Stiarway to Kevin

Kevin Smith’s 1999 religious farce Dogma generated a crapload of controversy, even before it ever hit theatres. A Catholic advocacy group assailed and berated the director for a good six month prior to the film’s premiere -- not because of its dick and fart jokes, but rather its portrayal of...

By Melissa Fossum

September 29, 2011

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Kevin Smith’s 1999 religious farce Dogma generated a crapload of controversy, even before it ever hit theatres. A Catholic advocacy group assailed and berated the director for a good six month prior to the film’s premiere -- not because of its dick and fart jokes, but rather its portrayal of religion and Holy Mother Church in particular.

Here’s the kicker: They did so without seeing a single frame. Based solely on online drafts of Dogma’s screenplay, officials from the Catholic League called for a ban on the film so it would never reach theatres. Concepts such as Christ’s descendant working in an abortion clinic and a potty-mouthed 13th apostle proved to be too much for the Catholic faithful.

Their fight against the flick (which contains a very pro-religion message, by the way) is why it was chosen for the annual Bookman’s Fight Censorship Film Screening on Friday, September 30, at The Royale, 108 West Main Street in Mesa. The film unfurls starting at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Fri., Sept. 30, 7 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 1, 7 p.m., 2011

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