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Sharing The Gift

James Cathcart December 22, 2016 0 1
Sharing The Gift

At the time of writing our Christmas movie #ShareTheGift has clocked 20,000 views on Facebook alone with more here on the site! A massive thank you to everyone to has watched, shared, liked and commented! In the run up to Christmas we would like as many people as possible to see it, so continue to share it and recommend it to others.

Churches, groups and individuals are welcome to download the film to use at services, events or simply to show friends and family.  Go to #ShareTheGift and right click the green arrow to download the linked file.

The film made in collaboration with Sanctus Media, a young Scottish writer, and a former professional actor who is now a Church of Scotland Minister, shows that it is some of the most vulnerable people in society, young migrants, asylum seekers and the homeless that are often the most generous.

Sanctuary First understands Christmas to be the story of a generous God who becomes vulnerable, breaking into a chaotic and difficult world with a message of hope and love. The film urges us to follow God’s example and share the gift of faith, hope and love with one another.

Set outside a maternity ward before Christmas, we see our own minister Albert Bogle as a 21st imagining of a shepherd - someone on the fringes of society, looking on at a series of modern day struggling Mary and Josephs.  The Nativity is a very human story of life breaking into difficult circumstances. 

There’s Mary-Kate and Joe who are at risk of becoming homeless:

Dear Joe and Mary-Kate Davidson,

We regret to inform you that you are deemed a ‘low priority’ case and do not quality for  our crisis services at this time. Mary-Kate’s pregnancy means we may be able to find her temporary accommodation until, and no later than, January 6. She will have to report to our offices at no later than 9.15 AM tomorrow morning with photographic ID…

Maria who is facing Christmas as a single mother in her second language:

Mother: Maria Dawidska 

Father: Józef Dawidski 

Due Date: 25/12/16

Note: Needs translator (P892)
Unstable domestic environment
Stress and fatigue

 Yūsuf and Miriam who are refugees struggling to make ends meet:

Dear Yūsuf and Miriam Davudi,

Due to your non-attendance for your last appointment we are unable to process this week’s payment. We understand your absence was due to Mrs Davudi’s pregnancy, but a failure to present a signed note from a doctor/healthcare professional means we cannot address your claim until after the holiday period…

The international cast features people from Scotland, England, Sweden, Germany, Canada and Iran. It has been very rewarding to see the project develop from working out the original idea, to creating props, filming with the fantastic Sanctus Media and collaborating with a brilliant bunch of actors who brought energy, subtly and commitment to their roles. 

One of our Marys had to cycle off to a Spanish oral test halfway through filming. She of course decided to keep her pregnancy ‘bump’ on the whole time. Fantástico!

Feel free to comment below with your response to the film. 

 

James Cathcart