Jonathan Olshefski’s documentary QUEST debuts on the long-running public television program POV next week
Press release issued by Rowan University
Rowan University’s Jonathan Olshefski will realize a lifelong dream when his award-winning documentary QUEST debuts on the long-running public television program POV next week.
Olshefski, an associate professor in the department of Radio, Television and Film in the College of Communication and Creative Arts, debuted his feature-length film about a struggling but triumphant African American family from North Philadelphia at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017 and it has gone on to win numerous accolades at film festivals around the U.S.
Though his film, shot in the vérité style over 10 years for an intimate portrait of Christopher “Quest” Rainey, his wife Christine’a and their family, has been seen by thousands of festival and theatrical viewers since its release, the PBS showing has the potential to eclipse viewership to date.
“Being able to bring QUEST and the Rainey family to people across America is so exciting,” Olshefski said. “Festivals are great but they’re sort of a niche audience. Through the broadcast on PBS we’ll be able to reach so many more people directly in their homes.”
QUEST may be seen on WHYY Channel 12 at 10 p.m. June 18.
In addition to the broadcast, the film will be shown for free at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street in Philadelphia. While there is no charge for admission, viewers must register for a ticket through the Kimmel Center’s web site.
