February 21, 2005

Spiritual Film Festival Showcases Shorts
in Los Angeles Debut

HOLLYWOOD, February 21, 2005—Filmmakers from the greater Los Angeles area and around the world will screen original work at the eclectic and spiritually-minded Damah Film Festival—Spiritual Experiences in Film, on March 11th and 12th in Hollywood (at Raleigh Studios) and in Beverly Hills (at Laemmle Music Hall Theater and at The WGA Theater.)

“This festival has its finger on the pulse of a new generation,” says Terence Berry, Executive Director of Damah. “People around the world have a growing interest in spirituality and this event gives voice to that passion and curiosity through the emerging art form of the short film. Damah values the exploration of spiritual themes from a diversity of perspectives, and that approach is uniquely suited to the spiritual questions people are asking today.”

Damah will screen over 70 short films, all under 30 minutes, which are designed to stimulate discussion and provide a platform for spiritual expression. The festival also offers workshops and seminars led by our jurors and top-level industry leaders, as well as numerous networking opportunities for those looking to launch or advance their film careers.

Damah jurors include industry leaders such as:

• Stephen McEveety, producer of Braveheart, The Passion of The Christ, and 187.
• Scott Derrickson, writer/director of the upcoming The Exorcism of Emily Rose, starring Laura Linney and Tom Wilkinson.
• Ralph Winter, producer of X-Men 1&2, Planet of the Apes, and Fantastic Four
• Howard Kazanjian, producer of Raiders of the Lost Ark and Return of the Jedi
• Michael Medved, author and film critic of the New York Post, CNN, and PBS

Damah (an ancient Hebrew word that means “a metaphor that transforms”) is the only short film festival in the world focused solely on celebrating and exploring the spiritual dimension of life from diverse perspectives. Each year, filmmakers compete for thousands of dollars in prize money.

For a complete festival schedule (including screening times, film synopsis, venues and directions) please visit our website at www.damah2005.com.