GLORYREELZ CHRISTIAN FILM FESTIVAL & WRITER'S LAB HAPPENS NOV. 8-9
Left, Sheri Brooks, founder of the GloryReelz Christian Film Festival & Writer's Lab with her husband Al.
▶ BY KRISTEN COLLIER
Sheri Brooks, founder of the GloryReelz Christian Film Festival & Writer’s Lab, November 8-9, in Brighton and Novi, MI had “been involved in media for a while but wasn't fulfilled.” The former President of the Michigan Chapter of Women in Film and Television, MCAI Media Director, NABFEME Board of Directors, “thought about a film festival, but felt there were too many.”
“I made my first documentary in 2006, and was hosting and producing my own television talk show on local cable,” Brooks told CM. “Sitting at a networking event one evening, I just kept hearing God say 'My Will be done.' That was 2010 and the vision was born!”
She “immediately began doing everything unto the Lord.”
Brooks and her husband, Al, recognized there was an under-served demographic in Michigan Christian filmmakers.
“We began planning and launched GloryReelz Christian Film Festival in 2011. It was incredible! We received films from countries all over the world.”
But locals were slow to respond.
“We didn't have great reception here in Michigan at first,” Brooks said, “but the weekend attendees at our inaugural event came from Chicago, New York, South Carolina, and a few other places.”
“Because I had also hosted an annual writer's conference, it was a no-brainer to just include it alongside the film fest.” Brooks said they “strive to create an atmosphere that is pleasing to God” at their festival. “We make an effort to try and showcase all of the films, including helping to get exposure for them, and at the very least, filmmakers receive acknowledgement at the GR Honor Awards.”
Brooks added, “One of the things that gives me great pleasure, is seeing the knowledge shared from our keynote speakers to our staff instructors, with attendees, and the collaborations that happen during networking sessions.”
In addition to film screenings, workshops and networking sessions, they offer an awards program that allows them to recognize entrants’ hard work, and to encourage filmmakers and writers to continue in their mission of creating faith-based projects.
“This is how we share the gospel, entertain, and edify, while honoring The Father above,” Brooks said.
The GloryReelz Christian Film Festival has “been blessed to have great keynote” speakers, including Dick Rolf, founder of The Dove Foundation, Aaron Burns (Beyond the Mask, War Room, Overcomer), Mark Knudsen, founder of Crystal Creek Media, Cecil Murphy (90 Minutes in Heaven, Gifted Hands) and actor Will Smith’s former script consultant, Dr. Stanley Williams (The Moral Premise).
“While ultimately it was God who spoke our festival into existence, we filled a niche that now gives filmmakers access to other creatives who love God,” Brooks said. The festival and writer’s conference affords greater opportunity for the Michigan production community unable to attend out-of-state events, and also gives them a chance to support their own.
Brooks said they’ve helped “secure distribution in the past” and are now looking to increase national connections for films and books.
This festival and conference is open to families, churches, individuals and groups.
“This year we hope to see more people coming out to view the films.” Brooks also hopes more Michiganders attend, to develop their filmmaking skills. “In order to serve the whole state, we move the conference,” hosted by a church or conference center, each year.
“For the last few years I've been praying about a way to serve the Western part of Michigan,” she said. Brooks “was finally led to ask a friend who I felt loved the Lord without compromise, was a skilled filmmaker, and lived in the region I'd prayed about, if he would like to partner with us to hold a GR2 type fest in the West, but for Michigan filmmakers?”
She asked him to pray about it. “He spoke to his business partner and it was a go, so we formed a partnership with Xari Studios and Malku Media presents... We wanted the festival to represent both companies, and use a name other than GR, but still be dedicated to sharing and awarding short films that are inspirational, educational and transformative by nature.”
Hence, the birth of Mitten Made Shorts.
Brooks said this annual event, held annually each November in Lansing, is “dedicated to Michigan filmmakers and open to filmmakers statewide.”
“Being able to see what God is doing through [Grand Rapids and Mitten Made Shorts] blesses my heart tremendously. I just owe Him so much praise for what He's doing, but in the end I'm just blessed to see the vision come to pass and to operate as His servant.”
GloryReelz is in need of volunteers and sponsors for the 2019 event.
“We are always happy to partner with enthusiastic people dedicated to serving the Lord.”
Sheri Brooks, founder of the GloryReelz Christian Film Festival & Writer’s Lab, November 8-9, in Brighton and Novi, MI had “been involved in media for a while but wasn't fulfilled.” The former President of the Michigan Chapter of Women in Film and Television, MCAI Media Director, NABFEME Board of Directors, “thought about a film festival, but felt there were too many.”
“I made my first documentary in 2006, and was hosting and producing my own television talk show on local cable,” Brooks told CM. “Sitting at a networking event one evening, I just kept hearing God say 'My Will be done.' That was 2010 and the vision was born!”
She “immediately began doing everything unto the Lord.”
Brooks and her husband, Al, recognized there was an under-served demographic in Michigan Christian filmmakers.
“We began planning and launched GloryReelz Christian Film Festival in 2011. It was incredible! We received films from countries all over the world.”
But locals were slow to respond.
“We didn't have great reception here in Michigan at first,” Brooks said, “but the weekend attendees at our inaugural event came from Chicago, New York, South Carolina, and a few other places.”
“Because I had also hosted an annual writer's conference, it was a no-brainer to just include it alongside the film fest.” Brooks said they “strive to create an atmosphere that is pleasing to God” at their festival. “We make an effort to try and showcase all of the films, including helping to get exposure for them, and at the very least, filmmakers receive acknowledgement at the GR Honor Awards.”
Brooks added, “One of the things that gives me great pleasure, is seeing the knowledge shared from our keynote speakers to our staff instructors, with attendees, and the collaborations that happen during networking sessions.”
In addition to film screenings, workshops and networking sessions, they offer an awards program that allows them to recognize entrants’ hard work, and to encourage filmmakers and writers to continue in their mission of creating faith-based projects.
“This is how we share the gospel, entertain, and edify, while honoring The Father above,” Brooks said.
The GloryReelz Christian Film Festival has “been blessed to have great keynote” speakers, including Dick Rolf, founder of The Dove Foundation, Aaron Burns (Beyond the Mask, War Room, Overcomer), Mark Knudsen, founder of Crystal Creek Media, Cecil Murphy (90 Minutes in Heaven, Gifted Hands) and actor Will Smith’s former script consultant, Dr. Stanley Williams (The Moral Premise).
“While ultimately it was God who spoke our festival into existence, we filled a niche that now gives filmmakers access to other creatives who love God,” Brooks said. The festival and writer’s conference affords greater opportunity for the Michigan production community unable to attend out-of-state events, and also gives them a chance to support their own.
Brooks said they’ve helped “secure distribution in the past” and are now looking to increase national connections for films and books.
This festival and conference is open to families, churches, individuals and groups.
“This year we hope to see more people coming out to view the films.” Brooks also hopes more Michiganders attend, to develop their filmmaking skills. “In order to serve the whole state, we move the conference,” hosted by a church or conference center, each year.
“For the last few years I've been praying about a way to serve the Western part of Michigan,” she said. Brooks “was finally led to ask a friend who I felt loved the Lord without compromise, was a skilled filmmaker, and lived in the region I'd prayed about, if he would like to partner with us to hold a GR2 type fest in the West, but for Michigan filmmakers?”
She asked him to pray about it. “He spoke to his business partner and it was a go, so we formed a partnership with Xari Studios and Malku Media presents... We wanted the festival to represent both companies, and use a name other than GR, but still be dedicated to sharing and awarding short films that are inspirational, educational and transformative by nature.”
Hence, the birth of Mitten Made Shorts.
Brooks said this annual event, held annually each November in Lansing, is “dedicated to Michigan filmmakers and open to filmmakers statewide.”
“Being able to see what God is doing through [Grand Rapids and Mitten Made Shorts] blesses my heart tremendously. I just owe Him so much praise for what He's doing, but in the end I'm just blessed to see the vision come to pass and to operate as His servant.”
GloryReelz is in need of volunteers and sponsors for the 2019 event.
“We are always happy to partner with enthusiastic people dedicated to serving the Lord.”
For more information visit www.gloryreelz.com or email gloryreelz@gmail.com.
Film Submissions: filmfreeway.com/grcff
Book Submissions: gloryreelz@gmail.com
For sponsors: info@gloryreelz.com
Fb group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gloryreelzfilmfest/
Film Submissions: filmfreeway.com/grcff
Book Submissions: gloryreelz@gmail.com
For sponsors: info@gloryreelz.com
Fb group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gloryreelzfilmfest/
