Film contest aims to ‘raise up’ young storytellers

The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) and the Dynamic Catholic Institute have teamed to sponsor a new video contest, “Imagine+Nation.”

Aimed at filmmakers age 18-30, the contest strives to raise up the next generation of storytellers to give them a platform to share their unique voice and creativity.

The goal of “Imagine+Nation,” contest organizers said, is to offer young people a creative outlet “to show forth the goodness, truth and beauty found in Jesus Christ and the Catholic Faith,” and to return to the Church its status as “a patron of the arts.”

Instead of merely lamenting the state of Hollywood films, organizers said, “this contest encourages young people to take an active role — to create something beautiful and meaningful, and to impact the culture in a positive way. The Scriptures tell us the same: ‘Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good’ (Romans 12:21).”

The contest features $10,000 in cash prizes and a celebrity judging panel that includes executive producer Steve McEveety (“Braveheart,” “Passion of the Christ”), award-winning music artist Matt Maher and actor/producer Eduardo Verastegui (“Bella,” “For Greater Glory”).

Submission deadlines are Dec. 31 (early), Jan. 31, 2014 (regular), Feb. 15 (late) and March 15 (extended). For details, see www.focus.org or email [email protected].