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A SHORT FILM BY PATRICK RIVERA
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A story of a college woman who stuggles to find answers after an unexpected pregnancy. From an unlikely source she is challenged to embrace faith over fear.
SYNOPSIS
LOGLINE
Diane is a college student who is living life to the fullest. With a solid background growing up she is responsible and hard working. Until she finds out she is pregnant with an ex-boyfriends baby. She soon finds herself looking for answers not only to her situation but to life.
MOVIE PREMIERE
Oct. 1, 2022 @ St. Kilian Catholic Church, Mission Viejo, CA
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
It's beautiful and very well done!
Very Reverend Angelos Sebastian,
Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, Diocese of Orange
...this is incredible. (Patrick) You're truly an instrument for Christ.
REGAN LONG & ABBY JOHNSON,
Founder & CEO at The Real Deal of Parenting
...this film it is very dramatic with an important message!
RICHARD COLLINS,
Christian Film Festival Creator
ABOUT THE FILM
Lead me to the Cross, soon to be released, is sure to wow audiences. This Catholic based film features a stellar SAG (Screen Actors Guild) cast and the collaborative efforts from local Parishes of the Diocese of Orange in California. Trick Entertainment brings to life an absorbing story that came to life from a concept for a 30 second commercial. Together with St. Kilian Catholic Church in Mission Viejo, CA., Patrick Rivera with the permission of Father Angelos Sebastian set a goal for this short film...to create a film ministry with the goal to evangelizing in a new way that is relatable in today's world.
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
The idea for this short film came after the Director of Evangilization at my parish (St. Kilian Mission Viejo, CA) mentioned that there was an advertisement for the bulletin for respect life and helping young women who are pregnant. I was curious as to why they didn't have a commercial or some type of video promoting this ministry on social media. So, I decided to explore this world further, in life and on film. I wrote a screenplay based on an average college girl who was raised Catholic but, after leaving home for school, tends to sway away from the church.
I called it "Lead me to the Cross"because after hearing the song, specifically the words:
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me, lead me to the cross
I knew that the story of just a decision to keep the baby or not was not enough. That is why I added the line, "Are you looking for comfort or are you looking for God". I think all of us every once in a while should examine this question when we struggle on life.
But the story of finding your faith was important because when you have faith in Jesus, answers come easily. Troubles don't go away, but life becomes easier to handle, knowing that God has a plan for you or for someone else.
Early on, I knew who I wanted to use as my lead for Diane. Andrea Sweeney-Blanco is an incredible actress, and she was the lead in another movie I produced a few years earlier. Andrea was raised Catholic and I pray every day that this film and ministry touches her and brings her back into full communion with the church.
Father Mike is played by my very good friend, Michael Villani. I have known Michael for over 25 years and his "yes" to the project meant the world to me. We have worked on many projects together, and this one by far has the most meaning because of its subject matter. His love for the church is contagious and it shows in his acting.
We would shoot this all on digital with a lowlight 35mm censor and in a 2.35:1 anamorphic format for that true film look and display. The shoot was fun but challenging with a very small crew...myself.
After writing the script, I knew that I had to tell my parish priest, Father Angelos, because of him and his look outside the box when it comes to evangilization, I knew this was supposed to be my ministry, evangilization through film.
I've been making films for over 35 years, and this is by far the most meaningful. Whether or not this film is a success, and what people take away from it, is entirely up to the audience.I’m just thankful to everyone involved who made it all possible to give glory to God through film.
ANDREA SWEENEY-BLANCO
as Diane
Andrea was born in Monterrey Nuevo Leon, Mexico and has lived in several cities in both Mexico and the U.S. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she is experienced in film, theatre, television, commercial work, voiceover and radio.
MICHAEL VILLANI
as Fr. Mike Bernini
Michael Villani is an actor/voice over artist in Los Angeles, and has been since graduating from the University of Missouri with a Broadcast Journalism degree in 1970.
PATRICK RIVERA
Producer/Director
A visionary from the start, Patrick Rivera, CEO of Trick Entertainment and half owner of Trick 6 Films, has built his brands from the ground up, by working tirelessly to create content that stands out, means something, and reaches the right audiences from the right mediums.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
We are so happy you’re interested in getting involved with our work and help spread the gospel in a different but captivating way. There are so many ways for you to help, and we truly appreciate each and every effort. By lending your support, you’ll become a valuable part of our efforts and help strengthen our cause and ministry.
If you have any questions about what we are trying to do or the ways in which you can contribute, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
