Film is one of the most powerful tools we have in modern day to shape the values, perspectives, views and consciousness of society. Film has the power to give voice to the voiceless and to bring to our attention important stories and perspectives that would otherwise go unnoticed. Ultimately, film’s greatest power has to do with its ability to move us, change us, and call us into action.
How can we as ministers leverage the power of media as an important tool in catechesis and in the ongoing formation of our Catholic conscience? In recognition of the important role films have in helping to shape our values and inform our ethics, the Center for Religion and Spirituality in conjunction with the Archdiocesan Office for Religious Education invites you to the annual Los Angeles Religious Education Congress Film Showcase in Anaheim, California. The showcase, which will take place Friday, March 18th at 8pm, recognizes cinematic work rooted thematically in the Christian narrative tradition, Catholic social teaching, justice, ministry and spirituality. The Showcase honors and exhibits excerpts from narrative feature lengths, shorts, documentaries, experimental films and animation. For more information click here.
Last year’s showcase featured powerful films which can aid you in your ministries as well as your own personal development. Here is a highlight of some of those films:
“Faith Bowl III”
Family Theater Productions
Producers: Wilfred Raymond, CSC, John Phalen, CSC, Ray McKenna, Jake Alba/Rhythm LA, David Guffey, CSC
Director: Jake Alba
Starring Mike Piazza , this made for TV half-hour discussion highlights the perspective of sports celebrities about the challenges of living out their Catholic faith amidst the pressures of being professional athletes. Winner of last year’s Magis Award, Reverend Wilfred J. Raymond, CSC presents us with a video that will help viewers think about the place of Christian values in professional and collegiate sports and ultimately, in our own respective professions. Click here to watch the trailer. This film might be appropriate for Youth Ministries.
“God Cries When We Sentence a Youth to Prison”
Holy Family Church
Producer: Javier Stauring
Director: Pat Cardamone
Children as young as 14 years of age are being imprisoned for life. Viewed through the lens of five religious leaders from diverse faith traditions, this film explores the plight of imprisoned children in light of the gospel message of God’s forgiveness and reconciliation. Click here to watch the trailer. This film might be appropriate for Restorative Justice Ministries.
"Scenes from a Parish"
Producers: James Rulenbeck, Angelica Allen de Brisk
Director: James Rulenbeck
This film explores the question of what it means to be the body of Christ from the perspective of nine individuals who are part of a multicultural parish in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Harvard educated, Father Paul O’Brien, tries to foster an inclusive community where the ideals of faith clash against ethnic tensions and difficult socioeconomic realities. Click here to view the trailer. This film might be appropriate for Outreach Ministries.
Featured Training
We would like to invite you to attend "Creating Visual Stories for our Faith Communities." This media arts workshop will allow students to explore their Faith community experience and express it through short films done with small cameras, as the ones in cell phones. They will be learning the basics how to film and edit. In summary, at the end of the workshop the student would be able to express through visual images their Faith. The workshop will take place Saturday, April 2nd at LMU. For more information click here.
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