When Kevin Smith talks about For Such a Time as This, he doesn’t simply talk about a film. He talks about a turning point in his life.
The writer and creator behind the award winning kindness documentary is bringing the film to Gettysburg for an exclusive screening at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Majestic Theater. The free event, presented by Healthy Adams County and the Center for Youth and Community Development is part of Kindness Week. It will include a question and answer session following the film. Tickets are required and can be obtained at: Gettysburg Majestic
For Smith, bringing the film to Gettysburg is especially meaningful.“Gettysburg is my second home,” Smith said, explaining that his connection to the community runs deep through his relationship with Gettysburg College, where he has remained actively involved as a volunteer sharing his knowledge and expertise. Smith is a graduate of Gettysburg College and has continued to give back to the college and the community over the years. Additionally, Smith explained, “Adams County serendipitously has an integral role in the film.”
It was the story behind For Such a Time as This that changed Smith personally. He described himself as someone who once tended to see the world as the glass half empty. The experience of creating the film, however, resonated and snapped something into focus for him.“It changed my life,” Smith said. “The lesson was not simply to look for the good in the world, but to be the good.”
See the good, be the good is at the heart of the documentary. It follows how one simple act of kindness between strangers grew into a movement known as Kindness Worldwide. The film explores how a seemingly small gesture can create ripples that reach far beyond the people directly involved. Smith believes the film’s message is particularly important to society right now.
“In a society increasingly marked by negativity, division and disagreement, people need a reminder that kindness is not weakness. It is a choice and one that can have a powerful impact.” “The film uses real people and situations. Without spoiling the message of the movie, the documentary tells the true story of how one simple act of kindness—a young woman returning a lost wallet on Good Friday in 2023—eventually sparked a much larger movement and the creation of Kindness Worldwide,” Smith explained.
He pointed to divisions within families, disagreements over politics and the growing tendency to view people on the other side of an issue as enemies rather than neighbors. “We’re living in a world that is very divisive and very negative,” Smith said, emphasizing the need to find common ground even when people disagree.
Smith believes society has reached a point where people need to recognize that change does not necessarily begin with someone else. It begins with individual choices and everyday actions.
“This is a global wake-up call,” Smith said. He added, “In November, even the Vatican was impacted when Pope Leo emphasized the world’s wounds and discussed issues of mental health including suicide prevention, substance abuse, addiction, and depression. He challenged institutions, the Church, and society to come together in solidarity.”
Smith also referenced Harvard research suggesting that a relatively small percentage of people actively engaging in meaningful change can reach a tipping point and influence broader society. His challenge is for people to stop waiting for someone else to fix what is wrong and instead decide to be part of the solution.
“Our society deserves better,” Smith said.
He believes elected officials and community leaders have an opportunity to lead by example—standing boldly together and finding common ground around something as fundamental as kindness.
For Smith, the story has become much bigger than a movie. It is a challenge to change the way people see one another.“It’s important to not only see the good, but to be the good,” Smith said. He added, “We can be a part of the problem or be the solution.” He encourages, “take a hard look in the mirror and be better.” People have been moved to tears for various reasons due to the film being about real people and real stories.” “It has done well in the film festival circuit.” Smith’s intention is not to make money but rather create a positive impact on society.
The Sept. 26 screening is an opportunity for the Gettysburg community to experience that message together. Following the film, Smith will participate in a question-and-answer session, giving audience members an opportunity to talk about the film, its message and what comes next. Given the powerful content, organizers recommend the film for middle school aged children and older.
Katherine Gaskin, Executive Director of Health Adams County, relayed, “Mayor Lintal and Adams County Commissioner Jim Martin are planning to attend.” Former Commissioner Marty Qually will not be on site due to his recent new appointment with the PA State Conservation Commission. Gaskin encourages all those who can, bring a nonperishable food item to screening to donate to SCCAP in honor of Hunger Action Month. Additionally, CFY will be launching a Youth Kindness Campaign. She added that Community Media will be on-site to film the movie event.
Gettysburg Mayor Alison Lintal announced Kindness Week will be November 8-14, 2026. She encourages residents to help celebrate and spread kindness thought the community. More about Kindness Week will be announced at the film screening.
Kevin Smith hopes the evening will do more than entertain. He hopes people will leave the theater thinking differently and perhaps make one small decision to be kinder to someone else. He is filled with optimistic enthusiasm as the film is gaining traction and inspiring others. He will provide Kindness Worldwide initiatives on the website that include some Kindness Campaign activities that can be completed.
Because, as the story of For Such a Time as This demonstrates, one act can create a ripple. And sometimes, a ripple can become a movement. Consider joining the movement by reserving your tickets today: Gettysburg Majestic Theater Website
