A job made in heaven
The 168 Film Festival shows works from the busiest week of a Christian filmmaker’s life
By Carl Kozlowski 03/25/2010
FRIDAY WILL MARK THE END OF ANOTHER BUSY YEAR FOR 168 FILM FESTIVAL founder and President John Ware with the festival that he created set to display the creative efforts of more than 60 teams of filmmakers from around the world at Glendale’s Alex Theatre.
But it also marks the end of the busiest week of many of its filmmakers’ lives. That’s because every film in the 168 Film Festival is shot, edited, scored and completed within a week — with rules so strict that if a filmmaking team submits a project just one minute past the 168 hour mark, it’s rendered ineligible for awards.
Yet the participants do it, not just out of a desire to win, but to spread a Christian message. The films are not heavy-handed, Bible-thumping propaganda. To the contrary. They’re judged on how well they weave spiritual themes into a seemingly secular story, with entries running the gamut, from comedy and drama to the occasional action film.
“There’s not as many beginners this year, so the film quality overall is much better,” explains Ware, who also proudly notes the fest offers more than $15,000 in cash and prizes to the various award winners.
“I would invite everybody, whether they’re versed in faith or in film, who wants to hear from God and watch good films. It’s really for everyone, so come check it out,” says Ware.
The 168 Film Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday (39 films including 19 documentaries and “classic” films from past 168 fests) at the Hope Theatre, 214 N. Maclay Ave., San Fernando. The Awards Screenings (different programs of all 2010 nominees) start at 1:15 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Tickets are $40 for an all-festival pass, $15 for an all-Friday pass, $27 for an all-Saturday pass and $50 for an all-festival VIP pass including post-festival reception. Order by visiting 168project.com, alextheatre.com or by calling the Alex Theatre at (818) 243-ALEX. Student and group discount tickets are available at (818) 557-8507.
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