C.S. Lewis Fest is much more than a ‘Myth’

PRESS RELEASE: The Petoskey area is gearing up for its fourth annual month-long festival honoring the life and works of author C.S. Lewis.

Activities begin with the kickoff weekend Oct. 26-29, when community groups and guest scholars will explore “Myth, Imagination and Faith: A Spiritual Journey Through Literature.” That is the title of a forthcoming documentary on authors Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. The film is co-produced by Petoskey filmmaker David Crouse and award-winning director Chip Duncan of Milwaukee, co-creators of the 2002 PBS documentary, “The Magic Never Ends: The Life and Work of C. S. Lewis.”

“Myth” features interviews with an international cast of scholars including Reza Aslan of Santa Barbara, Calif., author and scholar of comparative religions; and Dr. Christopher Mitchell, director of the Wade Center at Wheaton College. Both will take part in a screening of rough edits and a panel discussion with the film’s co-producers on Friday evening, Oct. 27, at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey.

The kick-off weekend also will feature a day-long seminar Oct. 28 entitled “Windows to Other Worlds: C. S. Lewis on Imagination and Literature,” also at North Central Michigan College.

Designed for educators, administrators, students and lifelong learners, the seminar features scholars Peter Schakel of Hope College and Leland Ryken of Wheaton College. Half-day registrations are available.

Other Lewis-related events throughout November include musical performances, community arts and library programs, school reading events, discussion groups and the annual children’s performance of “Narnia: The Musical” Nov. 3-5.

Some events are free and open to the public, while others require registration or tickets.

For more information, visit www.cslewisfestival.org or call 347-5550.