Journey’s Crossing Uses Film Festival to Bring Clean Water to Africa
Journey’s Crossing Christian Church is hosting the Reel Water Film Festival in partnership with Food for the Hungry. The event will connect with local filmmakers while raising awareness and funds to provide clean water in Africa.
- The Reel Water Film Festival will feature short films submitted by aspiring filmmakers.
- Festival proceeds will help fund at least one new well.
- Local organizations, individuals, and companies are supporting the event through sponsorships, donations, and services.
By Jennifer Taylor
The mission of Journey’s Crossing Christian Church (Gaithersburg, MD) is to “meet people where they are and help them find their way back to God.” This summer the church will continue taking steps to accomplish its mission by hosting a film festival to connect with local artists and provide clean water in Africa.
In partnership with Food for the Hungry, Journey’s Crossing will host the Reel Water Film Festival on June 16. Aspiring filmmakers may submit short films (ranging from 5 to 25 minutes) by April 30, and a panel of judges will select winners in a variety of categories. Many of the films will also be screened during the festival.
“The event will raise awareness of the water crisis,” says festival director and Journey’s Crossing communications assistant Tiffany Jones, citing research that 10 percent of the world’s population will still lack access to clean water sources in 2015. “But we want to do more than simply highlight the need, so we’re also pledging to install at least one new well with the festival proceeds.”
The church is raising the money by selling tickets to attendees and offering sponsorships to local organizations. Many individuals have donated their own funds, as well, and several companies have contributed their services in producing and promoting the event.
