Two film productions of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South America were honored at the International Christian Film Festival (FICC) on November 15 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Elected by the popular vote, the movie “O Resgate – Salvação ao Extremo” (Rescue - Salvation to the Extreme), was the winner in the category Best Medium-length Film and Best Film. The work, produced by Seven Filmes at the request of the headquarters of the Adventist Church in South American, was one of the 176 movies entered in the fifth edition of the event. The Adventist production was awarded the 2017 Best Evangelistic Film trophy, considered one of the festival's most important awards.
Released especially to support the 2017 Holy Week program and made available on YouTube in Portuguese and Spanish, the movie "O Resgate" already has more than 2 million views online.
The plot tells the story of Adam (Maurício Pitanga) and his fiancée Joana (Daniela Paschoal), who decide to climb a mountain in Chile in search of an adventure. However, an unexpected storm results in an accident that completely changes the lives of the couple and Adam's older brother Miguel (Leonardo Goulart).
"It's a great joy. Since the film speaks directly (albeit in a metaphoric context) about the life of Jesus, I think that there is no way to be more evangelistic,” said Goulart about the awards. “I hope the award will further encourage people to follow the example of selflessness and unconditional love for others, just as He did for all of us. "
Everon Donato, organizer of the Adventist Church's Holy Week program in South America, was also thrilled with the achievement and stated that "the best is to know that the message of this film has achieved many lives,"
The award was presented to the ,Executive Director Jefferson Nali. He thanked all the staff who participated in the production and the support of the Adventist institution and wants to give the trophy to the Church to show gratitude for directing production.
The film "Escolhas" (Choices) was awarded in the category Best Fiction Film. This movie was made to help raise awareness of the importance of dialogue with those who were once part of the denomination and have left the church.
The story presented illustrates a common type of situation for those who, for different reasons, abandon their faith, and then, thanks to the prayer and actions of people interested in their well-being, return to the church.
