Catholic Parish Gets Behind Independent Film Project

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.com.

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.