Meet The Festival Founder: Louise Johnson
Find out more about Sheffield Christian Film & Media Festival and the heart behind the event in this insightful interview with the festival’s Founder and Director, Louise Johnson.
Louise, for anyone who doesn’t know you yet, please could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in film and media?
Absolutely! I have always been fascinated by the filmmaking process. I have a distinct memory of watching ‘Singin’ In The Rain’ as a kid and loving seeing the early filmmaking techniques – the challenges of microphone placement, the early effects and stunts – it all made me really excited. I got my degree in Film & Media Production as a mature student and found the Producing role drew together creativity and my love of organisation and admin so that’s where I focussed. I also thrived on the film theory modules, and I equally love thinking about film as much as making it. It’s this combined skillset that set me off thinking I could start a film festival!
What inspired you to found Sheffield Christian Film Festival?
The idea brewed over time. I came across the Christians In Media national day of prayer for the media and thought it would be great to gather people to pray for film and media industries. Then I thought ‘why not show examples of films being made by Christians as part of this gathering’, and then I realised that’s essentially a film festival.
As Christians, it’s really easy to consume mainstream media; sometimes we demonise the media and sometimes we idolise it, but we’re not always aware of how Christians are actually engaging with those industries. I wanted to create a space to bring together Christian media makers with the wider church for celebration, sharing of ideas, and of course, for prayer.
Why should Christian filmmakers and media creatives submit their work to be showcased at the festival?
While we’re not limiting the type of film that can be submitted to only those with a Christian message, this will be a unique opportunity for media makers with a Christian faith to share their work with an audience who share their worldview, and to explore ideas around faith and film together through short talks and the filmmaker Q&A’s.
Who might want to attend the festival on the 21st of October?
Anyone who is interested in seeing new media pieces that you won’t necessarily see in mainstream cinema or on TV, anyone who wants to support and encourage Christians who are engaged in film and media creation, and anyone who wants to give thought to how Christians create and consume or understand film and media.
I’m really excited to create a place for Christian media makers to gather and encourage each other but this event is also open to the public. I really hope the wider Christian community will get excited about attending, experiencing media they wouldn’t otherwise get to see, and learning more about the production process.
What can festival goers expect from the day?
We are going to start the event with a coffee reception exclusively for media makers to participate in as a networking opportunity, then the main programme will start which will consist of short and feature films, filmmaker Q&A’s, and a few short talks from media professionals and theologians on themes around faith and film. We’ll create time to pray for Christians in media industries, and after the main programme we’ll end with another drinks reception for further networking opportunities. Once we’ve finalised the programme (after the submission window is closed) attendees will be able to pick from the events of the day and come and go as they please. The venue is in the middle of a beautiful park and there are lots of local shops and cafes to explore if you need fresh air and a leg-stretch.
And finally, what is your favourite film and why?
Oh gosh. Is it ever possible to answer this question? I think it’s seasonal – I’m becoming aware of new films (or old classics) all the time. Recently I re-watched JoJo Rabbit and was blow away by just about every aspect of the production design, writing, performances… really just the way the tone is so finely balanced between comedy and tragedy. It’s a real piece of art in my humble opinion… But then, in five minutes I’ll remember another great film that I wish I’d said instead!