Congratulations to the Diocese of Lansing’s multi-media journalist, Matt Riedl, upon winning a regional Emmy Award for his work in creating the Diocese of Lansing’s 2023 vocations film “Portraits of the Call”.
“First and foremost, all glory to God – through Him all this is made possible,” said Matt in his acceptance speech at the awards gala at Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit on Saturday, June 15.
“We receive these gifts that we’re able to put to good use.”
The regional Emmy Awards are organized by the Michigan Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Matt’s Emmy came in the Religion category, which also saw nominated work from the Archdiocese of Detroit, Michigan State University Athletics, and the University of Michigan.
The Diocese of Lansing had three works nominated in the category – in addition to the eventual winner “Portraits of the Call,” the diocese was nominated for a video recapping Priestly Ordinations of 2023, and for Bishop Boyea’s Christmas video featuring singers from our diocesan high schools, “Silent Night.”
“Portraits of the Call” was released in October 2023 as an updated and upgraded version of the 2013 Diocese of Lansing film of the same name. It was produced, directed, shot, and edited by Matt Riedl in 2022 and early 2023 in close consultation with Dawn Hausmann and Father John Whitlock, the diocesan director of consecrated vocations and former diocesan vocations director, respectively.
The film features personal testimony from faithful Catholics in the Diocese of Lansing living out the different Catholic vocations of married life, religious life, consecrated virginity, and priesthood.
Principal interviews in the video are with Father Dan Westermann of Saint John the Baptist in Ypsilanti, Sister Maria Regina Immaculata, SV, of the Sisters of Life in New York City, Abby and Mitchell Feldpausch of Westphalia, and Dr. Theresa Marshall, principal of Saint John Vianney Catholic School in Flint.
Since its release the film has garnered nearly 10,000 views on YouTube alone, while short Instagram Reels of various sections of the film have been viewed over 250,000 times on that platform. In early June a portion of the film was broadcast on EWTN’s “Living Divine Mercy” show.
The film also received Silver recognition in late May from the Telly Awards, a global media competition which attracts over 12,000 entries from 6 continents and all 50 states.
The Michigan Emmys honor outstanding achievement by the most talented multimedia professionals from Michigan’s 11 television markets. The award was presented by April Morton of WDIV-TV Detroit, and Charlie Tinker of NEWSnet-WHNE Detroit.
