Feature News

Inspirational 'Mighty Macs' opens film festival

Hollywood and faith combine at opening night of John Paul II film festival

Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Melody Regalado - Florida Catholic correspondent

MIAMI — Hollywood glitz and Catholic faith shared the stage Oct. 29 at the premiere of the first-ever John Paul II International Film Festival.

The opening night reception and film screening drew a sold-out crowd of 76 people to Cobb’s CinéBistro in Dolphin Mall to watch the premiere of “The Mighty Macs,” the inspirational story of Immaculata University’s women’s basketball team and its journey to a national championship in the early 1970s.

MELODY REGALADO| FC Members of the original "Mighty Macs", whose story was told in the opening night film of the John Paul II International Film Festival, pose with festival organizers Frank Brennan (far left), Laura Alvarado (far right) and Raphael Anrrich (third from left), as well as the movie's director Tim Chambers (second from right), and Immaculata University President Sister Patricia Fadden of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (fourth from left.)

Written, produced and directed by Tim Chambers, the film was selected for opening night because it was judged to be a “very heartwarming, original and welcoming film that set the tone of the film festival,” according to Laura Alvarado, one of the festival’s organizers.

“There’s an obvious parallel between what the girls went through in facing challenges and what we have done in putting this festival together,” Alvarado said. “That’s what faith is: knowing you have everything to lose but doing it anyway.”

The festival’s theme, “Faith Through the Storm,” captures its goal of highlighting films that celebrate life and satisfy audiences seeking meaning and inspiration in their own lives.

The festival, which runs through Nov. 7 at different venues throughout south Florida, is the work of three Catholics from Miami who feel a connection with the late pope because of their faith and artistic passions.

“This festival was built on prayer and trust,” said Frank Brennan, who served as film coordinator for the festival. “We began with hopes, dreams and zero money in our pockets.”

“When was the last time you saw Catholics portrayed in a positive light in films?” Chambers asked the audience at the premiere of his film. “We need to be unified in tackling that hurdle in both Hollywood and the world. It’s time to put our religion out in front and be proud of who we are.”

He explained that the biggest challenge of any faith-based film is reaching the masses. People often will say a film is wonderful but “too Catholic.”

“There is no other festival that embraces that genre,” Chambers said.

“Festivals like this can support these kinds of films and show that there is an audience for them.”

Catholic films are not the only ones being shown. Festival organizers opened the event to filmmakers of all faiths in keeping with Pope John Paul II’s message of unity.

“It’s really positive without being too religious or specific,” said Patrick Kelly, one of those who attended the opening night screening.

Members of the original Mighty Macs team were present at the opening night reception and shared insights comparing their actual experience to what was portrayed in the film.

“Immaculata dared you to be great and wanted you to be the best version of yourself,” said Theresa Grentz, most valuable player for the Mighty Macs’ 1972-1974 national championship teams and head coach of the bronze medal-winning 1992 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team. “We played for a trophy and we would not disappoint each other.”

MELODY REGALADO| FC Theresa Grentz, center, a member of the original "Mighty Macs", poses with Immaculata University President Sister Patricia Fadden of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, second from left, and film director Tim Chambers, right, as well as other representatives of Immaculata University in Pennsylvania during the opening night of the John Paul II International Film Festival. The opening night film "The Mighty Macs" tells the story of Immaculata's girls' basketball team and its climb to three national championships in the early 1970s.

The opening night judges’ panel consisted of Noreen Legault-Mendoza of the South Beach International Animation Festival and Sister Helena Burns of the Daughters of St. Paul in New York, who shared their thoughts after watching the film and engaged the audience in a discussion.

Attendees also received ballots asking them to rate the film on a scale from one through five, one being the lowest and five the highest. The winner of the audience award will be announced at the closing reception of the festival, set for Saturday, Nov. 7, at Florida International University’s College of Business Complex.

Raphael Anrrich, director of media relations for the festival, said he felt a sense of relief and joy on opening night.

“We started planning and working on this film festival nine months ago, and now it feels as if we’ve given birth,” he said. “The fruits of our labor have paid off, and I couldn’t be more proud to show the world.”

More information and a schedule of film screenings can be found at www.jp2filmfestival.com.

I am Raphael Anrrich(one of the organizers) father. I live in Chile , South America. Ever since my son told me about this festival I was very impreesed and have followed their progress and activities closely from here. My son has done a lot of good things for others ever since he was a teenager. I told him that I was sure him and the other members of the team organization were going to be successful because Pope John Paul II was helping and supporting their effort. I just hope this festival will the first one of many more in future years since there are not enough activities of this kind and people are eager to attend hoping to receive a beautiful and inspirational message.

I pray that this festival gets the coverage and support it deserves since it has the potential of becomming a big and beautiful event in years to come.

God bless their effort,

Rafael Anrrich Senior