I would like to say that I do a lot of reading about the movies I see at Cinefest before I see them. Usually I have not. Wednesday evening I went to see Of Gods and Men, a French film because the 8 pm showing fit with my schedule.

The film tells the story of eight French Cisterian monks living in Algeria peacefully among the Muslim population and is based on a true story. I didn't know that it won Le Grand Prix at Cannes.

Of Gods and Men could be nominated for a foreign film Oscar and end up in wide distribution, but if not I suspect it will never play again in Sudbury, and because it is subtitled and slow moving, it may not make it to satellite TV.

It is a quiet film with a powerful message. I am a better person for seeing the film.

 Six bags of popcorn

Comments from Michael Swan

The book this movie is based upon was tremendous. About five years ago I became so absorbed in it that it took over a week of my life.

I haven't seen the movie, but I certainly intend to when I can. It was here for TIFF, but you have to be unemployed to find enough time to line up for films at TIFF.