Greetings, brilliant viewers, and welcome. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, and holiday cheer fills the atmosphere throughout the world. Friends and family are gathering to celebrate life, basking in the vibrant holiday spirit. In light of this special season, we will be featuring three delightful films entitled “Elf,” “Lights: The Miracle of Chanukah,” and “A Christmas Carol.”

Let us first travel to the North Pole, where the tale of “Elf” begins. Here, Papa Elf, played by Mr. Bob Newhart, resides with Santa Claus and all the other elves. Papa Elf starts the movie by narrating the story of Buddy the human “elf,” played by Mr. Will Ferrell.

As a baby, Buddy was orphaned and left in the care of nuns. On Christmas Eve, after Buddy was safely tucked in for the night, Santa Claus, played by Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-winning vegetarian actor Mr. Edward Asner, descended into the room to bring presents. Noticing a teddy bear in Santa’s sack, Buddy crawls out of the crib and into the bag. He thus accompanies the unassuming Santa to the North Pole, where Papa Elf raises him as a happy-go-lucky elf.

One day, Papa Elf takes Buddy with him to fix Santa’s sleigh. The sleigh’s ability to fly depends on Christmas spirit. However, Papa Elf explains that people have stopped believing in Christmas, so Santa’s vehicle must now rely on an engine to fly. Meanwhile, although Buddy has supportive family and friends, he knows that he is different from the others in the elf world; he has always been much taller than even the adults, and his toy-making skills do not meet the standards. One day, he overhears a conversation between two elves, and finds out that he is actually human.

Buddy eventually learns that his birth father Walter, played by Mr. James Caan, is a businessman in New York City. Buddy decides to go visit Walter, excited to go ice skating and eat sweet goodies with his newfound dad. But there’s a catch – Walter is on Santa’s Naughty List!

Finding himself in an entirely different world from the one he knows, Buddy goes on his quest to gain his wary father’s affection, bringing much fun and laughter to the audience. Buddy meets Jovie, played by vegan actress Ms. Zooey Deschanel, is a lovely girl with a beautiful singing voice but lacking Christmas spirit. Buddy also gets to know his half-brother, Michael, played by young Mr. Daniel Tay.

Like Buddy, Michael does not get as much attention from his dad as he would like. Through his adventure, Buddy proves that he is very caring toward everyone, but can he earn the love of his father and restore people’s faith in the holidays? Directed by Mr. Jon Favreau and written by Mr. David Berenbaum, “Elf” was released in 2003 by New Line Cinema. It is a jocular production on innocence and faith in the loving spirit of Christmas. “Elf” was nominated for seven awards, including two MTV Awards in comedy, and won another two prizes.

Let us pause for some delectable vegan treats. Cinema Scene will be right back, so stay tuned to Supreme Master Television.

Welcome back to Cinema Scene as we honor the holiday magic.

Our next feature is “Lights: The Miracle of Chanukah,” directed, produced, and co-written by Mr. Yehuda Wurtzel. Released in 1983, this is an animation observing the history of Chanukah. Narrated by Mr. Judd Hirsch, the movie takes us back to Israel, during a time before the Festival of Lights came to Earth. Gradually, the “lights,” depicted as Hebrew letters symbolizing Jewish traditions, came from Mount Sinai and arrived in Jerusalem.

The audience meets a young Jewish man, voiced by Mr. Paul Michael Glaser. He is befriended by a Greek man, voiced by vegetarian actor Mr. Leonard Nimoy. However, whenever the Jewish man attempts to be closer to his companion, he also faces obstacles in trying to remain true to his faith in Judaism. Thankfully, a golden Star of David always readily appears to remind him of his true nature. Through his experience, the story of Chanukah is born.

“Lights: The Miracle of Chanukah” brings the lovely story of this festive holiday to brilliant life through the lush animation of Academy Award-winning Ms. Faith Hubley, an exquisite musical score by Richard Farber, and a meaningful script by Mr. Yehuda Wurtzel and Ms. Sara Wurtzel. With a storyline that may be appreciated by viewers of all ages, the film not only offers a fantastical insight into Chanukah, but also offers a timeless universal message that our rich diversity provides more than ample reason for joyous celebration.

Our final film for today is the newly released 2009 Disney production “A Christmas Carol.” Written and directed by Academy Award-winning Mr. Robert Zemeckis, it is a film adaptation of the classic 1843 novel of the same name, authored by Mr. Charles Dickens. In the movie, we meet Ebeneezer Scrooge, an aged man from Victorian England who clearly does not have any, nor want any, friends. He refuses his gleeful nephew’s invitation to a Christmas dinner party.

In fact, he shuts down anything to do with Christmas. However, on Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, who warns Scrooge that he must repent. Furthermore, he notifies him that he will be visited by three ghosts. The first spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Past, takes Scrooge back to remind him of when he first began to turn away from his idealistic ways. Scrooge is then taken to witness current and future events by the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

As the ghosts take Ebeneezer Scrooge to respective moments of his life, he begins to realize how his heart has become colder. By giving Scrooge the precious chance to introspect on his path toward a dismal future, can the apparitions help to heal Scrooge and reveal to him the true meaning of Christmas? “A Christmas Carol” was released in Disney Digital 3-D and IMAX 3-D. This enables audiences to have the unique experience of watching the movie as if they are actually on the set.

The visual effects are truly remarkable, and viewers will find themselves immersed in the interesting world of Ebeneezer Scrooge. In addition, members of the talented cast all do excellent jobs in portraying multiple diverse characters. Multi-Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jim Carrey stars as Ebeneezer Scrooge in the many stages of his life, as well as the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” is an exciting, visually spectacular retelling of a classic story of forgiveness, caring, and the miraculous and endearing spirit of Christmas. “Elf,” “Lights: The Miracle of Chanukah,” and “A Christmas Carol” are three entertaining films that highlight the best in life. Indeed, the holiday season is a time for family and friends to embrace the heavenly warmth and share the joys which our Creator has so lovingly bestowed upon our world.

Splendid viewers, thank you for watching this week’s Cinema Scene. Coming up next is Vegetarianism: The Noble Way of Living, after Noteworthy News, here on Supreme Master Television. May you and your loved ones be greatly blessed during the joyous holidays.

As we celebrate our time together with family members, please consider giving our animal friends the precious gift of being with their sweet families as well. May all be veg for a compassionate and peaceful planet. Happy holidays!

Respected viewers, since her youth, with a heart of immense compassion, Supreme Master Ching Hai has composed many touching poems about the silent suffering of our beloved animal co-inhabitants.
In the past, Supreme Master Television has had the honor of presenting to you these poetic works, along with other creative compositions, such as music, drama, or chèo traditional opera, as adapted from Supreme Master Ching Hai’s verses.

This week, we once again broadcast those selected programs with the special theme about our gentle animal friends. Please join us and feel for the noble animals who are always willing to share their unconditional love.