Many people think a good evening includes dinner and a movie. While the First Presbyterian Church in New Martinsville may not exactly have dinner to offer with their movie showing on Nov. 11, they can offer a new skill and, who knows, maybe a career or a newfound passion.

Pastor Dave Roberts isn’t your everyday pastor, he’s a “missionary in media” and he is looking to offer some of his knowledge in the area of film-making to local teens and young adults.

The church will be offering media production classes in New Martinsville for those young people wanting to learn basic production and editing techniques.

The first opportunity to sign up for these free limited enrollment classes to begin in January will be after the showing of A Man Named Pearl at 7 p.m. Nov. 11.

In a rare opportunity, filmmaker and co-director Scott Galloway will be at the showing and share his experiences making the film and answer questions.

Galloway is an Emmy Award winning producer and writer who has directed and produced television programs for channels including History Channel, A&E, Travel Channel, and the Food Network. His most recognized series is America’s Castles. Currently he has produced two pilots for the new Halogen Channel, which is a channel airing in limited markets that targets a young, socially conscious audience.

Being a former pastor’s son and a Presbyterian Elder himself, Galloway manages to produce rich theological themes and deep understanding into his productions without seeming preachy or overdone. Pearl, as his first movie, talks about the life and art of Pearl Fryar. He is a black man in South Carolina who once was unable to buy a home in the town he wanted because of prejudice. He was told it was because “black people don’t keep up their yards.”

Fryar bought a home outside of town and taught himself to be an expert in topiary and gardening. He has appeared on multiple television programs including the Today Show. His property has been featured in most of the major gardening magazines. His story is uplifting and shows how a person can rise above the obstacles in his life and find a way to grow and prosper. Gary Goldstein, film critic for the Los Angeles Times wrote, “(This film) not only makes you want to get out there and play Edward Scissorhands but can, at least for its 78 jazz-and-gospel infused minutes, help replenish one’s faith in humanity. It’s hard not to be stirred by this hopeful portrait.”

Refreshments will be provided after the movie, when there will also be an opportunity to speak to Galloway and purchase DVDs of the film.

The First Presbyterian Church is located on East Benjamin Drive between New Martinsville School and Wetzel County Hospital. For more information on the film showing or the classes call Roberts at 304-280-9799 or Jane Forni at 304-455-2073.