A panel of film production experts speak to more than 120 audio-visual project creatives. local field leaders, communication leaders and special guests during the first film festival lead by the Adventist Church in the Chiapas Mexican Union in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico, at the Centenario Events Center, July 19-20, 2024. The event featured 19 short films created by recently trained production teams from across Chiapas as part of a comprehensive strategy to engage young people in sharing the gospel through media projects. [Photo: Chiapas Mexican Union]
August 9, 2024 | Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico | Yosainy Oyaga and Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Chiapas, Mexico, recently hosted its first Film festival during a special gathering at the Centenario Events Center, in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico. The event showcased 19 short films produced by young people engaged in fulfilling the mission (referred to as Creative Disciples), drew more than 120 audio-visual project creatives, local field leaders, communication leaders and special guests.
“This is an evangelism celebration, a celebration of the commitment of each young person in spreading the gospel,” said pastor José Luis Bouchot, executive secretary of the Chiapas Mexican Union, as the festival began.
Poster display of the short films featured during the film festival, in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico, July 19-20, 2024. [Photo: Chiapas Mexican Union]
Pedro Martínez was among the 19 film team leaders who directed “El Coyote” (The Coyote), a film about the story of a regional Mexican artist who is converted and shares hope. “Being part of this festival and producing a short was a very enriching experience for me, a significant creative challenged that allowed me to be a witness of spiritually transforming stories that without a doubt inspire and strengthen our faith,” said Martínez. “Without a doubt these will be a medium to reach souls for Christ through this ministry.”
Audience viewing a film during the film festival. [Photo: Chiapas Mexican Union]
Being seen as a purposeful film ministry is what can make a difference in the church, organizers said. “Jesus told parables to show truths and mysteries of His Kingdom and stories through films have that objective to transmit those same truths and mysteries,” said Uriel Castellanos, communication director of the Chiapas Mexican Union and main organizer of the festival.
“The leadership of the union believes that the preaching of the gospel should be done in all possible platforms. That is why these spaces are made for members to put their gifts and talents in service for God,” said Castellanos. It’s all about training, collaborating, celebrating creative content, and inspiring a transforming encounter with Jesus who is the creator, screenwriter, and director of our lives, he added.
Uriel Castellanos, communication director of the Chiapas Mexican Union and main organizer of the film festival congratulates directors and producers for committing to spreading the gospel creatively. [Photo: Chiapas Mexican Union]
Similarly, the production from Palenque Mission in its filming of “Faith in the Jungle” short at Lacandona Jungle, had to overcome numerous challenges due to the rainy season, dangers in the region and an apprehensive community. They were allowed to use a specific 10 by 20 meter space to tell the story of the first missionary in that region.
Production team of the short film “Renacer” (Reborn) show their poster on a break session during the festival. [Photo: Chiapas Mexican Union]
In addition to the films projected, keynote presentations, talks and Q&A session on cinematography and evangelism were part of the event as well as the production teams’ experiences during filming. Young creatives were challenged to continue growing and producing Christian content that impacts people.
“This is a very unique event where we have seen an explosion of creativity and talent,” said Hellen H. Castro, director of Creativo 115, who has produced and directed in many film projects for the Adventist Church in Mexico, the Inter-American Division, and the public. “The initiative of this festival is a dream for us who are dedicated to the audio-visual world and to be able to meet so many creatives,” said Castro. “In a world so saturated with images and sounds, the Chiapas Mexican Union has opened an authentic and valid space so that the emerging talents of our community can show their vision and passion to share with others the greatest story.”
Hope Media Chiapas gave awards to all of the production teams who participated in the film festival. [Photo: Chiapas Mexican Union]
To be able to feature films during the festival, production teams had to attend online classes led by what they coined as Hope Virtual Academy—a educational initiative by the church’s Hope Media Chiapas—a media center which is part of Hope Channel Inter-America television channel. The initiative saw the teams training for six months this year to learn cinematography language and techniques, explained Castellanos. “They learned from Adventist producers from across Inter-America and beyond on script writing, direction, production, post-production, as well as going deep into movies as a tool for sharing the gospel,” he said.
President of the Chiapas Mexican Union Pastor Ignacio Navarro answers questions and expresses support for the film production ministries in the region. [Photo: Chiapas Mexican Union]
The plan is for the 19 short films to be shared through gatherings at churches and communities in the coming weeks and months, added Castellanos.
Castellanos launched the church’s official platform www.esperanzachiapas.mx, an online website with content created by Hope Medi Chiapas, including the shorts featured in the film festival, bible studies, and more resources.
President of the Chiapas Union Pastor Ignacio Navarro congratulated young people for their creativity and dedication to the mission of the church with their films and vowed to continue supporting their evangelism efforts. “I’m happy for the accomplishments of each one of you in these productions,” he said.
Group creatives, church leaders and members who participated in Chiapas Film Festival, July 19-20, 2024. [Photo: Chiapas Mexican Union]
Uriel Castellanos contributed to this article.