Simply making the Sign of the Cross while having lunch on a film set got filmmaker John Banovich labelled a Catholic and limited his job opportunities, he writes. (Photo courtesy of John Banovich)
Values and beliefs can quickly become fragile in the film industry, even for the most devout Christian.
For most of my professional life, I have worked in film. I began my career as an actor, going out for dozens of auditions and continuously taking classes. I came across a few bigger opportunities on TV series and even feature films, but I soon realized that the film industry can really disorient one’s moral compass.
One day you are climbing the ranks and earning a really good income, and the next day doors are closed in your face because of your faith. What’s a young actor to do?
I was fortunate to diversify by studying cinematography, working behind the camera, and doing natural history work. However, it was still a challenging environment to work in as a Christian, especially a Catholic. As my career evolved, so did my faith, and I spent several years studying at Redeemer Pacific College (now Catholic Pacific College), which in turn made me more passionate about my beliefs and even more difficult to find opportunities for work in the mainstream.
Being a public Christian in the film industry leaves you open to criticism, ridicule, and even unprovoked attacks. I easily became an open target for anti-Catholic jokes for something so simple as making the Sign of the Cross before eating lunch at the crew table.
I was swiftly labelled as a religious nut and many industry people no longer wanted to work with me. Standing up to this bullying behaviour would only make me feel as if I were stranded on an island, ostracized for my faith. If I was willing to compromise my values and turn my back on Catholicism, I am quite confident I would be much further ahead in the industry.
It is easy to get caught up in the lure of the film business with its long hours, hard language, and loose morals. I even know several closet Catholics in the industry who would rather just blend in and “not rock the boat.”
But I won’t. I have learned from past encounters that finding moral compromises is near impossible. I have often been expected to leave my beliefs at the door, but I am not willing to make this concession.
Being labelled typically means fewer employment opportunities. However frustrating it is to “turn the other cheek,” being a faithful Catholic in the workplace also offers an opportunity to be an example of the values I hold dear and the faith I believe in.
I am proud to stand alongside the few filmmakers who have no shame to express their faith in the open. When opportunities arise, I will always choose to work with these people. Catholics can be a strong voice about issues which matter. We can find projects that suit our beliefs and our values, and create stories to inform, entertain and motivate audiences. One big challenge is finding financial support to help us achieve these goals.
Many people, especially young adults, look to the film industry for excitement, fame, and big money. However, there are many pitfalls and snares on that journey.
My advice is this: never lose yourself and your values in pursuit of business. It is better to remain true to who you are than to give up your beliefs and identity for materialism. Know who you are, rooted in your faith and your relationship with Our Lord.
John Banovich is an award-winning filmmaker and a member of Precious Blood Parish in Surrey.