I wanted to clear up some confusion about the Paths to Peace Film Series, which has brought interesting documentaries and peace/ justice-related film showings to our community the past four years. These public viewings are free educational opportunities offered cooperatively by Paths to Peace and District 241 Community Education. No registration is needed to attend. Folks can just show up, watch a film and stay for a discussion afterward if they wish.

The next film in the series is “The Dhamma Brothers,” an award-winning 2007 documentary following 36 felons at a maximum security Alabama penitentiary as they go through a challenging 10-day meditative retreat rooted in Buddhist teachings. During this intense retreat, the inmates must confront their crimes, inner conflicts and dark memories. The film poses many important questions: What is the true purpose of prisons? How does one find purpose and meaning in a life with incredibly limited physical freedom? And what do we owe those who have violated our most serious social codes and laws?

“The Dhamma Brothers” shows Monday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m. in Lecture Hall 124 on Riverland’s Albert Lea campus.

Jeremy Corey-Gruenes

Albert Lea