Willow Creek-Crystal Lake to host Lifetree Film Fest
Willow Creek-Crystal Lake, 220 Exchange Drive, Suite A, will host the Lifetree Film Fest from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 18.
The event, showcasing short films from around the globe, celebrates life with stories that make you laugh, cry and give you hope. Each of the six films focus on one of two themes: "People doing life" and "People doing good."
A dessert reception, including movie popcorn and candy, is included in the evening.
Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 at the Events tab at www.willowcrytallake.org. Tickets at the door will be available for $10. Tickets for seniors and students are $5. Proceeds will benefit the Pioneer Center's intellectually and developmentally challenged clients.
The Lifetree Film Fest is sponsored by Lifetree Café - a place where people of all ages and backgrounds gather for conversation about life and faith in a casual coffeehouse setting. Lifetree Café meets from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters, 5005 Northwest Hwy., Crystal Lake.
Films that will be featured at the Lifetree Film Fest include:
• "Guang," directed by Quek Shio Chuan, is the moving story of Wen Guang, an autistic adult with an unique obsession. See his challenging quest for a job, his daily routines, and his secret passion as he searches for what will bring him a simple, hard earned, and fleeting moment of joy. (Malaysia, 14 min.)
• In "Spaghetti für Zwei (Spaghetti for Two)," directed by Matthias Rosenberger, a likable but lonely man on his way to lunch encounters a world swarming with would-be crooks, hussies, and criminals. A whimsical portrayal of misperceptions meeting reality. (Germany, 19 min.)
• "Meet Joel - My Last Days," directed by Justin Baldoni, tells the story of Joel, who was diagnosed with an Atypical Teratoid/Rhamboid Tumor (AT/RT) in 2010. He had surgery to remove the tumor and underwent 54 weeks of treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation. But his tumor returned. Joel is now 4 years old and has survived, thanks to his family's faith and positive thinking. (USA, 13 min.)
• In "Dancing Outside the Box," directed by David Block, ballroom dancing merges the rhythm of the music with the graceful movements of the dancers as they glide across the floor. In this film, wheelchair users and their able-bodied partners bring their two worlds together on the dance floor, creating beauty in motion and proving that everyone can dance. (USA, 15 min.)
• In "Unburdened," directed by Andrew Young, a bedtime story turns into a dramatic confession as a mother relives a tragic accident she caused when her daughter was a baby. The trauma sends shock waves between the woman and her husband. A surprising response reveals the power of forgiveness to heal the deepest wounds. (USA, 21 min.)
• In "Titanic Love," directed by Mark Pressdee, Lucy wants a Titanic Love cruise to relive her Hollywood dream. Jack does not. He thinks they cannot afford it, and Lucy is furious. Their relationship hits rough waters, so Jack calls on his clever friends for a cheap alternative. (UK, 22 min.)
Questions about the Lifetree Film Fest may be directed to Sheila Halasz at (815) 715-5476 or shalasz@yahoo.com. For details on Willow Creek-Crystal Lake, call (224) 512-1737 or visit www.willow crystallake.org.