A Still Small Voice is a feature-length documentary that provides an honest and intimate look into the day-to-day of a chaplaincy residency program at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. Viewers learn that chaplains provide a variety of services in hospitals including interfaith religious ceremonies, spiritual guidance, and comfort to patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. The film briefly shows how chaplains can be an integral part of an interprofessional healthcare team.
The film centers on one resident, Mati, as she sits with and offers hope to patients and their family members in devastating moments of uncertainty and loss in an urban hospital. The emotional labor takes a toll on Mati, and we see her supervisor challenge her to question her emotional boundaries at work. The film does not shy away from conflict or from exploring doubts about faith. The supervisor’s role and associated challenges are also highlighted. A Still Small Voice is both heartbreaking and inspiring. It will likely leave believers and non-believers with a better understanding and appreciation of the chaplain profession and the much needed humanity they can bring to healthcare settings that are often impersonal and overwhelming.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
Because of its subject matter, A Still Small Voice is ideal for chaplaincy programs. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the work, it could also enrich students’ educational experiences in religious studies, nursing and allied health, medical education, clinical counseling, psychology, and cultural studies courses.
What can this educational documentary be used as a resource for?
The film would offer potential or enrolled students in a chaplaincy program with an up-to-date observation of the day-to-day work of a chaplain in an urban hospital setting. Students enrolled in clinical psychology and counseling programs could compare and differentiate their professional practice with that of a chaplain. Nursing and medical education programs would benefit from understanding the unique role of a chaplain as part of an interprofessional healthcare team.