Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals at 1645 Brook Lynn Dr., Ste 2, Dayton, OH 45432-1933 US - Catholic Academy Part of Angelus Awards
| Catholic Academy Part of Angelus Awards |
(Los Angeles) - A documentary profiling film producer Sid Davis was the winner of this year’s Angelus Award for “Outstanding Non-Fiction Filmmaking,” one of seven projects honored at this years’ student film festival, held in Los Angeles, October 25. Three film students from the University of Florida received a $1,500 prize from the Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals, sponsor of the documentary category. The students, John Jack, Donna Pazdera, and Todd Southern, produced the film as part of their thesis project. The 25 minute film, Sid Vision, focuses on the work of Davis in the 50's and 60's . While most classroom guidance films were using teams of sociologists and experts to determine what children and teens should know regarding proper behavior and guidance, Davis produced films dealing with taboos. He made more than 150 films dealing with rapists, drug addicts, child molesters and reckless youth. In making the presentation, Catholic Academy President This is the eighth year for the Angelus Awards hosted by Family Theater Productions. The purpose is to honor student films of “uncommon caliber which explore the complexity of the human condition with creativity.” Family Theater Productions began the event as part of its mission to entertain, educate and inspire families. In addition to the documentary award, other categories include audience impact, production design and outstanding animation. The grand prize is the Patrick Peyton Excellence in Filmmaking Award which carries a $10,000 prize. This year, there were a total of 471 entries in the six five categories. This is the first year the Catholic Academy has sponsored an Angelus Award. Morock told the gathering, held at the Directors Guild of America that one of the main focuses of his association is to affirm those working to produce quality programs and films which deal with the struggles of humanity and elevate the dignity of the individual. He said the Catholic Academy has done that for 38 years through the Gabriel Awards and is now honored to be part of the Angelus Awards. “The Gabriels allow us to honor film and broadcasting. The missing element was paying tribute to the young writer/producer/director. The Angelus Awards allow us to do that, without having to re-invent the wheel.” Following the awards ceremony, Morock said the Catholic Academy Board is looking at a proposal that would invite the winners of Angelus awards to attend the association’s annual assembly and to screen their winning work. He added that would be contingent upon funding being developed for that purpose. “The films I have seen these past two years are memorable ... from the animated short forms through the more complex documentary and short film.” In addition to the student awards, each year, Family Theater presents a Spirit of Angelus Award to a worthy individual or company in the entertainment industry. This year’s Spirit was presented posthumously to Gregory Peck. The honor was accepted by his wife, Veronique. The evening featured a surprise guest ... Jim Caviezel, who had been scheduled to introduce the tribute to Peck and introduce his wife. Caviezel said the fires that were hampering east Los Angeles delayed his arrival. He presented his tribute to Peck, saying he was a man who had strong convictions and lived them. Caviezel used that to transition into his latest film, The Passion of Christ, which has received considerable attention with select screenings being held throughout the country. He spoke of a phone call he received from director Mel Gibson asking him if he would be interested in portraying Jesus. Caviezel said he told him yes. The next day, Gibson called back and asked him again. Caviezel says I asked him if he was trying to talk me out of it. Gibson replied if you do this part you may never work again. Speaking directly to the film students in the audience, he urged them to stay true to their values and warned of the battle being waged against Satan throughout the world today, saying we must win the war and not run away from it. Caviezel talked of suffering from hypothermia for several weeks, being flogged during the filming of The Passion of Christ, and having his shoulder separated when the heavy cross came down on him during one scene. On Thursday, October 23 it was announced the film will be released on Ash Wednesday.
