Catholic in Film School

Here’s the list of all of the films shown and their companies. I wasn’t able to watch all of them on either day because of dinner obligations, but for the most part I liked what I saw.

Day 1: Friday, Feb. 29

1. The Human Experience (Trailer), Grassroots Films

I saw it while I was in San Francisco. The review is pending.

2. In Spite of Darkness: A Spiritual Encounter with Auschwitz, Loyola Productions (Munich Chapter)

–About a group of people who go on a spiritual retreat in Auschwitz.
–I know some Jesuits who have made films under this company, and so I’m sad to say I didn’t like this one. It was a great idea, but they just didn’t pull it off.

3. The Fragrant Spirit of Life, San Damiano Foundation

–Filmmaker Gerry Straub spent six weeks documenting the hope amidst startling poverty in Uganda.
–The clip shown was of the film crew coming across two abandoned babies just lying in the dirt all alone. I swear there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, but uncomfortable pain is how you convert hearts to change the world.

4. Dorothy Day: Don’t Call Me A Saint, One Lucky Dog Productions

Excellent. I’ve seen other docs on Dorothy Day, and this one has been the best so far. It has all of the info, but still brings her personality to life through interviews, old photos, video footage, and great witty one-liners. Add this one to the collection.

5. Mission, MaryKnoll Fathers & Brothers
6. Champions of Faith: Baseball Edition, Catholic Exchange

I haven’t seen either of the last two films, but I’ve heard great things about the latter. Clare from Always Advent has a review.

Day 2: Saturday, March 1

1. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Trailer), Walt Disney Pictures & Walden Media

O, dear Lord am I excited for this movie. May 2008!

2. Manifest Mysteries: Assumption, Family Theater Productions
3. Manifest Mysteries: Finding Mary, Family Theater Productions
4. Tyler’s Ride (Webisodes), Paulist Productions
5. Father G and the Homeboys, Great Wave Productions

I saw this in the fall. For a review, click here.

6. The Invisible Chapel, Gatekeeper Productions
7. Unconditional Companion, FleenorFilms

Pax Christi, Rebecca.