As a Sister of Saint Francis on the screen shares an anecdote, the Meagher Theatre erupts into soft laughs and giggles. A few minutes later, a heartfelt story is told, and the room falls into a shared silence—some holding back tears. These moments during the feature film No Risk, No Gain, capture what the Neumann Inspires Film Festival is all about: the power of storytelling to move us, challenge us, and, yes, inspire us.
The third annual Neumann Inspires Film Festival kicked off on Friday, April 4, with a late-night screening for students and continued throughout Saturday. Featuring short films by students, alumni, and filmmakers from around the world, the festival lived up to its name, showcasing stories that resonated deeply with audiences.
The feature documentary No Risk, No Gain stood out for its moving portrayal of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. These women faced discrimination for both their culture and gender but never gave up. They became pioneers in education, healthcare, and social services. They taught classrooms of 60+ children, worked in makeshift hospitals during the Spanish influenza, and established schools, orphanages, and medical institutions. Some rose to become lawyers, doctors, and CEOs of hospitals—roles largely inaccessible to women at the time.
Sarah McDermott Jain, the film’s director, shared that more than 4,000 pages of transcripts were gathered from interviews with the Sisters. In the end, only a 65-page script made up the film, showcasing how each Sister’s story could stand alone as its own documentary.
Dr. James Kain, a professor and one of the film festival organizers, said, “The most profound lesson is that to them (The Sisters), Franciscanism is not so much a theology or religious doctrine as it is a way of living. Where there is a need, there they go. The things we see as personal sacrifices are opportunities to them.”
Kerry Hustwit, another professor involved in the film’s creation, emphasized the urgency of preserving this legacy: “Fewer women are joining the Sisters of Saint Francis these days and the average age of the sisters is 82. It’s time to share their history and legacy, in hopes that we can help carry on their important work.”
A special screening was held Friday for the Sisters and the film’s production team. The Sisters expressed their gratitude for how the film captured their personalities and collective mission. How it showcased “The diversity but also unity within us,” one Sister noted. Despite the dwindling number of Sisters, their message was one of hope. Religious life might look different in the future, but God is still calling people.
Beyond the feature film, the festival spotlighted a wide range of inspiring voices. Neumann alum Ethan Graci submitted his senior capstone project—a short, artistic film about his grandmother called Too Old. Blending home videos, music, and her heartfelt quotes, the film followed her through life-embracing adventures like getting a tattoo and riding a Ferris wheel. More visual poem than narrative, the piece encouraged viewers to embrace aging and live with joy.
Another standout was Write My Name, a short film based on the poem by Zeina Azzam. Read aloud by children and set against the sounds of real gunfire and bombings from Gaza, the film offered a chilling and emotional reflection on war and displacement.
Each film, whether reflective, joyful, or heart-wrenching, offered something to take away. A Sister reflecting on 50 years of service. A grandmother embracing the thrill of life. A child giving voice to those caught in conflict.
“Normally a film of this magnitude is made by dozens of people, this was (mainly) made by three. Sarah McDermit, Kerry Hustwit, Ciara Kain which is really impressive, I don’t know many people that could work that hard.” said Dr.Chakars who was interviewed in the film.
The Neumann Inspires Film Festival didn’t just showcase talent—it reminded us of storytelling’s ability to light a spark. To move us. To connect us. To inspire.
