Cinema Divina
Guided Film Screenings to Calm and Nourish Hearts and Minds
A 2-Part Webinar Series
Presenter
M Freeman
Dates
January 14 & 21, 2026
Time
Duration
3 hours (total)
Webinar will be recorded.
Cinema Divina is the creative, contemplative practice of media artist and writer M Freeman. M re-imagines the ancient ritual of sacred reading or lectio divina in today’s audiovisual vernacular as Cinema Divina—a contemplative screening process designed to increase access to one’s deeper wisdom, healing, and peace.
This webinar offers an inspiring blend of relaxation and spiritual imagination in a two-part program of contemplative film screenings hosted by M Freeman–filmmaker, writer, spiritual director, and creator of Cinema Divina–an ongoing series of genre-fluid short films (poetic, essayistic, autobiographic) created through and for contemplative practice.
In each of our two sessions, M reimagines the ancient prayer method lectio divina, as a sacred film screening practice, guiding participants through four increasingly revelatory viewings, ritually inviting your heart’s desires…inspiration, space, insight…maybe you simply need rest. Or an extended moment in connection with a community of spiritual care givers. Whatever you are seeking, know you will find yourself among kindred spirits.
“Lately, when it comes to the news it’s not that I look away, I don’t. But I do soften my gaze and try to notice my inner stance. What’s happening in my heart? How is Love moving in my life? Every day I find myself reflecting on a line I love by Evelyn Underhill, ‘Mysticism is union with Reality.’ Without calling it out or footnoting, she writes it that way, Reality, with a capital ‘R’. She leaves its meaning up to us.”
- Participants from all religious traditions and spiritual orientations are welcome to this webinar series.
- No experience is required to attend.
- Each session runs 90 minutes.
- All sessions will be recorded and be viewable until January 28, 2026.
Film Outline
Notes to Self (and for whomever this may concern) On Slowing Down | 04:00 | 2024 | M Freeman | USA
An elixir for personal peacework in these cruel times, Notes to Self (and for whomever this may concern) On Slowing Down is a diaristic rumination on the desire to live more consciously and the need to reduce stress.
Joy | 06:00 | 2025 | M Freeman | USA
Meditative and autobiographic, Joy is a lyrical essay film on the unexpected nature of bliss.
About Both Films
Joy and Notes to Self (and for whomever this may concern) On Slowing Down are selections from Cinema Divina, M. Freeman’s ongoing series of genre-fluid short films (poetic, essayistic, autobiographic, experimental) created through and for contemplative practice.
When
The webinar series will run 2 consecutive Wednesdays: January 14 & 21, 2026: 10 AM Seattle/Los Angeles. Find your own local time here.
But if that timing doesn’t work, you can enjoy the webinar any time you like.
Each session is recorded so you can watch at your convenience. Due to the nature of this unique offering, via use of the intellectual property of the presenter (original films), the recordings will only be available until 7 days after the conclusion of this series (January 28, 2026).
Presenter
M Freeman
From our 2024 Creative Arts webinar, we are thrilled to welcome back filmmaker, writer, and spiritual director M Freeman (they/them). M works at the intersections of reckoning and resiliency, queerness and film, and contemplative, creative and social–art practices. Author of The Illuminated Space: A Personal Theory and Contemplative Practice of Media Art (The 3rd Thing, 2020 and winner of the Nautilus Book Award Gold Medal for Creativity & Innovation), they are creator of Cinema Divina and Contemplative Rest. Freeman’s work has been published in/at Fourth Genre, Ninth Letter, TriQuarterly, Blackbird, Rolling Stone, Abbey of the Arts, and their films featured on PBS, in galleries, theaters, spirituality centers, and festivals worldwide. marilynfreeman.com.
Additional Information
- Everyone is invited to participate in SDI Webinars.
- Each session will run 90 minutes. We understand that the timing of the seminar will not be convenient in every time zone on the planet. For those who have trouble making this time, a recorded copy of each session will be made available to all those who sign up.
- CEU credits are available for all those who participate. SDI will provide a certificate of completion for self-reporting to agencies. More information can be found here: continuing education units (CEUs).
- Cost: $39 or less for SDI members. Non-members please contact [email protected] for your pricing
- Scholarships are available for those facing financial hardship. Please apply here.
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