From the CATHOLIC PICTORIAL 22 November 1992.
HOUSETOP VIDEO REVIEWS and launches are the easiest and also the most challenging of editorial assignments. If the product is worthy of praise, the review is effortless, if not then the script becomes an ardous task.
So if I announce that the launch of' 'I Have No Favourites', a video/book package released by the Religious Education Charity, Housetop, was a most pleasurable occasion to attend and that the review of the wares is effortless then you'll get the picture.
The award-winning package is an investigation of human prejudices, based on prosperity, race or gender. Ttechnically the video which is supplemented by the book is a truly outstanding and heart-warming use of modern day parables, finely woven with scripture and historical analysis.
'I Have No Favourites' exploits the full potential of the video age and more.
Specifically thc video comprises three half-hour programmes exposing inequalities and sexual injustices. Filmed in Java the 'parables' are both a reflection of that particular localitybut also the human race back to the ancient Christian communities.
The book applies nine chapters, three for each film, to assess the damages and the remedies for each episode. Designed as a teaching course the package should accomplish a positive re-assessment of the basics of Christianity.
Bishop John Rawsthorne was asked to officially launch the release at Christ's College last week and his opening speech struck a chord.
He drew an ironic parallel concerning the choice of Liverpool, a city he described as 'deeply racist', as the location for the premiere. Said the Bishop: "I applaud this release for three reasons. Firstly because it is adult. Secondly because it is anti-discrimination and thirdly because it is video."
Declaring that he was 'entranced' by the film, the Bishop gave the ultimate commendation by adding that he would very much like to join a study-group and enjoythe benefits of this presentation.
The aims of the research are neatly summed up by the author Fr John Wijngaards in the book's foreword: "We live in a world where people do not get equal chances. While some can spend a fortune on hi-fi stereo and luxury holidays, others struggle to pay for food, a house and decent clothes. Some of us are born black, immigrant, a member of a marginalised group. Doors will be closed in our faces because others do not trust us. If we do not belong to a certain class or race, we are written off as friends? and somethncs as human beings."
'I Have No Favourites' is highly recommended from these pages.
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In the UK, the Video Course is available from Housetop or from one of the St.Paul's Bookshops.
The entire course I Have No Favourites can be bought as one complete set. It includes the 90-minute video, a full course book of 208 pages and guide book for groups, and costs £ 29.99.
The three parts can also be bought separately: Investing in Value that Lasts, An End to High and Low and Respecting God's Image . Each includes a 30-minute video and short 64-page course book, and costs £ 9.99.
These prices include VAT.
To send your order, click here.
I HAVE NO FAVOURITES has been co-produced in the following languages and countries: Arabic (the Lebanon), Chinese (Taiwan), Danish, Dutch (Belgium and the Netherlands), English (Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, UK, USA), Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish (Central and South America, USA). Adaptations in other countries are in preparation.
For the addresses of our international distributors, click here.
