An Invitation to a Dialogue
In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity. – St. Augustine
Every day I receive phone calls, e-mails, and packages from producers and distributors who want to place their films on our website (www.christiancinema.com). I watch those films with you in mind. I’m looking for good production value (is the film well-made?), a good storyline (is it engaging?), and for themes that reflect God and his characteristics.
In the introduction to his book Through a Screen Darkly, Jeffrey Overstreet says, “Movies inspire passionate feelings. And those feelings, once expressed, can inspire strong bonds between us or cause us to clash.” I know that’s true because we receive comments from friends asking about our movie choices. One objects because a film has an R-rating. Another objects because a youth pastor wears a small earring (I didn’t see it myself). Someone else objects because some language is used that is normally not heard inside the walls of the church.
It’s topics like these that we discuss daily. We know you trust us to provide films that are thought-provoking, made with a certain production value, and somehow reveal God at work. Some decisions are easily made; the film is great, the message is strong, and we know it will resonate with many of you. Or, on the other hand, the movie is poorly made, not professionally packaged, and the message has nothing to do with faith or strong family values. Then, there are the difficult decisions.
The topic may be extremely controversial, or slanted strongly against a certain group of Christians. The film may even be a re-telling of a Biblical story with which the writer took creative license. It raises all kinds of questions and concerns, and at some point, we make a decision whether or not to carry the film on our website. You come to us to find content that is appropriate for you, your family and friends to watch. The challenge is determining what is “appropriate,” because that’s a very subjective decision, and all kinds of things factor into it.
So, I’m extending a personal invitation for you to join our dialogue about the selection of films sold on our website. We have a category called “Movie Forum” where I’ll post information about movies that might be controversial, include our thoughts about the movie, information from the filmmaker (when possible), and reviews that the film has received. Give us your feedback and help us decide. I’m sure we’ll agree on some and disagree on others.
I am impressed with Michael Landon Jr.’s movies and faith in the Lord. I also appreciate the producers of Flywheel and Facing the Giants. You may want to check out Sky Angel also, who carries Hallmark, and Hallmark Movie Channel. They will be changing to a non-satallite system, where you will only have to have broad band internet, and a “box” that will recieve the Sky Angel Network. You will be able to channel Sky Angel to your computer monitor, TV, or other video sources.
July 14th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
David:
Thanks for the update on Sky Angel Network. I list their movies pretty frequently in our newsletter, because they carry so many good films. That’s nice that they’re changing to non-satellite. I know that our local Rescue Mission here carries that channel because it has so much good content.
July 16th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
I’m looking for a job in video editing with a company that has Christian values. Any suggestions where I should look? I have a degree in video production from Calvin College.
July 30th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Holly (and other looking for work with people of Christian values):
There are a couple of great places to connect with other Christians involved in filmmaking. I’m going to do a separate blog post on it for you, OK?
Thanks and best wishes with your work!
July 31st, 2007 at 10:05 am
I just got involved with the best film experience of my life. Advent Film Group. They are training young students in the art of filmmaking while they produce family-friendly entertainment. We wrapped production up August 15th on our first film “Come What May” (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1090754/), which I hope will eventually make it to this website!
Their website is http://www.adventfilmgroup.com, and there is contact info there if you would like to get involved with the next film.
~Ian
September 28th, 2007 at 7:28 am
Hi,
I want to pursue my dream of being in christian film. Where do I start to get information about auditions? I want to work with Alex (the guy from Facing the Giants) and I would love to meet Michael Landon Jr. I don’t know if I would be considered for it, but I dream of being in one. Thanks
Crystal
May 19th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Hi Crystal -
Probably the best place to find out about auditions for films are to go to specific filmmakers’ websites & see what information might be there.
If you don’t see auditions posted, us the “Contact Us” area, which usually has an email address/option, and send them a note that you’re interested.
I think that’s going to be the best route unless you have an agent who is Christian, or who will be willing to look for roles in Christian films for you. I think they are few & far between, but they’re there.
Good luck & let us know when you get a role! We’d love to see you in action!
P.S. – another great place is a a Yahoo discussion group called The Christian Movie Making Network. There are always updates on there about different people’s projects.
May 19th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Hi:
Thank you for your very interesting website.
I wonder if you ever review small productions made exclusively for the home video market. Our company, Legacy Documentaries, has just completed a Little House on the Prairie inspired documentary program entitled ALMANZO WILDER: LIFE BEFORE LAURA. Would your organization consider reviewing our 53 minute program? I would be happy to answer any questions you might like to ask.
Sincerely,
Dean Butler
October 8th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
If you have not, see this film “Rapture” by Richard Lowry. I googled them all over the place after the test screening–it’s on IMDB and they have a website http://www.rapturethefilm.com
It was an amazing, timely movie that shocked me so much. I cannot believe they were not a part of the prophecy, that they released this now of all times…it’s a gorgeous movie and a beautiful message that faith although often a last resort for some people…is the path to love and salvation!
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:37 pm
I don’t normally dialog or share my comments on sites because of the Controversy it often creates. However, this subject draws near to my heart because my entire ministry was created to show Christian movies in local parks and other public venues throughout the US.
I try to be careful not to judge anyone who may not believe as I do. But I think there is a fine line we cross when we explore the Devils territory.
Without going into a lot of detail. I strongly believe we can open demonic doors and give the enemy rights to our home, kids, family members ect … when we begin to think there is nothing wrong with entertaining ourselves with scary movies.
I believe when we bring certain material in our homes. It is a
open invitation to the forces behind the project. If God and his angles have inspired the project, than all is well. But for the most part when people see scary movies, they are filled with fear. But the Word of God says He has not given us a spirit of fear. So where is that fear coming from?
I think we as Christians should be protective of our mind, spirit, and souls. This Applies to movies and music.
The enemy is very crafty in finding people to do his bidding, and that doesn’t exclude some Christians.
Food for thought
Dea
November 10th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Angela,
Was hoping to find an email for you, but could not. Just wanted to find somewhere to pass on the news that Sojourners and World Vision are partnering together on a new initiative called the Filmmaker Challenge where we are asking aspiring filmmakers to create a short video (less than 4-minutes) that demonstrates what everyday people can do to help end poverty.
The winner gets an all expense paid trip to Africa and a flight to Washington, D.C. to have their video premiered at The Mobilization to End Poverty, a historic gathering of thousands of activists on April 26-29, 2009 where we expect President-elect Obama to give the keynote.
Just thought maybe the readers of Christian Movie News might be interested.
Thanks!
Kenny
November 20th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
There is an independent movie that was just released on dvd called ‘Dangerous Calling’ that depicts the spiritual warfare that takes place in church. It is a suspense thriller set amidst church politics. It has a great message without being preachy. It is not for children but is a great movie for youth and adult. You can see a trailer at http://www.dangerouscalling.com .
I think this movie deserves a look. It was recently featured in a conservative film festival in Washington DC and got great reviews.
I am prejudiced because I am the father of the two directors. They also wrote the script. They are Joshua and Jeremiah Daws. I am a pastor and a lot of the movie was based on what they saw growing up as pk’s. Joshua is on staff at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia as the Creative Director of Web Development. Jeremiah does contract work and is currently under contract with the North American Mission Board.
I would appreciate it if you would consider reviewing this movie.
November 21st, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Hi Chris, Thanks for the info on the film “Rapture”, I never heard of this film. I can’t find any info about it on the web site. I just added it to CFDB here…
http://christianfilmdatabase.com/ComingMovies.html
I put it on bottom of the page because I have no info on it, do you know when it’s coming to dvd or how long it is or can you do a little write up about it that I can post with the movie so people can know more about it?
Please email me at extramile4you@msn.com, or contact me on CFDb, I would love to get more info on this film. Thanks
Roger – CFDb
November 28th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
HEllo looking for Faith Based Productions…Looking for movies for distribution! At a time when people are truly in need of some inspiration, there is great opportunity for making a difference, while making money! It’s a win-win genre.
Contact surferbob -at- shaw.ca
November 28th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Hi Billy Daws,
I just finished Your Sons movie, WOW, They did such a Great Job! My Wife and I both loved it. VERY, VERY Well Done! We also really loved the short film that was on the dvd. That film could stand alone, and be sold by it’s self it was so good!
I would like to put a Banner for your movie on CFDb, do you have one?
Roger – CFDb
My email and web site are in the post above.
December 5th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Looking for a video (VHS) that was produced from a play called “The Bride”. A church put on this wonderful production several years ago with the resulting 3-hour video. I think it was produced by Jeremiah films and am searching for it there, also.I know there aren’t very many details, but if anyone had seen this, they certainly would remember. I am looking for a copy of this film to buy.
Thanks.
Patti
February 19th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
I coordinate events for a group of Christian seniors ages 50+. We’d like to have dinner and a movie night occasionally. Can you suggest some good ones for a nice evening out? Thank you.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
June,
Here are some that would make a great night out:
The Last Sin Eater
Saving Sarah Cain
Mercy Streets
The Note
Faith Like Potatoes
Joshua
The Ultimate Gift
May 4th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Thanks, Angela for the suggestions. Are there any restrictions on these films for viewing in a church group?
May 5th, 2009 at 9:21 am
June – Check out this information. If you are showing it in a home, there are no restrictions. However, if you intend to show it in the church, offer it as a movie night or something like that, you do need to be careful with licensing. Here is a link to the Public Performance Page on our site.
You may want to check with your church, because if they show videos during services, they should already have a video license.
Again, it depends on where you want to show it – in the church (a public place) or in your home (a private place)?
May 5th, 2009 at 9:29 am
I am currently in post production on my first Christian themed feature film, Saving Melanie. I have a low budget horror movie in distribution called Haunted From Within. I made that one before I became a Christian. Now I want to make films that will carry a strong Gospel message.
Here’s a short synopsis:
Melanie Ramirez (played by Melissa Serrano) is a young single mother who has recently accepted Christ as her saviour. She is excited to share her faith with others and is eager to become an evangelist. She sees her reclusive alcoholic neighbor Jonathan (Brian Renner) as her first challenge.
Jonathan warns her that it’s to early for her to evangelising because her faith hasn’t been tested. Her faith is soon tested when her ex-boyfriend returns from prison to wreak havoc in her life.
This story begins where other similar-themed stories end. It illustrates what most Christians know too well; becoming a Christian doesn’t mean that your troubles will go away. Our faith is strenghtened as we face the challenges of life.
You can watch a trailer of the movie on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i95LuCFOb4o
August 28th, 2009 at 3:48 am
If you would like to see a film based on good family values and with a positive light while getting through dark times you should see the movie “So Others May Live”. It is based on a family who loses loved ones during 9/11 and have to learn to stick together to make it through the hard times. The movie is also a boy and his dog type of story for those of you who enjoy those types of movies. You can see more about So Others May Live at http://www.SOMLmovie.com
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:28 am
I want to personally reply to those who seem to think that if christians expect non cursing, no fornication, in christian movies then we are bashing christian film makers. Absolutely not!! We need christian film makers. I make it my business to represent christian film artist as well as christian musicians. However, their is a standard in which God says How can blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. We as christians aren’t perfect people but God said be ye perfect for I am be ye holy for I am we are a peculiar people set a part from the world. When we cuss,fornicate and its okay in christian movies where is the standard. I might as well support secular movies. I want to see a christian film without cuss words fornication and lust to help me to be a perfect christian. Jesus never conformed to the world why should we!!
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:40 pm
This is a really great website. I am looking for a movie I last saw in the seventies called “Window to Heaven” or “Window to the Sky” (I can’t fully remember). It starred Beau Bridges (or his look-alike) as a young man who befriended a girl who became a paraplegic and he helped her to accept her disability and work towards making her life meaningful. It is basically a love story with a tragic ending – he dies in a plane crash he pilots to visit her. Last I saw this movie it was on a reel (yes – a reel) around 1976. It was a beautiful movie with a wonderful message. Anyone know where I can find a copy???
November 25th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I noticed on the cover of the chilren’s video “Once upon a Stable”, the face of Horace the Pig, this must be an insult to our Jewish brothers to suggest that they were keeping a pig in Bethlehem. And as Bethlehem was a village used by the temple priests to manage the flocks of sheep for sacrifice in the temple in Jerusalem. I am horified that the film makers could be so insulting and by not doing the appropriate research into the characters they used.
December 7th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Just wanted to let everyone know that because Louisiana has many films shoots here every year, they are being called Hollywood South. While there are not as many films being shot in Shreveport as there are in S. Louisiana- we are developing a Judeo/Christian network here. Being “up North,” is actually to our benefit because we are not tangled up in the film industry quiet as much and can remain more “set apart” as we carefully pray about/plan our moves. There is also several great film departments at the local colleges for those who want crew training. Some amazing things have been going on with this ministry. So if you want to become part of the Film Industry, but don’t want to be part of the California scene, this state is definitely an alternative. There are actually many crew members moving from California because they say that they can actually get more work here, because of less competition. I will say however, that because I am a Jewish Believer- we don’t always follow the religious norm, but because of that- God seems to be doing more miracles anyway…you know how it is.. creative people (like Adonai) often have a very hard time walking a straight line. lol… So anyway, if you want more details you can facebook me under Suzanne Manthei or email me at: dryboneslive@aol.com
December 9th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
I want to know how soon we can buy the “Secret of Johnathan Sperry” on DVD?
January 11th, 2010 at 11:20 am
Dee – I’m checking on the release date. I’ve heard rumors about a May release date.
January 13th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
I would like to order the “Secret of Johnathan Sperry” on DVD.
Thanks
January 19th, 2010 at 9:34 am
Jackie,
That film is not yet out on DVD. However, you can bookmark the page on our site, for the DVD and order it when it comes.
Angela
January 19th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Has anyone heard anything else about “In Our Time” set to be released December 2010? http://sites.google.com/site/inourtimeannouncement/home
DJ Perry, who played Benjamin in “The Book of Ruth”, stars as Jesus of Nazareth set in our time.
May 2nd, 2010 at 1:01 pm
I really enjoyed the book of ruth film on TBN and I thought the actor that played the friend Benjamin did an outstanding job. I’m not surprised they pulled him to play Jesus. The ladies in our prayer group all took quite a liking to him and were curious what other films he has done. We will be there to see (in our time) for sure. Who else is in the film?
L.S.
May 8th, 2010 at 8:45 am
Laura, they haven’t made any other announcements about the cast yet.
May 8th, 2010 at 11:57 am
This film Book of Ruth Journey of faith was on TBN on Mother’s Day and while my father found it slow…no chariot races:) My mother and I loved it. She is a big Carman fan and well I wish I was that girl at the harvest gathering that Ben came and talked to:) I think he will make a fine Jesus. Yes. Who else is in this film?
May 11th, 2010 at 6:23 am
There haven’t been any other cast announcements yet.
May 11th, 2010 at 8:31 am
In Our Time
Go ahead and check out the temporary website that Angela previously posted: http://sites.google.com/site/inourtimeannouncement/INOURTIMEfilm.
May 11th, 2010 at 9:28 am
I’m a huge Civil War fan and my favorite film is one called Wicked Spring and it stars DJ Perry as the union lead. It is a thought provoking film that shows life with a couple of common soldiers. It has no big generals and such but has a lot of heart. We watch it a couple times of year. I will check this In Our Time film out for sure. I have not seen Book of Ruth but will try to catch it soon.
May 12th, 2010 at 6:29 am
I saw the film “JUDGES” directed by the “BOOK OF RUTH” director Stephen Walker and funny enough DJ Perry starred in that film. It was a modern western retelling of the biblical Judges story. (Loosely) and that was pretty cool. Good call on DJ Perry as Jesus and I was curious if anyone else has seen the “Judges” film??
J.L.
May 19th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Haven’t seen JUDGES, but we are very excited to have DJ Perry be a part of this project.
Feel free to check for updates on our website previously mentioned as well as join the In Our Time facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1108609015#!/pages/In-Our-Time-2010/124632297552072?ref=sgm and also follow us on Twitter @ INOURTIMEfilm.
May 22nd, 2010 at 12:25 pm
My favorite DJ Perry movie by far is Wicked Spring. I’m a big civil war fan and that film is deep. Some don’t like it because it breathes and has character moments versus just all action. I more about the common soldier rather than the generals and that is what the film was about. Ghost Town is my second favorite but I’ll have to find this Judges film.
T.B.
May 29th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
Hi!
I recently saw a really great film called THE EVANGELIST at a private screening. The film follows a young boy who goes a religious crusade in his town and struggles to have his voice heard by a very liberal audience. It’s certainly a very dark film and probably not for everyone here. However, I thought it was incredibly thought-provoking and ultimately faith affirming. The producers stated that their main purpose is to start a positive dialog between Christians and non-believers, which is why the film also appeals to a secular audience.
The filmmakers are both graduates of NYU and Christians with a very unique outlook on the world. They are definitely still developing their vision, and I hope you will all encourage them. They’ve made a small film, and I’m devoted to helping them out, because I think they’re on to doing great things.
Take a look at the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVI3VeSavtw
The website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVI3VeSavtw
They express many of their unique ideas on the blog: http://www.theevangelistmovie.wordpress.com
Enjoy!
With love,
Kathy
June 3rd, 2010 at 8:19 pm