What is a Christian Film?
Last week I was in Los Angeles for a meeting of the JC Doc Group, a group of Christian non-fiction filmmakers. Early into the evening’s discussion, someone asked “What is a Christian film?” That is the burning question right now.
Using “Christian” as an adjective seems to offer license to mix up lifestyles and preferences, slap “Christian” in front of it, and call it good…
Is it a film with Christians as the main character? Is it a film with a very clear presentation of the Gospel? Is it a film with a Christian worldview? Is it a film whose cast and crew are all Christians, but without an overtly Christian storyline? Is there such thing as a Christian storyline? The answer to all of these questions: Yes - and more.
One blogger recently lamented the use of the word “Christian” as an adjective. He contends that its use as an adjective seems to offer license to mix up lifestyles and preferences, slap “Christian” in front of it, and call it good.
At the Biola Media Conference in April, Simon Swart, Vice President of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment (United States), talked about the evolution of Fox Faith as a brand. The original objective of Fox executives (including himself) was to prove that there is a marketplace for faith entertainment. He envisioned a “masterful choreography of a whole lot of independent people” developing entertainment of a Christian nature. The ultimate dream was to have studios competing for films, which would drive up the quality of movies. This would also have the effect of generating support for bigger budgets.
The genesis of the Fox Faith brand for movies came about as pastors were directed to the Fox website for information on movies with faith content. Complaints arose about the other films on the site, and so the decision to segregate the films was made. Simon’s observations of the industry have led to some concern that now Fox Faith is “preaching to the choir.” The original vision was to be wolves in sheep’s clothing and to promote films that have a wide box office appeal.
Fox Faith is in the process of establishing itself, and it’s possible that the public, especially Christians who go to movies, may not yet trust it. At least not as much as we trust the makers of Spider Man.
I am so thankful for all the inspiring movies that tell the Gospel and Jesus is Lord. Recently, I viewed a Dvd, The Big Question, from the cast of the passion and felt bewildered at all these questions that didn’t seem to ever point to Jesus. I don’t think this is a good film to give to non- Christians or even Christians.All other movies I have ordered from this website have been a true blessing.
May 16th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
Sue, thanks for sharing your thoughts about The Big Question. While this film has generated some controversy (just like The Passion of the Christ, whose cast and crew were interviewed for this), it has been applauded by many Christian leaders for portraying accurate worldviews and spirituality. The goal is generating discussion about various worldviews and understanding why others may not believe as we do.
One reviewer said “The intriguing fact is the cast and crew that held to these diverse opinions created a film that profoundly affected millions, Christians and non-Christians alike. All to prove the old axiom that God can use anyone (and anything) for his purposes. And he does.”
We have a good news article about this video that you might want to read.
May 17th, 2007 at 9:33 am
I watched the movie “Passion of the Christ” and found you have to watch it twice. Once to get through the horror of what he went through. The second to capture the story of what Christ went through in his last 12 hours of his life. I watched it when I lived in Billings, Montana-now a resident of Butte, Montana; and we had a major jump in people joining the various religions of Billings. The thing you have to remember is “no one killed Jesus” he had to give up his spirit to God before he could die. And he did that exact same thing on the “Cross”. Many various people back then mocked Jesus even his own people not just the Jews and the Romans. He could have saved himself many times throughout his ordeal but He sacrificed himself for our sins. The movie is one I own and watch on Christmas, on Easter, on Thanksgiving, and when I need a spiritual uplifting when things get me down or I can’t seem to have a good day. I loved it and Mel Gibson did a great job on it.
May 20th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
[…] failed to reach a broad audience. We’ve talked frequently about the challenge of making a Christian movie that will reach an audience beyond the walls of the church. It’s what Miralee is experiencing […]
June 15th, 2007 at 2:10 pm