At a time when many young adults are searching for purpose and connection, two young Catholic filmmakers are inviting viewers to rediscover meaning in Jesus Christ through their short film.
Joshua Reinhart of Lloydminster and Christopher Connelly of St. Paul created Choices, a 10-minute film, shot over four days in December 2025. It follows a young man whose life is disrupted by tragedy, forcing him to confront the passive way he has been living.
For Reinhart, the idea began in an ordinary moment.
“I was taking a break one day and started thinking about how teens are so connected but also so disconnected,” he said. “Everyone’s on their phones, but nobody’s really living in the real world.”
The idea quickly took shape.
“I felt like the Holy Spirit dropped it into my head,” he said. “Within five minutes, I was calling Christopher.”
The pair met regularly to develop the story and prepare for filming. Early production challenges quickly taught them valuable lessons.
“The first day, we thought we could wing it, but we were totally wrong,” Reinhart said. “We only got a few usable shots.”
Connelly said the experience highlighted the importance of teamwork.
“There are so many moving parts in filmmaking—you really have to rely on each other,” he said.
Despite improved planning, the project nearly fell apart.
“We were close to scrapping it,” Reinhart admitted. “But I felt the Holy Spirit carrying us through.”
At its core, Choices points viewers to a clear message.
“The solution to our problems is a relationship with Jesus,” Connelly said. “He’s the one constant when everything else falls apart.”
The filmmakers were intentional in how they shared that message.
“We wanted to tell a relatable story first, then introduce the faith,” Reinhart explained.
One of the film’s most powerful moments came unexpectedly while filming inside the cathedral in St. Paul. What was planned as a multi-shot sequence became a single continuous take.
“I felt a strong sense to do it in one shot,” Connelly said. “It became one of the most meaningful parts of the film.”
The scene, set before the tabernacle, serves as the film’s emotional and spiritual climax.
Both filmmakers say their faith — especially time spent in Eucharistic adoration — has deeply shaped their work. “Seeing young people come to adore after a full day has really impacted me,” Reinhart said. “It’s changed everything.”
Connelly described similar experiences.“In adoration, I’ve found peace and clarity that nothing else gives,” he said. “The Eucharist really is a highway to Heaven.”
Looking ahead, the two hope their work inspires others to share the Gospel through creative means.
“Film brings people together and gives everyone a role,” Connelly said.
Reinhart added that storytelling matters.“If you draw people in with a good story, they’ll be more open to the message,” he said.
For both filmmakers, Choices is just the beginning. “We’re excited for future projects,” Connelly said. “And we hope others are inspired to create too.”
At the heart of it all is a shared purpose: “To God be all the glory.”
-Jenny Connelly
To stay updated on more films from Connelly and Reinhart, you can follow their Youtube page, In Focus Films.
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