By Mark Pattison
Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON — The Diocese of Trenton, N.J., will launch its first film festival in April, and is attracting entries with the promise of cash prizes.
It’s also attracted the real-life John Crowley, a Catholic pharmaceutical executive and Navy reservist whose fight to save his daughter and son from the ravages of Pompe disease was recounted in the recent movie “Extraordinary Measures.”
Crowley will be one of the featured guests at the daylong film festival, to be held April 24 at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, N.J., a Jersey Shore town better known these days as Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bruce Springsteen’s hometown.
The festival’s name is the Re:Image Film Festival. The name, according to Patrick Dolan, assistant director of the diocese’s television and radio ministry, came from a prayer petition from the Liturgy of the Hours: “The talent of artists reflect your splendor, may their work give the world hope and joy.”
“As beings made in the image and likeness of our Creator, we’re encouraging filmmakers to rethink what they produce, and use their creativity and talents to reflect the love God has so generously bestowed on us,” Dolan said in a March 3 e-mail to Catholic News Service.
The festival will feature separate competitions for high school (ages 13-18), college and young adult (ages 19-29) and general categories. Top prizes of $500 are in store for the winners.
“We will be showcasing the works of artists and filmmakers who strive to deliver inspiring, uplifting and faith-filled messages through film and digital media,” says the home page of the festival’s Web site. “Our mission is to support and encourage the next generation of visual storytellers; to explore the glory of God’s creation, reveal the perseverance of humanity in challenging times, and uphold and defend the dignity of the human person.”
There will be prizes for best picture, “mission excellence” — that best upholds the festival’s mission — and a “viewer’s choice” award voted on by the audience.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m. on festival day, and the first films get screened at 10:15 a.m., with screenings, commentaries, Crowley’s remarks and awards taking the rest of the day until 9 p.m. An all-access pass is available for festival fans to see part of all of the proceedings.
Entries are is open to individuals of any faith or place of origin. The entry deadline is March 31. For more details, access the festival Web site, www.reimagefilmfestival.com
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