Documentary Film
"Now and Forever: A Story of Freedom on the Move" chronicles the conception and creation of the new windows.
Dive into this exclusive behind-the-scenes chronicle that details the creation of Cathedral’s new stained glass windows, “Now and Forever” by world-renowned visual artist Kerry James Marshall, accompanied by the poem “American Song” composed by acclaimed poet Elizabeth Alexander. Hear from Cathedral leadership, the selection committee, the artist, and the stained glass artisan to learn about this momentous addition to Cathedral art. The Cathedral’s Now and Forever Windows capture the resilience, faith and endurance of African Americans and our nation’s struggle with the original sins of racism and slavery. Join us on this story of freedom on the move!
About the Filmmakers
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.