CRANBERRY TWP — Projecting Hope, a three-day film festival centered on faith-based, family entertainment will begin Friday at the Cranberry Cinemas on Route 19.

The event will feature nine movies, some of them appearing at multiple times. Some of the movies are new releases.

Admission is free, but donations will help support Mission Vision, a nonprofit group that helps provide free eye exams, eyeglasses and other supplies to the needy.

Because of a high demand for some of the shows, patrons also have the option of reserving tickets for $5 each.

"Purchasing advance tickets is a great way to guarantee your seat and help to support the festival at the same time," said Scott Anderson of Salt and Light Entertainment, which is hosting the event along with Scott & Christie and Associates and Good Looks Eyewear.

"The vast majority of tickets for each show will be available for free at the box office on the day of the showing," Anderson added.

The collection of movies has a central theme of hope. "To Save a Life," presents relevant issues teens face and the problems that plague them such as teen pregnancy, suicide and underage drinking.

"The Trial" explores themes of redemption and the value of a life. Multiple showings of "Veggie Tales" will keep the youngest theater goers entertained.

"Movies are the story-telling medium of our generation. They are the way that we pass our culture and values along," Anderson said.

"It has been said that those who control the media control the message, and ultimately the culture," he added.

Anderson started the ministry in 2000 with one event in a theater near his home in Dubois. He worked at a movie theater and was concerned about the content and messages.

"Much of what was coming out of Hollywood conflicted with my faith," he said.

"I saw the power of film and the impact on society, and I began to wonder, 'What if the church began to look at movies as a way to reach out and spread a message of hope?'" he added.

"We began to search out and screen films with positive, uplifting messages. And the audience really responded."

Anderson estimates 15,000 people attended the festivals last year, and he projects 20,000 will attend this year. Corporate sponsors underwrite the events.

"We are a small growing ministry and can only accommodate about three to four major events per year," he said.

"This fall we are doing the two festivals in Pittsburgh, and we have just completed one in Charlotte, North Carolina," he explained.

Cranberry was added to the slate of venues because of the increasing attendance.

"Many of our films are filled to capacity, and we often get requests to add locations in different areas of Pittsburgh," he said.

"The new owners at the Cranberry 8 are spending a lot of money to turn that location into a top notch venue, and we were able to work out an agreement to expand the festival," he added.

"There are a lot of movies in this festival that we feel have a great appeal to the community," said Matthew Carrozzi, general manager of Cranberry Cinemas. "Due to the strong family values of the Cranberry area we felt that it would be a great fit," he added.

"This film festival will provide our community with an experience that not only is free, but brings everyone together to enjoy the entertainment that the Projecting Hope Film Festival and Cranberry Cinemas can provide," Carrozzi said.

For more information or to volunteer, go to www.projectinghopepgh.com.

<B>WHAT: </B>Projecting Hope Film Festival<B>WHEN: </B>Friday through Sunday, Cranberry Cinemas, 20111 Route 19, Cranberry Township, and Oct. 15 to 17, Waterworks Cinemas, 930 <B>Freeport Road, Blawnox<B>INFO: </B>Those taking a Mission Vision impact kit to the free event will receive $1.50 off popcorn at the festival and a coupon to receive free popcorn at a later date. The men's kit should include a T-shirt, briefs and a pair of socks. For a women's kit, substitute a sports bra for the T-shirt.Place each kit in a clear, resealable plastic bag. Label as men's or women's underwear and identify whether items are sized as small, medium, large or extra large.<B>Friday</B>• 5 p.m. — "Letters To God" (PG, 2 hours)• 7:15 p.m. — "What If" (PG, 2 hours)• 9:30 p.m. — "To Save a Life" (PG-13, 2 hours)<B>Saturday</B>• 11:30 a.m. — "Veggie Tales: It's a Meaningful Life" (All ages, 1 hour)• 3:30 p.m. — "What's In the Bible" (All ages, 1 hour)• 4:45 p.m. — "The Perfect Game" (PG, 1 hour, 50 minutes)• 7 p.m. — "What If" (PG, 2 hours)• 9:20 p.m. — "The Trial" (PG-13, 1 hour 50 minutes)<B>Sunday</B>• 1:30 p.m. — "Veggie Tales: Pistachio" (All ages, 1 hour)• 2:45 p.m. — "Letters To God" (PG, 2 hours)• 5 p.m. — "The Way Home" (PG, 1 hour, 40 minutes)• 7 p.m. — "To Save a Life" (PG-13, 2 hours)