CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "Playing in the Light: Our Changing Faith," a television documentary featuring members of "the post-modern generations" discussing their faith, won a Bronze Award in the category for Television and Cable Production Awards, Religious Programs, at the "Worldfest-Flagstaff" film festival Nov. 5-14, 1999.
In the documentary, nine young people between the ages of 16 and 33 from the United States and Canada tell their faith stories, offer opinions on societal issues such as the environment and sexuality, and discuss their fears and hopes for the future.
Producers for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the United Church of Canada, on behalf of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. (NCC), created "Playing in the Light." Through the NCC, the program was offered to NBC-TV affiliate stations.
John Lynner Peterson, director for public media, ELCA Department for Communication, served as an executive producer for the documentary. Several Lutherans were featured in "Playing in the Light."
ELCA members Anne Edison-Swift, Park Ridge, Ill.; Brandon Morton, Chicago; and John Lawyer, Minneapolis, are among those interviewed in "Playing in the Light." Lutheran Volunteer Corps member Alison Kautz, Seattle, is also interviewed.
The festival featured screenings of more than 40 new independent feature-length films and 80 new short films, workshops with well-known directors, cinematographers, producers and writers, and an awards competition.
"Worldfest is the largest film and video competition in the world in numbers of entries, so an award from this festival is a very significant validation of your creative excellence," said J. Hunter Todd, Worldfest chair and founding director, in a letter to award recipients. "In some categories there are more than 200 entries and we usually make only one gold, silver, bronze and finalist award in each category ... so, an award from Worldfest is a major accomplishment."
The next Worldfest is to be held April 7-16 in Houston.
"The documentary explores the hunger that young people have in their quest for spiritual fulfillment," said Peterson. "We wanted to show a range of experiences of people in the midst of their journeys, both those inside the church and those who do not belong to a church."
Members of post-modern generations face concerns and challenges unique to their generation, such as concern for personal safety, openness in discussing sexuality, a strong concern about the environment and experience with broken parental relationships, Peterson said.
"They want a clear sense of belonging," he added. "'Relationship' is essential."
Dave Pomeroy, an executive producer of the documentary and director for electronic media, NCC, New York, said the video "looks at the nature of ecumenism and how young people understand it."
Callie Long, senior producer, Division of Communication, United Church of Canada, produced "Playing in the Light."
The ELCA is a member of the NCC; the United Church in Canada is a member of the NCC's communication commission.
[EDITORS NOTE: Copies of "Playing in the Light: Our Changing Faith" are available from EcuFilm, 810 12th Ave. South, Nashville, Tenn. 37201. = =20 The cost is $34.95.]
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
