Building a Bridge

Viewpoints

World Premiere

FEATURE | United States | 96 MINUTES | English | English subtitles

BUILDING A BRIDGE

New York, Documentary, LGBTQIA

The tragic 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando and the apparent apathy of his peers prompted Father James Martin, a New York-based priest, author, and journalist to pen the book, Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity. The publication and subsequent appearances on outlets from Colbert to Fox News made him something of a celebrity, beloved by many and denounced by those who claim he's a heretic.


Directed by Evan Mascagni and Shannon Post, and executive-produced by Martin Scorsese, this illuminating portrait follows the outspoken but good-humored Martin as he speaks to packed houses, often flanked by protestors; consoles queer youth and struggling parents; and journeys to Rome. With the election of Pope Francis and his famous "who am I to judge?" comment, it appeared the Church was finally beginning to accept the LGBTQ+ community. However, a March 15 Vatican statement barring priests from blessing same-sex unions has made Martin's mission more critical than ever, and begs the question, "What would Jesus do?" If the answer is to demonstrate compassion, love, and acceptance, then Martin is truly doing the Lord's work. —Mimi Brody


CAST & CREDITS

Directed by Evan Mascagni and Shannon Post

Evan Mascagni is a filmmaker from a Catholic community in Kentucky. Shannon Post is a queer filmmaker from Florida. Building a Bridge is the second documentary Mascagni and Post have co-directed. Their first documentary, Circle of Poison, premiered at DOC NYC. They both live in Brooklyn, New York.

Director
Evan Mascagni, Shannon Post
Producer
Evan Mascagni, Shannon Post, Nick Capezzera
Executive Producer
Martin Scorsese
Additional Executive Producers
James O'Donnell, Brian Hull, Laura Hull, Mark McDermott, Yuval David
Cinematographer
Nick Capezzera
Composer
Teddy Abrams, Nathan Farrington
Editor
Michal Labik, Ellen Knechel
Consulting Editor
Colin Nusbaum

CONTACTS

US Sales Contact
Kevin Iwashina
Endeavor Contact
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: 310 246 3119
KIwashina@endeavorcontent.com
Press Contact
RJ Millard
Obscured Pictures
New York, NY NY
Phone: 2126200727
rj@obscuredpictures.com
International Sales Contact
Evan Mascagni
Player Piano Productions
Brooklyn,Phone: (917) 397-2981
evan@playerpianoproductions.com
Print Source
Evan Mascagni
Player Piano Productions
Brooklyn,Phone: (917) 397-2981
evan@playerpianoproductions.com