The Second Annual Coptic Arts and Film Awards

Joanna Malek

A hum of excitement hung in the air as Coptic youth and friends filled the Cathedral hall, dressed for a dazzling night of entertainment. Gathered together from the various Coptic churches across London, each guest eagerly anticipated what the Second Annual Art and Film Awards had in store. As everyone waited for the night to begin, some stole a sneak preview of the art, prose, and poetry, in the gallery above, whilst others greeted friends excitedly and chatted amiably amongst each other.

Once all the guests had arrived, and the doors to the cathedral hall were opened, they took their seats at the beautifully presented tables, taking in the ambiance, set for a night of true exuberance. With everyone gathered together, the evening began with a prayer, led by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, and our honoured guest Bishop Youssef, the Coptic bishop of Bolivia.

Our charismatic hosts for the evening introduced the programme and without further ado, they let the entertainment begin! With the theme for the evening being ‘Like a Soldier,’ an impressive collection of short films, animations, art-work, and poetry ensued. The viewing opened with a showcase of three short films, created and acted by youth from various churches. The select panel of judges watched attentively, as the audience giggled or gasped in suspense at the comical, thrilling, and insightful films presented.

‘The Armour of God’ combined effective music and beautiful passages from the Bible, with different scenes which acted out what it means to truly behave as a Christian, in deeds as well as through words.

Next, the audience was treated to an amusing animation named ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, where Little Red and the infamous Wolf are playing noughts and crosses, to determine whether Wolf will eat, or spare her. When they reach a draw, the pair reconcile for a happy ending!

The third piece of the evening was the well-acted ‘Haunting of Janice’ which played upon the mythical ghost of Janice haunting the manor, as each character disappears, one by one. Shot effectively, and acted out with impressive talent, the film’s ending left everyone glued to their seats. A poignant message written at the end, tied moral to story, warning us to ‘protect our senses; they are for God’s Glory.’

As we eagerly anticipated the next piece of the evening, our hosts introduced us to two poets who would recite their poetry on stage. Meret Arsanious began with a warm, eye-opening poem named ‘New Year’. Read with a gentle tone, the poem asked us to take a look at our lives, and the choices we make. A second poem by Fadi Mikhail that drew chuckles and laughter from the audience, as one boy sets out to rid the world of all its uneaten chocolate bars! The poem was entertaining and poetic, performed with different voices for each character in a style reminiscent to that of Roald Dahl a la Fadi Mikhal.

With our stomachs rumbling, and adrenaline pumping, the hosts then announced a twenty-minute interval where guests and judges could view the art and poetry set up in the gallery upstairs and vote for their favourite pieces. Everyone eagerly crowded the displays, awing at various beautifully painted, etched, carved and drawn pieces of art, and read the poetry and prose of many literary styles and themes.

Following the interval was a final set of films and a further two poetry recitals, before dinner, and the judge’s decisions. Joanna Malek recited a poem reflecting thoughts on our struggles to maintain a spiritual life with the Lord, and the importance of God’s presence in the heart of our lives, named ‘Redemption Song’ and Basil Hanna followed with a stirring and inspirational piece of prose, detailing one man’s struggle in life to define himself from the monotony of his every day existence, and how the Devil can brew thoughts of despair and desperation in our minds.

The youth from S. Mary and St, Shenouda church in Croydon gave the audience a giggle as they watched a film which replayed the events of the girl’s football tournament – and the team’s avid determination to take home the trophy! With Bon Jovi singing ‘It’s My Life’ in the background, the clip took us back to a day filled with laughter, and team-spirit, as we watched the girls race their way to the finals – just like soldiers!

An inspiring piece to the table, characterising the theme, the video drew together passages from the Bible and lessons in Christianity, spelling out the word ‘SOLDIER’ and leaving the audience stilled with reflection.

The Final film of the evening asked ‘Where Is God?’ and, stringing together peaceful acoustic guitar with beautiful scenery, showed us that God is everywhere – in our every day, and every movement. Even the smallest of gestures can contain a Christ-like element, and we should embrace His presence into our every thought and our every will.

With a remarkable set of pieces to keep the judges in firm deliberation – the audience was treated to the eagerly awaited dinner, served as a plentiful buffet, followed by cheesecake and muffins to satisfy all taste buds!

Once the judge’s decisions had been made, and the glistening trophies sat on stage awaiting their prized winners, the audience was hushed as the nominations were announced! Basil Hanna was awarded ‘Best Poetic Piece’ for his astute poem, and George Gendi’s ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ collected two separate awards! Amir Michaeel went home as ‘Best Actor,’ and Reni Makram as ‘Best Actress,’ whilst ‘The Haunting of Janice’ won best picture. Several trophies were awarded for the unique and talented Art-work of George Michael and Athanasyous Awad, the former dedicating one of his piece’s to His Grace Bishop Angaelos, as a token of gratitude for his love and dedication to the Coptic youth of England.

As the night drew to a close, and camera flashes snapped rapidly to capture the elegance and success of this magical night, His Grace Bishop Angaelos gave a touching and memorable closing speech, highlighting the blessing of such a deeply founded sense of community and God’s presence and work among us all – that we may be more than a congregation, more than a common identity – we are a family.

The wonder of the night stayed with me long after it drew to a close, and we all said goodbye. The Second Annual Art and Film Awards were not only a success, but a display of the true talent, gifts, and presence of God’s grace amongst the Coptic youth. We are truly blessed and fortunate to have such dedicated servants and leaders, bringing us together as one body of Christ, to spend the most memorable and youthful of our days.