The lineup for the fourth edition of Sala Web, the “virtual festival” at the Venice Film Festival, which kicked off yesterday (September 2-12), includes the David Harewood and Edwina Findley indie drama titled "Free In Deed," from writer/director Jake Mahaffy, which is based on a true story, and which is apparently making its world premiere there.
It’s a project we’ve been tracking for at least a couple of years now, and I’m glad to see it finally making its official introduction to the world. I like all I’ve read, watched and heard about it thus far, and I’m looking forward to eventually seeing it myself.
Words for the director on the project, which tells us more about the story the film tells: "How can a man crush a child to death, while believing the entire time that he is helping him? This was the most infuriating question, according to news stories that appeared over 12 years ago about an actual faith healing gone wrong. And that’s the question that started this project… 12 long years ago. “Laying hands” on people to deliver them from any manner of affliction is a common religious practice. If they struggle or the afflicting spirits fight back, they may need to be restrained. ‘Free in Deed’ is an ecstatic tragedy about a man with good intentions, compelled to demonstrate God’s divine love, while being completely unable to connect in any humane way with the people living around him."
Anyone with a broadband connection can screen the film online, via the festival. It’ll cost you of course, but only about $4.50 for those in the USA. The streaming site seems to be available to just about anyone anywhere. Click here to register and purchase tickets. There are said to be only 400 "virtual tickets" available per film, so if you’re at all interested in seeing this (and it may be your only chance to see it, unless it screens at a festival or theater in your neck of the woods), you’d better get your tickets now. This specific film becomes available on the 11th of September. But you can purchase a ticket in advance.
I actually hope more international film festivals do this, so that those who can’t attend (which is the majority of us) but who would like to see some of the films, have the opportunity to do so.
