films for justice:

host an 
economic film festival 
in your area!

why sponsor a film festival?

Films, whether documentaries or fiction, can be a powerful means of educating and inspiring the viewers on issues you care about. They can be a means of bringing in experts to your community in a cost-effective way. Can’t afford to fly in Robert Reich to talk about income inequality? Then show his film, Inequality for All.  Films can put a personal face on the statistics that make our eyes glaze over when we read them in the newspaper.  Want to talk about what it is like to live below the poverty line, but don’t want to embarrass or exploit low-income members of your community?  Show The Line, which follows individuals in different parts of the country who live below the federal poverty line. Read more here...

Films...can be a powerful means of educating and inspiring the viewers on issues you care about.

movie rights

Please be aware – just because a movie is available in your neighborhood video store or on Amazon, does not mean you have the right to a public showing. Videos available for public sale or rental are only available for limited private use.  For any showing other than private use, you must purchase the rights to show the film. This applies whether you are a non-profit or for-profit, whether you are charging a fee for your audience or your showing is free.

However, do not despair!  Obtaining the rights to many worthy films is not as expensive as you might think.  Many documentarians want their films to get out to the public and are willing to offer a discounted fee to non-profits, often for unlimited showings, so you can show the film on other occasions without having to pay again. Read more here...

sponsor a film festival 
in just 8 steps:

1. Select films to be shown

WFVJ has several films listed on our website, plus links to other sites that also list films. Click HERE for ideas! 

2. plan a DISCUSSION SESSION       after each FILM

Many of the films we list on our website come with study guides that can help you run a discussion after the film.  They often include background information and suggested questions to spark conversation.  It can also be effective to have an expert speaker make a presentation after a film. Need some other ideas? Read more HERE.  

3. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Once you have identified your goals and chosen your movies, decide on locations(s) for the festival. There are a variety of things to consider when selecting venues. Here are a few suggestions: 

How to select a location

4. publicity

Publicize your film festival with posters around town and on the local college campus, at area congregations, via email and on Facebook. Make sure your publicity is visually appealing, the information is complete and accurate, and has contact information where a person can RSVP and find out more about the films and speakers.  Hosting congregations can help with publicity.

5. room set-up

Chairs should be set up theater-style. Make sure the screen can be seen equally well from all seats and that the sound is loud and clear. Tables for literature and refreshments should be set up at the entrance, where everyone will pass through. Baskets for donations can be on the tables, and sign-up sheets where people can join your email list, if you have one.  If you have invited a speaker from a social justice organization, invite them to bring literature to have out on the table.

6. before the film begins

Identify a spokesperson from your congregation or organization who will welcome everyone, thank the hosting congregation, talk about the film festival overall and introduce that night’s film. Be sure to thank anyone who was particularly helpful or instrumental in putting together the event.

7. after the film

Introduce and thank the speaker. After the speaker makes his/her presentation, help moderate the Q&A and discussion after. It helps to have a few prepared questions to get discussion started if necessary.  Be sure to end on time.  If conversation seems to still be going, invite those who wish to linger and talk informally (host congregation permitting) but be sure to end the formal part of the evening on time.

8. after the event

Be sure to send out thank you’s to all host congregations, speakers, and anyone else who was particularly helpful in making your film festival a success!