Computers, television, film—moving images flickering across screens in hundreds of millions of homes across the U.S. are changing the world around us. Far more many people under thirty are likely to have seen the “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” or “The Lord of the Rings” than to have read either of the books. As our society develops a greater thirst for all things visual, what comes out of Hollywood matters more and more.
The great news is that films that would have been passed over thirty or even twenty years ago because the message was too pro-life or life-affirming are finding success through independent film producers and smaller production companies. To celebrate the successes and to showcase these films and many others from around the world, LifeFest Film Festival was born.
Brian Johnston, president of LifeFest, told NRL News Today, “We are reaching out to a new generation of film makers—film-makers who want to make a difference and want to get on train to Hollywood. Well, you know what? There are people in Hollywood looking for them!”
For the second year, LifeFest Film Festival will “showcase films that reinforce the intrinsic worth of innocent human life, and the profound significance of each life.”
“We’re giving an opportunity for people to be involved in the industry and to get a foot in the door with product that really is life affirming,” Johnston said. “Not just family-friendly but good storytelling because good storytelling does focus on the value of individual life.”
The festival will take place May 5-6th at the L.A. Convention Center in Los Angeles, California, and according to organizers, “The impact to this point has been extraordinary and we expect even greater response this year.”
The 2011 festival included actors such as Ben Stein and Clint Howard as well as involvement from Disney directors, artists from the animated television series, “The Simpsons,” and mainstream producers.
Other celebrities and insiders present at LifeFest Film Festival included character actor Charlie Holliday, Disney director Jonathan Flora, his wife, actress Deborah Flora, and actress Jenn Gotzon.
According to the organization, “Its mission is to encourage the production and distribution of excellent pro-life film and communication.”
Last year’s winning films included: Faith Happens, Best Feature; Permanent Scars, Best Short; Eggsploitation, Best Feature Documentary; Sacred Space, Best Short Documentary; Elsa Letterseed, Best Feature Dramatic; Fragile Hearts, Best Short Dramatic; The Dancer, Best Foreign Documentary; A Small Awakening, Best Foreign Dramatic; Knock, Knock (Who’s Dead?), Audience Favorite; The Doctor, Script Competition; I Want to Call Her Stacey, Outstanding Achievement in Special Effects; I Want to Call Her Stacey, Life Fest Spirit Award.
The estimated cost of this year’s event is $135,000. Event organizers are hoping to raise $50,000 through internet donations at www.indiegogo.com/LifeFest and at www.lifefilmfest.com.
Chelsea Garcia is a political writer with a special interest in international relations and social issues. Events surrounding the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel are a major focus for political journalists. But as a former local reporter, she is also interested in national politics.
Chelsea Garcia studied media, communication and political science in Texas, USA, and learned the journalistic trade during an internship at a daily newspaper. In addition to her political writing, she is pursuing a master's degree in multimedia and writing at Texas.
