|
Our festival theme this year is, “Heroes: What Price Glory?” Time magazine, in identifying the top heroes and icons of our century states: “Heroes are the people who articulate our longings, who exemplify courage, selflessness, exuberance, superhuman ability and amazing grace.” We are most honored to have with us as our special guest this year writer/producer/director Randall Wallace, who makes art out of exploring the inner being of the hero through stories of faith and sacrifice, love and honor. His stories have the capacity to evoke our deepest longings for courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles. We hope that you will be en-couraged as you enter into his films and influencing films, and the films selected by the Executive Committee. It is the goal of the City of the Angels Film Festival not only to inspire but also to provoke. F. Scott Fitzgerald has said, “Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy.” Does it take tragedy to make a hero? Does a hero make any difference? Does the hero make history or the history make the hero? Why is it that the top heroes of our century listed by Time Magazine has only 18 women out of 101 heroes? How far have we come in speaking truth to power: do we misuse or ignore our heroes? Is it the imprint of God that we see in our heroes or the highest of what it is to be human? Do we define or view heroes differently in a post-enlightenment era? What do heroes teach us about ourselves, our culture, our faith? These are among the many questions we look forward to exploring with you through the powerful films offered this festival. This year we are sharing our first worship service together on Sunday morning. Come experience art, music, film and worship in the collaborative and generous spirit of the festival, honoring the Creator of creators: God. The City of the Angels Film Festival is a collaborative effort of numerous individuals and organizations. I am especially thankful for the great care given in creating this festival for lovers of all things film. None of it could be done without the enormous support of our sponsors, the labor of hearts and hands of talented committee members, the feet of our vital volunteers and the presence of God, who is “closer than head or hands or heart or feet.” Enjoy the show! Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran |
It is my privilege to welcome you to the 13th annual City of the Angeles Film Festival on behalf of the City of the Angels Film Festival Planning Committee. This year the festival offers a plethora of new events under the umbrella of a larger film festival. We are pleased you have joined us, and encourage you to explore all of the screenings, student film awards, showcase for new filmmakers, seminars and conferences designed to push and probe your thinking. The City of the Angels Film Festival is both provocateur and toolkit for lovers of film.