DAVID MAIR
Staff Writer

It was a cold, rainy night outside, but inside, it was nothing but bright lights and dressed-up filmmakers.

Students in Religion 211 this year put on a faith-filled film festival. The “Hebrew Idol Live Finale” took place 6 p.m. April 16 in the Karen Hille Phillips Center.

“Loyal Opposition,” “To Save a Hawk,” and “The Heisenberg Principle” were the three films competing.

The first film involves female empowerment, friendship, business and deception.

“To Save a Hawk” was a tale of a daughter introducing her boyfriend to her parents, wanting him to change to impress them.
The third was loosely based on the AMC show, “Breaking Bad.”

The red carpet began at 6:50 p.m. Senior Asia Wolfe played host (a la Ryan Seacrest) as the student filmmakers strutted down the red carpet.

After everyone took their seats, each film was shown. Then, each filmmaking team came onstage and was questioned by the judges on their process of making it.

Judges asked the teams how they were able to form biblical connections within their film to the passage they were assigned.

During the judge’s deliberation, PLUtonic came out for a surprise performance. Songs performed included “Apple Bottoms Jeans” and “How Great Thou Art.”

The four female filmmakers of “Loyal Opposition” wore bright smiles that complemented their stunning gowns as they were adorned with crowns and sashes for winning.

Junior August Mendoza, sophomore Amanda Walls, junior Alyssa Workman and sophomore Cara Gillespie were members of the winning team “Loyal Opposition.” / Photo by David Mair
Junior August Mendoza, sophomore Amanda Walls, junior Alyssa Workman and sophomore Cara Gillespie were members of the winning team “Loyal Opposition.” / Photo by David Mair

Hebrew Idol has happened annually since its debut in the 2007-2008 academic year.

The man behind the event is Antonios Finitisis, religion department professor and chair. He teaches all Religion 211 sections.

According to the PLU Course Catalog, students enrolled in Religion 211 study “the literary, historical, and theological dimensions of the Hebrew Bible, including perspectives on contemporary issues.”

The final project of the semester is to create a film based on a Bible passage.

The top films from each 211 class are apart of the Hebrew Idol Finale.

To see additional photos from the event, visit the Hebrew Idol Facebook page www.facebook.com/antonios.idol.

Share your thoughts