External Affairs Staff Hit the Red Carpet
In February, our External Affairs staff attended the SOMA Film Festival at the South Orange Performing Arts Center to show support for the showing of Catholic Charities’ “PACT: A Day in the Life” documentary film.
Pictured at right (from left) are: Mary Forlano, Kim Espenschied, Joyce Campbell, Lisa Thibault and John Bynum.
Produced entirely by the External Affairs staff at Catholic Charities, the documentary was made to help de-stigmatize serious mental illness and foster appreciation for the dedicated men and women who work to keep these individuals as well as the community safe. It tells the story in a powerful manner, with the filmmakers shadowing one of our PACT teams last summer.
“We subtitled the film ‘Not All Heroes Wear Capes’ because PACT team members demonstrate grace and courage in some extremely dangerous situations — all part of their job caring for the seriously mentally ill,” says director John Bynum, Digital Media Specialist in External Affairs.
The two-day film festival featured film shorts, animated shorts, documentaries and feature films from around the world. John was introduced prior to the showing and recognized as the only local NJ talent represented at the festival. He received a heartfelt round of applause from the audience when the film concluded.
Matt Smollon, Founder/Director of the SOMA Film Festival, mentioned that when he saw the PACT documentary come across his desk and noticed it was from Catholic Charities he felt an immediate connection. He spoke with passion about several of his family members who have adopted and/or fostered children through our programs.
Next Up: Trenton Film Festival
The PACT documentary was also accepted into the Trenton Film Festival running from March 30 to April 3 at the Mill House Playhouse on 205 East Front Street in Trenton. The PACT documentary will be shown on the final day of the festival (April 3) at 5 PM. Tickets are available online.
Please considering joining members of the External Affairs Staff and showing support for our PACT Team. For more information on the documentary or questions about joining us at the festival, contact John Bynum, Digital Media Specialist, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton.