Doing the documentary on Christina Pascua, who survived a devastating car crash, has allowed me to not take life for granted.  Listening and documenting her story has given me a better appreciation for life and for God and all the miracles that He continues to do.  Without this contest, I would not have had the opportunity to be able to share such an inspiring story.

Having a faith-based film contest allows Christian filmmakers, like me, an opportunity to share stories of our faith.  Now in society’s media, we rarely see Christian films.  It is an outlet to share our gifts as filmmakers and to spread the word of God at the same time. I think having a cash prize allows us to continue to pursue our goal as Christian filmmakers.  For me personally, I will be using the cash prize to purchase more film equipment that I know will allow me to better myself in the profession of filmmaking.

To have my work become part of a growing archive of faith-based films means the world to me.  Ever since graduating from high school, I knew my gift was to make films.  I love making films that inspire people to become the best versions of themselves.  Knowing that I can touch someone’s life with a video is the motivation for why I continue to join this contest.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, Our Sunday Visitor for sponsoring this contest. Please know that your sponsorship of this contest is opening a new path for positive media in our world.  There is no real opportunity like this for Christian filmmakers in the world and it personally has allowed me to grow in my faith.  Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all that you do.  God bless and Aloha from Hawai’i!

SHERWIN ACIDERA of Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Winner of the Good Samaritan in Media Award

My participation in Goodness Reigns filled me with hope. I have an overwhelming desire to seek out and share stories with others, but the challenge of filmmaking is that you rarely see your audience. Sometimes you can only hope that others are watching your hard work, and, more importantly, are impacted by it. Sometimes it seems that you toil in vain. The recognition by Goodness Reigns came as a divine assurance that yes, God is using my work for good and that I should keep sowing the seeds of story.

The faith-based film world is blossoming; even here in Indiana I have met multiple Catholic groups that are creating faith-based videos. However, in my experience, these films are rarely accepted into secular film festivals, regardless of the quality. Perhaps it is prejudice, perhaps it is just ignorance of spiritual subjects on the part of these judges. My film Nightfever has only ever been screened by Catholics because the emotional impact requires an understanding of the Eucharist. Having a faith-based contest provides a space where these films can be appreciated and shared. It is also a huge encouragement to religious filmmakers like myself to continue in our vocation.

Being part of an archive of faith-based films helps me to see that I am part of a whole, that God is using this art form for His purposes and I am just one part of His overall work. I usually work for Catholic and non-profit organizations, and my constant struggle is to provide high-quality video content for them at a cost they can afford, while maintaining and expanding my own technical capabilities. Having a cash prize helps me to invest in more resources so that I can continue improving my video content. 

I truly appreciate Our Sunday Visitor’s sponsorship of the contest! Goodness Reigns provided me with hope and encouragement to continue working for the Church, and my joy is only increased to know that the recognition came through such an esteemed publisher. Through this contest, OSV has truly continued its mission “to serve the Church” and encouraged other servants to continue doing the same. Thank you!

KATIE BREIDENBACH of Bloomington, Indiana
Winner of the Music Video Award

With 4.5k views and 130 shares (and counting) Mercy Forward on Facebook did incredibly well in a short period of time. It’s been such a blessing to see and hear people’s reactions to the film. Without this contest, I would not have gone through the trouble, and would not have had enough motivation to make a short film about the power and beauty of mercy! (And what shame that would be!)

Throughout the process of making my film, I learned so much about what it means to be a Christian filmmaker. I learned a ton about filmmaking and I learned more about the incredible need  for spiritual warfare throughout the process. I only learned those lessons and gained those experiences because of Goodness Reigns; and for that, I feel truly appreciative and incredibly blessed!

This contest really helps young filmmakers become excited about sharing the faith with others through film media. In turn, I believe it has the power to plant many seeds, even if only throughout the Catholic Church. We need more Christians living in the world, but not of the world; and I think GR inspires that! I cannot emphasize enough the need for a positive film contest like this to continue encouraging and motivating young Christians to produce God-glorifying films! The seeds that GR can plant in the young Christians that participate in their contests are the most important of all. I was 15 when I helped my buddy Nicholas Smith shoot and enter our film “The Pro” into the 2011 GR contest. That really had an impact on my confidence to keep making positive films because I realized that it was possible for young guys like us to be recognized for our work. I became free to dream!

The Catholic Church once influenced the majority of art and entertainment and it’s time to take it back! Video is the most effective way to share ideas and plant lasting seeds. The fact that these films can be viewed on the worldwide web forever is truly powerful.

In all honesty, if there had not been a cash prize, I probably would not have gone to such lengths to achieve my vision, let alone enter the contest period. It’s really important to me to be recognized financially for my craft as a filmmaker and I believe that that is also true for others as well. The cash prize is a very effective incentive. I am very thankful for the chance to upgrade some of my humble gear!

From the bottom of my heart, I am incredibly thankful that this contest exists! I know that it takes a lot to run contests like this, and it is never free. Our country, our world needs GR and it could not continue without the generous support of Our Sunday Visitor and the GR donors. Thank you for giving me a reason to dream, and helping me make that dream a reality! It is really inspiring that people care enough to invest in providing an opportunity like this to young Christian filmmakers! Thank you, and may God bless you all a hundredfold!

MARK-ANTHONY JIMENEZ of Hanceville, Alabama
Winner of the People’s Choice Award