S+L’s highly-anticipated documentary Across the Divide airs on TV for the first time tonight, Sunday, June 24 at 9:00 pm ET / 6:00 pm PT, repeating at 1:00 am ET / 10:00 pm PT. There will also be a public screening of the film in Halifax on Monday, June 25, followed by a discussion panel featuring Church leaders and experts on the Holy Land. (Visit our website to reserve tickets.) This is the second public screening, following the sold-out premiere in Vancouver, which the B.C. Catholic reported on last week. With the TV premiere and Halifax screening fast approaching, here are some early responses to Across the Divide, starting with the Archbishop of Vancouver, Most Rev. J. Michael Miller:

This film puts a personal face on the ever-present religious and political conflict in the Holy Land. It presents the story of Bethlehem University, caught in the middle of the sad reality of injustice, violence, intolerance and fear that dishonour the Holy Land - a land that should be a wellspring of hope and faith.

The film also received praise from Most Rev. Richard Smith, the Archbishop of Edmonton and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops:

I have had occasion to review Across the Divide and I must say that I find it excellent. Having recently witnessed firsthand the many complex challenges facing the peoples of the Holy Land, I find that your documentary that tells the story of Bethlehem University is a message that provides a foundation for genuine hope for all who pray for a future of peace for the people of that currently very troubled land.

The Vancouver Sun, the B.C. Catholic and the Catholic Register are among the publications talking about Across the Divide. Additionally, the latter two newspapers recently published an editorial by the film’s writer/co-director Kris Dmytrenko. Following tonight's TV premiere, we're eager to hear what viewers across the country will have to say about it. Be sure to share your comments on S+L's Facebook page.