Sent

Sent is a heartwarming documentary that delves into the life and work of Fr. Stan Fortuna CFR, a jazz and hip-hop priest on a mission to spread hope and inspire change in the world. The film provides an intimate look at the extraordinary life of this modern-day saint, who has made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals through his unique and innovative approach to spirituality and social justice. Born in 1952, Fr. Stan Fortuna grew up with a passion for music and a desire to make a difference in the world. After studying music in college, he was drawn to the Catholic faith and eventually became a priest in the Congregation of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR). With his deep love for jazz and the streets of New York City, Fr. Stan saw an opportunity to use his gifts to connect with the marginalized and the poor. Sent opens with Fr. Stan's early days as a priest in the South Bronx, one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in the United States. Armed with nothing but his saxophone and a burning passion for social justice, he began to use music as a tool for healing and redemption. As he shares his own story, audiences are introduced to the richly textured world of hip-hop and jazz, which would become the signature sounds of Fr. Stan's ministry. The film takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of Fr. Stan's various endeavors, as he ministers to the downtrodden and the oppressed in communities around the world. Whether he's performing on street corners, at prisons, or in hospitals, Fr. Stan is a master of creating a space for connection and communion. His infectious energy and warmth are contagious, allowing him to bridge cultural divides and inspire people from all walks of life. One of the most striking aspects of Sent is Fr. Stan's ability to speak directly to those who have been silenced or marginalized. In prisons and hospitals, he offers words of comfort and liberation to inmates and patients, reminding them of their inherent value and worth. His words, like his music, are infused with a deep sense of empathy and understanding, acknowledging the complexities of human experience and the challenges that so many face. Throughout the film, Sent also explores Fr. Stan's relationships with his community and his collaborators. We see him at work with youth in the South Bronx, teaching them about the power of music and self-expression. We witness his partnership with musicians from diverse backgrounds, as they come together to create uplifting songs and beats that reflect the resilience and hope of the human spirit. As the documentary progresses, Sent shifts its focus onto the global dimensions of Fr. Stan's ministry. From refugee camps to slums in Africa and Latin America, the film reveals Fr. Stan's tireless efforts to bring hope and solidarity to areas where hope appears to be in short supply. We see him performing on a hillside in Kenya, surrounded by orphaned children who are singing and dancing in response to his music. Sent is much more than a tribute to the extraordinary life and work of Fr. Stan Fortuna. It is a testament to the transformative power of art, music, and faith in a world that often seems to need it most. The film reminds us that true ministry is less about grand gestures or grandiose language, and more about creating spaces of connection, empathy, and compassion. It urges us to rethink our assumptions about the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten, and to find ways to respond to the cries of those who are often overlooked or dismissed. Ultimately, Sent is a documentary that inspires us to see the world with new eyes, to recognize the beauty and dignity of every individual, and to join Fr. Stan in his mission to "sent" - to spread hope and love to every corner of the globe.