KENNESAW, GA (May 15, 2012)
— St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, one of the largest
parishes in the archdiocese of Atlanta, has enthusiastically embraced
the opportunity to help bring the first full-length motion picture
originating from a Catholic parish to life. The film project — with the
working title “Five Blocks Away” — is spearheaded by veteran filmmaker
Kevis Antonio, founder of Rising Faith Productions and parishioner. The
film will be one of the first Christian films aimed to connect with the
young adult audience. This announcement was made by Father John Matejek
(Fr. John), Pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in
Kennesaw, Ga.
“Our
vibrant community is always on the lookout for projects that get the
entire community excited and involved,” said Fr. John. “St. Catherine’s
support of this film gives volunteers from the parish the opportunity to
experience evangelization to its maximum.” With the goal of spreading a
message of faith and love beyond its brick and mortar walls, St.
Catherine of Siena is striving to inspire other churches to stand up and
be bold.
“With
the success of other Georgia-based Christian films such as ‘Fireproof’
and ‘Courageous,’ there is no better time than now for Catholics to join
in the momentum of producing faith enriching films for the mass
audience,” exclaimed Antonio who has more than eight years of film
production experience, including a documentary called “Bread of Life.”
He wrote the initial screenplay for “Five Blocks Away” and plans to
direct and produce a five-week production schedule early this fall 2012.
In
order to move the film into the pre-production phase, donations are
needed to fund it. The goal is to raise $550,000 by July 31, 2012. St.
Catherine of Siena is encouraging everyone to help spread the word and
to prayerfully consider donating online (from $10 and up) to this
project at www.fiveblocksawaymovie.com or by calling 678.575.4331 for
details on where to mail a check. Based on donation levels, donors will
receive a variety of great perks which include the opportunity to
attend a private screening of the film in Atlanta with the filmmakers or
get screen credit.
With
Hollywood cashing in with secular films, the market has proven that
there is a strong demand from Christian families and secular audiences
looking for something different than typical remakes and sequels. “Five
Blocks Away” is prepped to close the gap between Christian films and
secular audiences with a powerful message appealing to all. “This film
addresses things everyone, Catholic or not, faces in life,” Antonio
said. “I want people to walk away with a sense of purpose in life and to
understand how they can use and offer their God given talents to the
greater glory of God.”
To learn more about “Five Blocks Away” and to get involved or donate to the production, visit www.fiveblocksawaymovie.
About Rising Faith Productions
Rising
Faith Productions is a metro Atlanta-based Catholic feature film
company whose mission is to deliver powerful Christian messages through
Hollywood quality movies that challenge today’s society by creatively
illustrating God's love, forgiveness, and the way to salvation.
About St. Catherine of Siena
In
1981, in response to the phenomenal growth of Catholics in northwest
Georgia, Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan decreed the establishment of a
new parish in Kennesaw, Georgia. Fr. Leo Herbert was appointed the
founding Pastor. The new parish was named and St. Catherine of Siena
(1347-1380) was selected as patroness. By 1983 St. Catherine’s was the
fastest growing parish in the Archdiocese and a fundraising drive helped
break ground on its current site in 1986. Future additions over the
years positioned the parish to accept a new Catholic elementary school
and St. Catherine of Siena school opened in 2002. In 2009 Rev. John M.
Matejek, a St. Catherine’s parishioner prior to entering the priesthood,
was named the parish’s fifth pastor. Today, the parish continues to be
in the top 10 parishes within the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The members of
St. Catherine of Siena
dedicate themselves to Jesus by serving the parish and community and
are called to share gifts, talents and resources for the glory of God
our Father. Visit www.stcatherinercc.org for more information.
