Film Network Goes Mobile to Spark Spiritual Discussions

iPhone and Android Users Offered Instant Access to Thought-Provoking Short Films

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 25, 2010—Advances in phone technology are now allowing people to have thought-provoking conversations about spirituality and faith without even making a call-thanks to a new mobile platform launched by the Global Short Film Network.  Through m.GlobalShortFilmNetwork.com Apple iPhone OS and Google Android OS mobile users can access a collection of short films designed to get viewers thinking and talking about spiritual topics. 

"Film provides a strategic connection point with young people," said Scott Santee, director of the Global Short Film Network.  "Our experience is that a young person is more likely to engage in conversation about spiritual topics when it is in response to something they have watched."

The Global Short Film Network produces and collects short films featuring intriguing stories, many with no resolute ending.  GlobalShortFilmNetwork.com, which offers more than two dozen short films, also provides training videos and sample questions designed to teach follow-up techniques for encouraging discussion.

"These films don't tell people what to think.  The message is often ambiguous-that's the point," said Santee. 

The mobile website is currently available to iPhone OS and Android OS users, though Global Short Films Network plans to expand compatibility to all mobile phones with Internet capabilities.

Global Short Film Network is part of The JESUS Film Project, an international ministry that aims to develop media tools and strategies that connect culturally with people exploring faith.  Since 2005, the Global Short Film Network has equipped students, teachers, professionals and churches in more than 76 countries with films that help prompt conversations about faith.

RELATED STATS

• "As the audience for online video continues to grow, a leading edge of internet users are migrating their viewing from their computer screens to their TV screens.  At the same time, more cell phone users are opting for the convenience of watching video on smaller screens via their handheld devices." (Pew Research Center)
• "Increasingly, the mobile phone plays a critical role in the media lives of teens. In the U.S., 77% of teens have their own mobile phone and another 11% say they regularly borrow one." (Nielsen)