Cinema Vita Film Festival

PRESS RELEASE

Inspired by the recent success of the film “Bella”, the Respect Life Program of the Archdiocese of San Francisco has inaugurated its first annual Cinema Vita Film Festival in cooperation with the Oakland Diocesan Respect Life Ministry, Marriage for Life and Ignatius Press.

The Festival will take place at the Delancey Street Theater, 600 Embarcadero, San Francisco, on Friday evening, March 7, 2008 from 6 to 10 PM. Sponsorships are currently being sought with one of the benefits being admission to a Pre-Screening Cocktail Reception at St. Mary’s Cathedral on February 26.

Our premier presentation is the internationally acclaimed movie, “After the Truth”, a German film that portrays the fictional trial of Dr. Josef Mengele, the ‘angel of death’ of Auschwitz. Shown at the Montreal and San Sebastian Film Festivals in 1999, this historic film poses ethical questions about experimentation on human life that are still relevant today—perhaps more relevant.

Cinema Vita means “Films for Life”. Art, particularly the medium of film, shapes the popular imagination and influences culture. The Film Festival is dedicated to encouraging emerging filmmakers, showcasing movies about contemporary issues concerning life and exploring life’s deep significance. To that end, we invite the submission of 3-to-5 minute original films to compete in three divisions: high school, college and an open category.

For submission guidelines and other information on sponsorships, timetable and prizes, please visit our website at http://www.cinemavita.org or call 415-387-2324.