Making change

Espresso Junction Firegate Films, 2006. 40 minutes.

What do you do when you finally see the truth?

That’s the lingering question of on-screen parable Espresso Junction. An executive, a counsellor, a romantic, and a stockbroker get a glimpse into their true selves when they receive change – a $5 bill to be exact, left by a mysterious stranger.

Each experiences the revelation differently – questioning, fighting, and finally accepting or rejecting the invitation to change. It’s easy, though not always comfortable, to find oneself in the characters.

Most enjoyable is Timothy Horch’s character, a hyperventilating love-struck coward, who infuses the film with flat-on-his-face humour.

The serious side of Espresso Junction is also worth contemplating. The questions it asks about truth and choice are among the most fundamental to life and faith. Never preachy, this engaging story will spark meaningful conversations both inside and outside the church.

The project boasts a strong Mennonite Brethren connection. Screenwriter, actor, and director Paul Boge attends North Kildonan MB church, Winnipeg. Family Life Network’s videographer Grant Hoeppner and GodTalk co-host Melissa McEachern worked behind the scenes. The original music by FLN’s Avante Records artist Amanda Falk alone makes the film worth experiencing.

Considering that the 55 cast and crew members were all local volunteers sacrificing sleep to film from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., Espresso Junction is a pretty impressive effort for small town visionaries. The April 4 debut drew 650 people.

The DVD and soundtrack are available at their website. Firegate Films is a project of Paul Boge, Timothy Horch, and Chris Radke.

Freelance writer Angeline Schellenberg is a member of Crossroads MB Church, Winnipeg.