By Mabel Pais

MISSION: JOY – Finding Happiness in Troubled Times

DIRS: Louie Psihoyos & Peggy Callahan l USA l 2021 l Eng l Doc l 1h 30m l NR

OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2021 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

“Humor is a prelude to faith, and laughter is the beginning of prayer.”- Reinhold Niebuhr, American theologian

“MISSON: JOY – FINDING HAPPINESS IN TROUBLED TIMES” is an exploration of the remarkable friendship between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Academy Award®-winning director Louie Psihoyos teams up with co-director Peggy Callahan on “MISSION: JOY – FINDING HAPPINESS IN TROUBLED TIMES,” a documentary with unprecedented access to the unlikely friendship of two international icons who transcend religion: His Holiness the Dalai Lama & Archbishop Tutu. In their final joint mission, these self-described mischievous brothers give a master class in how to create joy in a world that was never easy for them. They offer neuroscience-backed wisdom to help each of us live with more joy, despite circumstances. MISSION: JOY is an antidote for the times.

Watch the film at utahfilmcenter.org

PRAY AWAY

DIR: Kristine Stolakis l 2020 | USA | 1h 41m

OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2020 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

In “PRAY AWAY,” by Kristine Stolakis, former leaders of the “pray the gay away” movement contend with the aftermath unleashed by their actions. Focusing on the dramatic journeys of former conversion therapy leaders, current members, and a survivor, PRAY AWAY chronicles the “ex gay” movement’s rise to power, persistent influence, and the profound harm it causes.

View the trailer: youtu.be/tk_CqGVfxEs

To learn more, visit prayawayfilm.com;

Facebook: PrayAwayFilm;

Instagram: PrayAwayFilm;

Twitter: PrayAwayFilm.

“PRAY AWAY” opens in theaters on Friday July 30 in New York City at the IFC Center with Q/A following screenings on July 30 and 31. The new acclaimed Netflix Original Documentary PRAY AWAY debuts globally August 3rd on Netflix.

(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness)