To spread holiday joy early this year, a special presentation of "Joyeux Noël" will be shown at 3 p.m. Sunday in Oklahoma City University's Kerr-McGee Auditorium, N.W. 27th Street and N. McKinley Avenue.
The 2005 Academy Award nominee is inspired by the true story of the events that took place on Christmas Eve in 1914. In the midst of the death and destruction of World War I, the story states that on Dec. 24 that year, the unthinkable happened: Rifles were left at the bottom of the trenches as the two sides came together to shake hands, exchange a cigarette and a piece of chocolate, and wish everyone a merry Christmas.
"The movie tells a remarkable story of conscience and courage," said Barbara Hester, the organizer of the event. "Many people know the story, but this is the chance to see the movie played out. It personally gives me a sense of hope for peace."
GENESIS
Writer/director Christian Carion came up with the idea to make the movie after coming across a passage entitled "The Incredible Winter of 1914" in the book "Battles of Flanders and Artois 1914-1918." Diane Kruger of "National Treasure" and "Troy" is among the film's stars.
Guests are encouraged to stay after the movie to have an open discussion about what the story means to them. The event is co-sponsored by 21 community and state groups, presented free of charge as a gift to the community.
For more information, visit their site. "Lauren Parajon
