A Free and Public Screening of the Newest Documentary on Thomas Merton, the Catholic Spiritual Giant of the 20th Century
Thursday, January 15, 2009
7:30 p.m.
The Center invites you to an open screening of Soul Searching: The Journey of Thomas Merton. Producer Morgan Atkinson will attend the screening and talk about his new documentary on Thomas Merton. "Thomas Merton," Atkinson writes, "Trappist monk, believing beatnik, brilliant author of books, essays and poetry, all rooted in his lifelong search for meaning. He is one of the most authentic and enduring voices of the 20th century, a man who truly lived the search he writes about." Award-winning producer Morgan Atkinson spent years researching Merton’s work, as well as interviewing Merton friends, scholars and authorities on the spiritual life. Atkinson’s cameras reveal life at the Abbey of Gethsemani, Merton’s home of 27 years, as well as Merton’s path in New York City, Redwoods Monastery (California) and Christ in the Desert Monastery (New Mexico). The picture that emerges from Atkinson’s study provides provocative insights into the interior landscape of one of the spiritual giants of modern times while capturing the haunting physical beauty of the geography that both nurtured and shaped Merton.
Learn more about this documentary online at morganatkinson.com.
Location
Conrad Hilton Center for Business, 100
Loyola Marymount University (Main Campus)
1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045
View Maps & Directions 
Parking on Campus |
Admission
Suggested donation at the door: $10.00 |
ABOUT THE FILMMAKER
Morgan Atkinson has worked as a communications professional since 1975. In 1985, he established his own video production company, Duckworks, Inc., and continues to produce both independent and commercial work through this outlet. A lifelong resident of Louisville, KY, Atkinson writes, shoots and produces programs that examine issues of community and culture. His most recent projects include a documentary on the world-renowned Abbey of Gethsemani, soon to be aired on public television, and an introductory video for Glassworks, the premier art-glass facility in the region. He is currently working on documentaries about rock musician Tim Krekel in addition to a portrait of the community of Louisville as it goes through its first year of merged government. Atkinson’s work has been featured on KET (Kentucky’s PBS affiliate), in the Louisville Film & Video Festival and the National Educational Film & Video Festival. His award-winning documentaries include A Way of Life, a reflection on Kentucky’s passion for basketball, Falls City, a wry look at Louisville’s ill-fated Falls Fountain, and A Change in Order, an account of the societal changes that face the Ursuline Sisters in Louisville.