Sanctuary United Church of Christ and Hillside Community Church present an outdoor (Hillside backyard) and virtual screening and discussion of the film “13th.” Filmmaker Ava DuVernay explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation’s prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans.

There will be physical space for the outdoor film showing for 24 “family groups,” which can range from 1 to 4 people and will be allotted a 6-by-6-foot space. Face masks are required. Bring your own chairs (preferably beach/low chairs so people behind you can see), blankets, snacks, and drinks. The church will only be open for the restroom.

There also will be a gathering time on Zoom — access to Netflix or Amazon will be needed to watch the film at home — and a return to Zoom for breakout conversations to happen concurrently with conversations happening in the outdoor space. Crystal Chandler, co-founder of Mobilize Medford and a documentary filmmaker, will lead the discussion.

Advance registration is required to either attend the outdoor film or participate via Zoom, and can be done at this web page: https://bit.ly/3gawxyQ

A second film in the churches’ Black Lives Matter series, “Just Mercy,” will be presented on Friday, July 17. These films will deconstruct and frame an understanding of the inherent power structures in America and the effects this debilitating system has on communities and people of color.