Now and Forever: A Story of Freedom on the Move

Grounded in the transformative nature of God, dive into this chronicled journey that details the creation of the sixth largest cathedral in the world’s new stained-glass windows, entitled “Now and Forever.”

With Washington National Cathedral’s “Now and Forever” windows being designed by acclaimed African-American Artist, Kerry James Marshall, “Now and Forever: A Story of Freedom on the Move" shows the conception, creation, and installation of the new windows following eight years of discussion and discernment after the previous windows honoring Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson were called for removal from Washington National Cathedral.

In this short documentary film, witness how The Cathedral’s Now and Forever Windows captures the resilience, faith, and endurance of African Americans and our nation’s struggle with the original sins of racism and slavery. With the work of Kerry James Marshall accompanied by renowned poet Elizabeth Alexander’s “American Song,” Washington National Cathedral hopes to tell a broader, more inclusive story of American history.

“In this House of Prayer for All People, we want to tell the stories of all people.”

  • Matthew Echave
    Director
  • Bryan Washington
    Director
    Threshold: There's a Hero in All of Us
  • Matthew Echave
    Writer
  • Bryan Washington
    Writer
  • Matthew Echave
    Producer
  • Bryan Washington
    Producer
  • Kevin Eckstrom
    Producer
  • Margaret Rawls
    Producer
  • Anna Snyder
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    November 11, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    50,000 USD
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • Washington National Cathedral
    Sales Agent
    Country: United States
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Matthew Echave, Bryan Washington

MATT ECHAVE
Matthew (Matt) Echave is a Washington, DC filmmaker. He is a graduate of The College of Santa Fe, New Mexico with a degree in Documentary Studies. His interest in documentary filmmaking began at age eight while filming family trips to Alaska, Mexico, Cuba and the American West. Matt’s first film award was at the age of seventeen when he wrote and directed a fictional film entitled “Dilemma” at Jackson-Reed High School, formerly Woodrow Wilson.

Matt has a special fondness for the polar regions having filmed scientists in Alaska and Iceland, directing and editing the series Indigenous Voices of the Arctic for National Geographic.com. His documentaries have been shown in international film venues, most notably at the Reykjavik International Film Festival where he premiered Iceland’s Mastro Geppeto about violin repairman, and DC-based film Grandma is HIV Positive, which premiered at the International Aids Conference. In addition, he co-directed and filmed A Grassroots Movement Grows into a Forest, a documentary about the impact of grassroots efforts in the US, and Circus in My Soul, about a Mexican family circus. He is currently co-editing a documentary about Iceland’s ancient sheepherding tradition and a long-term project about DC’s native music GoGo.

Matt loves working at Washington National Cathedral where he has been producing videos for over 15 years. As the Director for Video Productions, he directs the filming and livestreaming of worship services, programs, and special events. Matt also creates visual content for livestreams, and documents other Cathedral activities for producing video content.

BRYAN WASHINGTON
Bryan Washington is a Video Producer and Independent Filmmaker native to Washington, DC. From a young age, Bryan’s passion for storytelling ignited, crafting stop-motion shorts with nothing more than a webcam and his action figures. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications, with an emphasis in Broadcasting from Norfolk State University and later a Master of Arts in Film and Television Producing from Regent University.

With over a decade of experience, Bryan has crafted compelling video content for notable figures like actress and comedian Amanda Seales. He has also contributed to the development of media content for historic black churches throughout the DMV area. He has produced nine short films and directed three short films. Bryan dedicates his gift for storytelling to sharing redemptive stories and illuminating the Black experience.

Bryan has contributed as a producer to the award-winning student short film Rocky Road, which earned the title of Best Picture at the Christian Film Festival. In 2023, his short film, Threshold: There’s a Hero in All of Us, commanded the spotlight during the opening night of the Maryland International Film Festival.

Currently, as Deputy Director of Video Productions at Washington National Cathedral, Bryan collaborates closely with Matt Echave on both regular Cathedral events and special services such as the memorial for Queen Elizabeth II and a book discussion featuring Bono of U2. Beyond his creative pursuits, Bryan is a dedicated member of the Racial Justice Corp Group, wholeheartedly committed to the impactful work he engages in at the Cathedral.

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