Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2017) – The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California Baptist University kicked off its inaugural Social Cinema Series with the showing of the documentary “Sweet Dreams” on Sept. 13.

The new cinema series coincides with the launch of the college’s Master of Social Work program this fall. The aim of the series is to screen documentaries on issues related to social work or social problems said, Dr. Satara Armstrong, professor of social work and director of the master’s program.

Armstrong said the films will help bring various social issues alive and introduce students to innovative ways that social workers create change.

“Sometimes film or any type of art humanizes concepts and brings it to life. It ignites passions in people and awareness,” Armstrong said.

“Sweet Dreams” highlights the journey of women who lived through the devastation of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. A woman forms an all-female musical drumming group, open to women from both sides of the conflict. The musical group becomes a place to build new relationships and to heal the wounds of the past. The group also partners with two American entrepreneurs to open Rwanda's first ice cream shop, allowing the Rwandan women to embark on a journey of independence, peace and possibility.

The film highlights the intersection of social enterprise, social work and global justice—components that the MSW program emphasizes, Armstrong said. 

After the screening, students discussed the documentary with the filmmakers, Rob and Lisa Fruchtman, via Skype.

The film series is open to all College of Behavioral and Social Sciences graduate students.