We have all collected crosses over the years, and they are more than
souvenirs, because in most cases they each have a person, event, or
story connected with them: wedding crosses, confirmation crosses,
baptism crosses, rosaries, crosses worn during times of war, tattoos,
roadside crosses... We have also seen crosses used by various hate
groups who also claim a right to its symbolism.
Whether on top of a church spire, as a painting, sculpture, wall
decoration, jewelry, gifts, commemorations, or as a devotional item -
every cross has a story to tell.
We are in the process of collecting these stories in the form of a
documentary film project, and we are searching for people willing to share
their stories.
We have already documented several stories including the unique cross
that was secretly carried for years through several Nazi concentration
camps, or the cross that provides a link to a Salvadoran refugee camp
and the families and children who lived there in 1987, or a controversial
cross conceived and created by an artist to evoke deep and personal
emotions from its audience.
Do you have a cross that holds a story, stirs memories, or connects to
people and events, or which calls to mind stories of faith, hope, love,
courage, etc.?
Do you know of others - friends, family members, people in your
community who have such crosses?
Let us know by clicking the link Tell Us Your Story.
THE GOAL of the project is to produce several video pieces or one long
piece that covers a number of themes. This is currently a work in progress.
View the 3-minute video trailer for more details. View Trailer
souvenirs, because in most cases they each have a person, event, or
story connected with them: wedding crosses, confirmation crosses,
baptism crosses, rosaries, crosses worn during times of war, tattoos,
roadside crosses... We have also seen crosses used by various hate
groups who also claim a right to its symbolism.
Whether on top of a church spire, as a painting, sculpture, wall
decoration, jewelry, gifts, commemorations, or as a devotional item -
every cross has a story to tell.
We are in the process of collecting these stories in the form of a
documentary film project, and we are searching for people willing to share
their stories.
We have already documented several stories including the unique cross
that was secretly carried for years through several Nazi concentration
camps, or the cross that provides a link to a Salvadoran refugee camp
and the families and children who lived there in 1987, or a controversial
cross conceived and created by an artist to evoke deep and personal
emotions from its audience.
Do you have a cross that holds a story, stirs memories, or connects to
people and events, or which calls to mind stories of faith, hope, love,
courage, etc.?
Do you know of others - friends, family members, people in your
community who have such crosses?
Let us know by clicking the link Tell Us Your Story.
THE GOAL of the project is to produce several video pieces or one long
piece that covers a number of themes. This is currently a work in progress.
View the 3-minute video trailer for more details. View Trailer
Project Information
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About the Producer/Filmmaker
Bill Shepard is an ordained minister in
the Lutheran Church (ELCA). He began
this project in 2006 by sharing stories
with his congregation and others about
a variety of crosses he has collected
over the years, including a cross given
to him on a study tour to Central
America in 1987.
In his 10 years as a filmmaker and
videographer, Shepard has produced
many informational, educational and
event videos. He has also produced two
short films that were shown at the
Wildwood Film Festival (Appleton WI) --
"The Art of Quitting" (2004) and "Love
You Too" (2005). Shepard holds a BFA
degree in Playwriting from the University
of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, an MFA in
Playwriting from Ohio University; and
was a graduate student at CalArts in
1969-70.
He formed his production company
Sheer Will Productions in 2004.
Bill Shepard is an ordained minister in
the Lutheran Church (ELCA). He began
this project in 2006 by sharing stories
with his congregation and others about
a variety of crosses he has collected
over the years, including a cross given
to him on a study tour to Central
America in 1987.
In his 10 years as a filmmaker and
videographer, Shepard has produced
many informational, educational and
event videos. He has also produced two
short films that were shown at the
Wildwood Film Festival (Appleton WI) --
"The Art of Quitting" (2004) and "Love
You Too" (2005). Shepard holds a BFA
degree in Playwriting from the University
of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, an MFA in
Playwriting from Ohio University; and
was a graduate student at CalArts in
1969-70.
He formed his production company
Sheer Will Productions in 2004.