The subject: 'Temptation'

One of last year's biggest indie-movie successes has returned to the Twin Cities this week as part of a program to spotlight local films.

"Into Temptation," Minneapolis writer-director Patrick Coyle's drama about a Catholic priest trying to save the life of a woman who confesses her plan to commit suicide, is playing daily at the Parkway Theater through Thursday. A special screening on the last day will include a cross- denominational panel to discuss faith in film and the role of the clergy in the lives of everyday people.

The Star Tribune's Jeff Strickler will moderate the panel of clergy from around the Twin Cities, including a Catholic priest, Jewish rabbi, Baptist minister and more.

"We decided to put them all in a room and see what resonates about it with them," Coyle said. "I think it's going to be a very lively event."

The screening and panel will inaugurate a new series at the Parkway called Independent Minnesota. Each month, a weeklong program will spotlight local work. This week's program includes the short film "Street Cellist: David McGee," by Minneapolis filmmaker Jesse Roesler. Future programs include Wyatt McDill's claustrophobic thriller "Four Boxes."

"Into Temptation," which stars Jeremy Sisto ("Law & Order") and Broadway/TV actress Kristin Chenoweth, was a hit during its first run in Minneapolis a year ago. Coyle said he decided to bring it back when he found people still talking about it.

"The response has been so overwhelmingly gratifying," he said. "It's the sort of thing that the people who love it love it so much that they want to come back and see it and talk about it."

Ben Jones • 612-673-4426