Merrimack Valley Christian Film Festival opens Sunday
By Rosemary Ford
rford@eagletribune.com


On Palm Sunday, churches around the world will give out fronds to mark the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in the days before his Passion.

Here in the Merrimack Valley, we've developed another Palm Sunday tradition: The Merrimack Valley Christian Film Festival, held at the Lawrence Showcase Cinema through April 12.

Tom Saab of Salem, N.H., began the festival in 1993 at the now closed Salem Tri Cinema. He expected thousands to come and see the films he offered the public free of charge. When thousands more than he expected came, he knew he had something special on his hands.

"A lot of people, we felt, would come who would never go into a church, but would come to a movie theater to hear the good news," said Saab, a Lawrence native. "God doesn't always speak verbally to people. He shows you; he speaks to your heart."

Now in its 17th year, the festival brings the latest in Christian films to the big screen, including some world premieres. Saab believes the success of the festival comes from a higher power.

"God called me to share the Gospel here in the Merrimack Valley," said Saab, adding that he couldn't do this with without the support of his loyal volunteers.

This year's film festival features:

"Fireproof" — Kirk Cameron plays a firefighter in a struggling marriage on the verge of a divorce.

"Saving God" — Ving Rhames plays an ex-con turned church pastor. The movie deals with real life situations, including drugs, gangs and violence.

"Billy: The Early Years of Billy Graham" — The true story of how Billy Graham became a Christian and the early years of his ministry, starring Martin Landau and Lindsay Wagner.

"The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry" — Former "Love Boat" captain Gavin MacLeod stars in this inspirational film.

"Pilgrim's Progress: Journey to Heaven" — An epic adventure based on the best-selling book written by John Bunyan.

For the kids: Children's matinees include the new short film "Beyond the Sky," with great special effects, as well as two new "VeggieTales" films.

"We do want to help people change their lives, to direct people to Christ," Saab said. "The message is in the movies."

He said the Christian movie industry is booming like never before. Unfortunately, he also said big distributors aren't giving the films wide release.

Since its initial success, the festival has expanded to other locations, from California to Orlando. This year, Saab is planning a fall festival in Revere.

If you go

What: Merrimack Valley Christian Film Festival

When: Sunday, April 5, through Sunday, April 12

Where: Lawrence Showcase Cinema, 6 Chickering Road, Lawrence. Films shown in theaters 7 and 8.

How: Admission is free. For a complete schedule, check The Eagle-Tribune, visit www.christianfilmfestival.org, or call 978-686-4242. Donations to help defray the cost of the festival can be sent to: Merrimack Valley Christian Film Festival, 25 Jackson St., Methuen, MA 01844.