The Churches Making Movies Christian Film Festival will host hundreds of movie goers in Elizabeth, New Jersey, October 7-9 when it screens over 20 faith-based films and presents its Annual Ultimate Red Carpet Event hosted by actress Jenn Gotzen who plays President Nixon’s daughter in Oscar Nominated Frost Nixon. Screening at the Annual Ultimate Red Carpet Event that kicks off the festival on Friday, October 7th is The Resurrection of Gavin Stone (2017) directed by Dallas Jenkins and set for a January wide theatrical release. The film, about a former child star who pretends to be a Christian so he can play Jesus in a church’s Easter Play, stars Brett Dalton (Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D), WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, and comedian Anjelah Johnson of “nail salon” fame. The keynote speaker is Mrs. America 2014 Austen Williams whose platform is eradicating human trafficking. Screening at the festival, October 8 and 9 are feature films from around the world including: Galcheddo, a Nepali coming-of-age film; Sabina K, set in Bosnia and Herzegovina about a divorced mother with two children who falls in love with an old friend until things go terribly wrong; and The Rally LA, an American film starring prominent pastor Kenneth Copeland, about an ex gangster who lays down his riches, his pride and even his life in order to reach the most precious thing in the world to him-his family. “This year especially, the films screening reflect the vast cultural and ethnic diversity of Christian filmmakers,” said LaVonne McIver James, CMMCFF founder and executive director. “I am so very proud of all of the filmmakers and so grateful to the fans who support the film festival year after year.” In addition, debuting at the festival is the “Shot in New Jersey Showcase” which features two official selections shot in New Jersey and directed by New Jersey filmmakers. Feature film Message of Hope is directed by Mount Laurel resident Tom Paddy Lee. The film is about six children growing up in a wealthy society, where one girl changes the values of the whole community. Documentary 2 Cups is about a Jersey City man who set out to help over 500 people in thirty consecutive days.
Churches that make movies are a part of a new cultural movement of churches harnessing the power of films to impact culture. This culture-impacting movement is fueled by pastors, Christian organizations, and media/producing ministries using faithful filmmaking to transform hearts and minds. Increasingly, churches are seeking to bring profound and enlightening messages to the world through films because movies have a powerful effect on people and have perhaps the greatest potential to influence culture. The festival is sponsored by Parables/Uplift TV and Actors, Models, Talent for Christ (AMTC). Screenings and seminars will be held at three Elizabeth, New Jersey locations: AMC Loews theatre, Embassy Suites, and the Courtyard Marriott. THE FESTIVAL The mission of the Churches Making Movies Christian Film Festival is to educate, energize, and empower churches to incorporate filmmaking into their ministries and to give exposure to the best church-produced films. In addition to movie screenings, the festival offers seminars and panels for church leaders, directors, producers, actors and those interested in utilizing films as a Christian evangelical tool. For images and additional information about the films and filmmakers, please visit http://www.churchesmakingmovies.com. ###