Christians generally have a negative view of "Hollywood." But it is a gross oversimplification to lump the film industry together, and paint it unregenerated and beyond hope. (It is no more appropriate to do so than it is to say anyone who works as a public school teacher is contributing to the downfall of society by working for an organization committed to secular humanism.)
On the contrary, it doesn't take much digging to discover that there are a large number of sincere Christians working both in front of and behind the cameras in just about any capacity you might imagine, just as there are in every other industry.
Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to meet and speak with studio heads who are committed Christians and responsible for some of the best-loved entertainment to be released in the last few years as noted by their box office sales figures. I have learned from producers who are believing Christians and were in charge of the development of major tentpole franchise films. I have also met and spoken with actors and producers involved in independent film ventures and have been privileged to meet people who have dedicated their lives to ministering to professionals working in Hollywood and pray for the spiritual enlightenment of non-Christians there. These people all have one thing in common. They are all Christians working in the film industry to serve the Lord and influence society for good through their art.
So how do we fit into the grand scheme of things with our film festival? We are not trying to challenge/defeat “evil Hollywood,” but are seeking to encourage filmmakers and people of influence active in the film industry to engage and preserve Judeo-Christian values in their filmmaking and impact culture through films that have something positive to say about the human condition that comes about through redemption in Christ.
If we can accomplish that with humility and grace and attract people to consider accepting Christ as their savior as a result of the stories we tell through film, then we will have achieved our purpose.
