PHILADELPHIA (September 18, 2015) – The World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 and Greater Philadelphia Film Office (GPFO) today released the schedule of events for the World Meeting of Families Film Festival presented by Beneficial Bank (NYSE: BNCL). Beginning with a Ribbon Cutting event at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2015, the Festival will kick-off with a screening of “Finding Saint Anthony: A Story of Love and Light” at 4:00 p.m. All film festival tickets are available for purchase by visiting http://bit.ly/wmoffilmfestival.
Tickets for all films are $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 12. There will be a cash only rush line for all films. No-show seats will be filled five minutes before screening by those in line.
“We are thrilled to release the final schedule for the World Meeting of Families Film Festival sponsored by Beneficial Bank,” said Donna Crilley Farrell, Executive Director, World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015. “This event is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy films curated by the Greater Philadelphia Film Office that celebrates culture, religion and the great City of Philadelphia.”
“In partnership with the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015, we are proud to have a role in this historic event that will put an international spotlight on the City of Philadelphia,” said Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office. “We have selected a variety of films to unite, inspire and entertain our guests.”
The World Meeting of Families Film Festival schedule is listed below. Beginning on Tuesday, September 22, 2015, films will be shown at the Kimmel Center for the performing arts in the Perelman Theater, and select films will include Red Carpet events with special guest appearances.
Ribbon Cutting at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at 3:30 p.m.
To kick-off the World Meeting of Families Film Festival, Donna Crilley Farrell, Executive Director, World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015, Gerard P. Cuddy, President & CEO, Beneficial Bank, and Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office, will share a few words at the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
“Finding Saint Anthony: A Story of Love and Light” Screening
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. (49 minutes)
Released in 2013, this inspiring documentary explores the life of the thirteenth century Saint Anthony of Padua. The film will be introduced by Father Steven Kiernan, Parochial Vicar, St. Anthony of Padua, Parish, Ambler, PA.
“The Mighty Macs” Screening and Red Carpet Event
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. (99 minutes, filmed in Philadelphia)
Film to begin at 7:00 p.m.
Starring Carla Gugino and David Boreanaz and based on the true 1970s story, Cathy Rush becomes the head basketball coach at Immaculata College, a small, all-girls Catholic college. Against all odds, Coach Cathy steers her girls to their first NCAA championship. The film will be introduced by Gerard P. Cuddy, President & CEO, Beneficial Bank and Writer and Director Tim Chambers. Coach Cathy Rush and members of the original basketball team will be in attendance.
“Rudy” Screening
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. (114 minutes)
Starring Sean Astin, Jon Favreau and Ned Beatty, Rudy was always told that he was too small to play college football. But he is determined to overcome the odds to fulfill his dream of playing football at Notre Dame University.
“Diary of a City Priest” Screening and Red Carpet Event
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 5:30 p.m.
Film to begin at 6:00 p.m. (77 minutes, filmed in Philadelphia)
Starring David Morse, “Diary of a City Priest” follows Father John McNamee, a Catholic priest, as he accepts a position at a Philadelphia inner-city church. Preceding the film, Director Eugene Martin will be
available on the Red Carpet for a Q&A session. Father John McNamee will also be in attendance. The film will be introduced by Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office and Director, Eugene Martin.
“Urban Trinity” Premiere and Red Carpet Event
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Film to begin at 8:00 p.m. (78 minutes, filmed in Philadelphia)
This historical documentary traces the narrative of the many immigrant groups who came to Philadelphia and whose common bond was their Catholicism. The story arcs from the earliest times through the more
modern stresses of a changing Philadelphia. The film will be introduced by Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office, and Executive Producer Sam Katz, who will also be available for a Q&A session on the Red Carpet.
*SOLD OUT
“A Man For All Seasons” Screening
Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. (120 minutes)
Starring Paul Scofield, Wendy Hiller and Robert Shaw, this film tells the story of Thomas More, who stood up to King Henry VIII when the king rejected the Roman Catholic Church to obtain a divorce and remarriage. The film will be introduced by members of the Saint Thomas More Alumni Association.
“The Way” Screening
Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. (123 minutes)
Starring Martin Sheen, this film follows a father as he heads overseas to recover the body of his estranged son who died while traveling the “El camino de Santiago,” who then decides to take the pilgrimage himself. This film will be introduced by Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office.
“Wide Awake” Screening and Red Carpet Event
Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Film to begin at 8:00 p.m. (88 minutes, Philadelphia)
Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, and starring Joseph Cross, Rosie O’Donnell and Dana Delany, this film tells the story of a 10-year-old boy who goes on a search for God after his grandfather dies. M. Night Shyamalan will attend the Red Carpet event and will introduce the film.
“The Wizard of Oz” Screening
Friday, September 25, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. (102 minutes)
A fan-favorite starring Judy Garland, this film tells the story of Dorothy Gale, who is swept away to a magical land in a tornado and embarks on a quest to see the Wizard who can help her return home. A. Bruce Crawley, President and Principal Owner, Millennium 3 Management, Inc., will introduce the film.
“The Francis Effect” Screening
Friday, September 25, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. (72 minutes)
From the moment Pope Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he won the hearts of the people. The Francis Effect takes a critical and in-depth look at how an ancient institution is rapidly changing under the leadership and vision of Pope Francis. The film will be introduced by Father Kevin Gallagher, Pastor, St. Denis Parish, Havertown, PA.
“Invincible” Screening and Red Carpet Event
Friday, September 25, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
Film to begin at 7:00 p.m. (105 minutes, filmed in Philadelphia)
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear and Elizabeth Banks, this film is based on the story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old bartender from South Philadelphia who overcame long odds to play for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in 1976. Gerard P. Cuddy, President & CEO, Beneficial Bank, and Vince Papale will walk the red carpet with Tony Luke, Jr. and Walter Thurmond and introduce the film.
“It is with great pride that Beneficial Bank sponsors the World Meeting of Families Film Festival,” said Gerard P. Cuddy, President & CEO, Beneficial Bank. “The GPFO has done a fantastic job in curating
films with a focus on Catholicism, culture and Philadelphia’s rich history. I look forward to kicking-off the Film Festival and hope that attendees enjoy this time.”
Interactive Sing-A-Long-A Sound of Music at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
In addition to the Film Festival screenings, the Pennsylvania Convention Center will host a Sing-A-Long production of “The Sound of Music” on Friday, September 25, 2015, hosted by two of Philadelphia’s veteran actors and producers, Diane Heery and Patrick McDade. Heery is a local casting director who has appeared in regional and touring shows and has cast films including “The Happening” and “The Sixth Sense.” McDade is a professional actor and producer who has appeared in films including “Dead Poets Society” and “Silver Linings Playbook.”
This special screening will be held in the Terrace Ballroom at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m., and the sing-a-long will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m.
Co-sponsored by the Holy See’s Pontifical Council for the Family and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the World Meeting of Families is a triennial global event that seeks to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe and highlight its intrinsic value to the good of society. This international gathering will welcome Pope Francis to the United States for the first time in his Papacy. Being held in the United States for the first time ever, the official theme for the 2015 World Meeting of Families is “Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.”
For more information regarding the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, visit www.WorldMeeting2015.org. For more information regarding the Holy See’s Pontifical Council for the Family, which co-sponsors the World Meeting of Families, visit http://www.familiam.org/famiglia_eng/00002554_HOME_ENG.html.
You can also engage the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia on Facebook
(World Meeting of Families 2015) (Encuentro Mundial de las Familias – Filadelfia 2015), Twitter (@WMF2015) (@WMF2015ES) and Instagram (WMF2015).
About World Meetings of Families
Beginning with 1994, The Year of the Family, the Pontifical Council for the Family has been responsible for organizing the World Meetings of Families in Rome (1994); Rio de Janeiro (1997); Rome (2000); Manila (2003); Valencia (2006); Mexico City (2009); Milan (2012); and now, Philadelphia (2015). Since its inception by Saint John Paul II, the World Meeting of Families has sought to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe.
About Greater Philadelphia Film Office
Greater Philadelphia Film Office (GPFO) is a “film commission” representing Southeastern Pennsylvania that officially serves the counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia. A non-profit economic development agency committed to the growth of the regional film and television industry, GPFO has been responsible for impacting the local economy with over $4 billion since 1992. Please visit http://www.film.org for more information.
About Beneficial Bank
Founded in 1853, Beneficial Bank is the oldest and largest bank headquartered in Philadelphia. With more than 58 offices in the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey regions and approximately $5 billion in assets, Beneficial is a full service financial institution whose product offering includes commercial, consumer and real estate lending, insurance and wealth management services. Known as the knowledge bank, Beneficial has committed to providing financial education to individuals and businesses in the Delaware Valley for more than 160 years. Visit www.thebeneficial .com for more information.
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