can make a connection, find a commonality while following your own personal spiritual path,” said Harrington. “People can talk about the common bonds we share with each other.
“No matter what race, color, creed or religion, we all share common joys and sorrows.”
To learn more about “Movies with Spirit” and where you can catch the next spirit-filled film, contact Gerry Harrington at harrington@humanitysteam.org. Whatever path a person chooses is their prerogative, said Harrington.  “Movies with Spirit” is designed to illuminate the positive paths.”
