Alone Yet Not Alone - SAICFF World Premiere

 

SAICFF has announced that they will have the exciting privilege of hosting the world premiere of the major motion picture Alone, Yet Not Alone. This feature film tells the true story of the faith and courage of the Leiningers, a family of early-America settlers whose lives are forever changed after an Indian raid.

Be the first to watch this thrilling film when you attend the 2012 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival! - See more images here!

Watch the trailer here!

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Info Source

Update on Thursday, February 2, 2012 by John-Clay

I did some checking on this and from what I understand, they (SAICFF) had been planning to show the film but due to post-production difficulties those plans have been canceled.

"I have not heard a firm date for the premiere or release of ALONE YET NOT ALONE. I wish it were screening at SAICFF, but again, I don't know the final plans." -George Escobar

This has not been verified by the film's producers or the Vision Forum Festival, but since SAICFF has not done any further promo about it after their original announcement in September, it seems doubtful that it will be shown. - If I do receive confirmation either way, I'll be sure to let everyone know!

2012 SAICFF Semi-Finalists

"Two hundred films were submitted for review to this years SAICFF.

This year we have added a new category called Great Commission which centers on films that focus on the discipleship of the nations, especially as it relates to the issue of international Gospel outreach.

Again, we are pleased to feature a category in defense of the biblical account of origins called Creation. All films that qualify for Great Commission are also included in our documentary category. Creation films may include documentaries or film shorts."
~ Vision Forum

I'm pleased to announce that Captivated, the feature length documentary that I worked on this past year, has been selected as a semi-finalist and will be shown at the festival! Congratulations to all who made it into the festival this year! Be sure to check out the full listing of films...and this year they have included trailers with the entries!

A full list of semi-finalists is available here: SAICFF.org

San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival (SAICFF)

I know, I know, this blog post is WAY over due. Better late than never though right? In case you missed it, you can read my review of the Filmmakers Academy here.

This year the Festival was divided between two locations.

Each feature film along with the special evening events were held at the large Municipal Auditorium.

All the other films were screened between several rooms at the usual Henry B Gonzales Center. (feature films were also shown here)

SPECIAL EVENTS

THURSDAY NIGHT they had a couple special things for opening night!

First, there was a thought provoking lecture by Geoff Botkin analyzing the "family-friendly" film, Finding Nemo.

Secondly, was the screening of the new short (50min) film Divided. This well produced documentary effectively addresses the highly controversial issue of age-segregated Sunday School and Youth Groups. - Movie Website

FRIDAY NIGHT they screened a rough cut version of the highly anticipated feature film Ace Wonder! Needless to say that even incomplete, this film went over very well with the audience! - Movie Website

FILM AWARDS

After an exhilarating three days of scheduling/scribbling in the Festival book, watching films, talking to friends, re-scheduling...more scribbling, watching films, and staying up late..talking even more, the Closing Ceremonies FINALLY came!!

Best of Festival Jubilee Award — with its $101,000 cash prize — went to: Agenda: Grinding America Down, a documentary that traces the alive-and-well socialist agenda, from its roots established by Karl Marx and other radical revolutionaries to the present day, demonstrating how Communist ideals have largely captured America and uprooted the once-great foundation of our nation. Available on DVD.

This documentary is practically a "MUST-SEE" for every American. This is not a movie about wacky people and their cooky conspiracy theories, this uses REAL facts and REAL documents to make a point that is needed, but not often heeded. HIGHLY recommended!

~John-Clay

Best Feature Film Award went to": The Penny, a drama/thriller directed and produced by Nathan Webster of Filmweavers. The 88-minute film follows a series of disconnected strangers whose lives unexpectedly collide in what proves to be more than just a "coincidence." Available on BlueBehemoth and also DVD.

If you like mind bending creative storytelling, this is a movie for you. Course I'm a bit bias because I helped shoot the movie :) - Regardless of that little fact, it should be noted that this film was an instant favorite at the festival (and with my family) for it's high production value, intriguing storyline, and good acting. Highly Recommended!!

~John-Clay

Audience Choice Award went to: The Runner from Ravenshead, a delightful film from Little Crew Studios that features an all-child cast played by the Seege children, ages 3 to 11. Their father, Joel Seege wrote, directed, and produced the film. The Runner from Ravenshead also got the runner-up nod in two other award categories: ‘Best of Festival’ and ‘Best Feature’. Available on DVD.

This was by far one of our favorite films from the festival, and it has quickly become a favorite with friends as well!! We describe it as "Little Rascals / Pilgrim's Progress / Indiana Jones." With a well crafted script full of comedy and drama, brilliant acting, incredibly cute kids, and a majestic musical score...this is one movie you DON'T WANT TO MISS!

~Burnett Family

Best Documentary Award went to: George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Way. The film, narrated by Dr. Voddie Baucham, was directed and produced by Ken Carpenter of Franklin Springs Family Media. This marks Carpenter’s third ‘Best Documentary’ Jubilee Award. Available on DVD.

Best Dramatic Short Award went to: The Mitt, a ten-minute film produced and directed by 19-year-old Sam Siske of Goodlettsville, Tennessee. - Available on BlueBehemoth

Young Filmmaker’s’ Award went to: Small Talents, a humorous fourteen-minute film based on the Parable of the Talents and challenges viewers to decide for themselves how they will dedicate their talents to God. Available on BlueBehemoth.

- You can read the full "Festival Award Press Release" here -

Vision Forum also has a "Festival Winners DVD Set" available for purchase - here.

Vision Forum Film Academy

The blog will probably be a little quiet this week as I will be attending the Vision Forum Film Academy and Festival this week. There has been a great conference so far, and I hope to do a bit of review next week!

SAICFF Website

SAICFF - Semi-Finalists

That's right folks, the list is finally out!

Congratulations to all the filmmakers that had their film(s) accepted into the festival!

The festival will be held in San Antonio, TX, Oct. 28-30. If you are interested in attending, there is still time to sign up.

There has also been a temporary schedule of events released as well.

View the List of Movies!

Film Academy Workshops

2010 Workshop Topics

The Christian Filmmaking Revolution

1. Biblical Worldview for Filmmakers and Culture Changers

This is a powerful crash course on the theology and art of distinctively Christian filmmaking for the glory of God. The fact is that you CANNOT be a Christ-honoring filmmaker without a solid theological foundation that informs your worldview and every aspect of the craft. Our mission is to take “every frame captive,” and this means developing an epistemologically self-conscious approach to making movies.

2. The Art of Scoring Films, With Oscar-Winning Composer Bruce Broughton

One of the great Achilles’ heels of independent Christian filmmaking is the absence of well-considered, excellent musical scores. Now filmmakers can hear from Oscar-winning composer and Christian, Bruce Broughton, about the best way to score a film, common mistakes to avoid, and the ideal interaction between filmmakers and their composers to create the very best results. Bruce will be joining us through video-conferencing from the location of his latest project, and will provide students with a rare and unique opportunity to study under one of the leading Christian composers in the world.

3. Real-Life Success Stories from the Last Five Years of Academy Graduates

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Christian Filmmakers Academy, and the time has come to evaluate the movement and the success of our filmmakers, both in terms of the excellence of their craft and the financial viability of the projects they have promoted. You will hear from past Jubilee Award winners and Academy graduates who have embraced successful economic models for filmmaking, taking their skills to increasingly higher levels of technical and storytelling excellence.

4. Guerilla Documentary Filmmaking for the Glory of God

The documentary genre is one of the most powerful tools for cultural influence, for fighting evil, and for building an informed citizenry. New technologies and market opportunities have opened the door for some highly successful approaches and variations on the documentary format that will allow Christian filmmakers to bring important messages to the world. Learn the ins and outs of documentary filmmaking from experienced pros. This symposium may change your life as a filmmaker.

5. How to Successfully Market Independent Christian Films

Over the last few years, successful Academy faculty and graduates have generated millions of dollars in sales from their films, have enjoyed theatrical releases, have benefitted from successful overseas marketing campaigns, and more. How are they doing this? What do you need to know about making financially successful films for the glory of God? Get the most up-to-date insider tips and strategies.

How to Direct Actors

1. Acting and Directing Actors with Kirk Cameron

Join Kirk Cameron, veteran television and film star, for an exciting symposium on acting and directing actors. This is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn the craft of acting and gain valuable insights on the proper way to direct actors from one of the leading Christian actors in the world.

2. Character Arc

All character interaction and accomplishment is based on morality tests. In order for a character to be able to tackle larger problems as the story progresses, he must grow as a character. The protagonist’s character arc will be tied to plot elements and be mirrored by the antagonist. Learn how to use arcs to drive story elements and manage plot pacing.

3. Madness and Methods (John Wayne vs. Marlon Brando)

The Meisner Technique, the Stanislavski System, and various strains of method acting have all been developed in an attempt to add “truthfulness” and realism to the craft of acting. Each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses, but which school is best for your cast and characters?

4. Directing, Plots, and Casting

There are only two kinds of films: those featuring a plot that happens to characters, and those featuring characters that a plot happens to. A film’s characters are created by a joint effort between the writer, director, and actor. Their concerted efforts must be in unison for those characters to serve the plot well. The 2010 Christian Filmmakers Academy will equip you as a culture-changer for the cause of Christ in the medium of film. Invest into yourself and your team!

How to Direct Your Film’s Story

1. Structure and Beat

Story is structure, and timing is everything. Learn how to build a story around the principles of Hollywood’s most successful and powerful projects. Find out what Syd Field, Robert McKee, and Blake Snyder have discovered about genre, structure, and story beats, and learn how to analyze the elements and pacing of your own screenplays and story concepts.

2. Defining Your Universe

Joss Whedon, Christopher Nolan, and Steven Spielberg have all developed systematic theologies that permeate their entire library of films, creating a consistency that makes all of their stories stronger. Learn how to analyze the worldviews of directors and why stories that take place in a unified universe are more powerful.

3. The Director’s Guide to Visual Screenwriting

Going from a printed page to the silver screen presents both opportunities and challenges. Is it the director’s responsibility to turn a written story into a visual representation, or should the writer build the story with images in mind? Learn how to use symbols, types, and colors to show rather than tell.

4. How to Avoid the Most Common Directorial Mistakes

The judges for the SAICFF reviewed some 250 films, about 75% of which were rejected for basic, fundamental errors of filmmaking. In some cases, films with high production budgets were rejected, while films of modest means with attention to fundamentals made it as semi-finalists. What can make or break your film regardless of budget, and are you paying attention?

Workshop topics subject to change.

- Visit the Website -

College Revolutionized

"College; it has become what many would deem the culmination of youth and an experience that will last a lifetime. Despite the fact that many institutions across America have rejected the Bible as the foundation of all sound knowledge, have become places where crime and immorality flow free, and where academic standards are plummeting at an alarming, constant rate; sadly, many Christians have been persuaded that they also must “join the ranks” in attaining a traditional higher education.

Why do Christians continue to attend and support these institutions, accumulating debt and acquiring false doctrine? As followers of Christ, what should our response be to the question of higher education? Do we continue to merge with the status quo? In this fascinating documentary, Joshua Hedrick takes you right to the battle zone of some of the greatest cultural wars in our nation, attempting to change the way we view college education. This is college, revolutionized!"

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Source Article

Early-Bird Registration Ends July 1st!

Early Bird registration for the Vision Forum Festival and Academy ends on July 1st! If you are considering attending this year, I'd recommend signing up early because the price goes up an extra $200 for regular admission. Sign up here!

Some pics from last year...

SAICFF Registration Now Open!

The festival will be held October 28-30 in downtown San Antonio, and we are excited to see the film submissions for 2010!

Submission Entry Deadlines

Early Bird Deadline: May 1, 2010 *
Regular Deadline: Feature Films: July 31, 2010 All Others: June 30, 2010

* Please note: In order for films to qualify for the Early Bird special pricing, all submissions must be post-marked no later than May 1.

Film Festival Categories

This year filmmakers have the opportunity to submit films to compete for a Jubilee Award in five categories:
- Feature Film
- Documentary
- Short Film
- Commercial Advertisement
- Promotional Media.

In addition, one of these films will take home the Best of Festival Jubilee Award, and a check for $101,000.

Awards will also be given for:
- Best Three-Page Treatment
- Best Original Score
- Best Young Filmmaker
- Best Festival Trailer
- ....and the coveted Audience Choice award.

More info can be found at, www.saicff.org

Register for SAICFF 2010

Reserve your place at the next Festival and Academy — to be held October 25-30, 2010. Receive access to all general festival workshops, standard film screenings, and the award ceremonies.

Film Festival Passes — October 28-30

The official Festival Pass gives you access to all general festival workshops, standard film screenings, and the award ceremonies; as well as a program guide to all the films. Special events & receptions TBA and priced separately.

Note: Registration for the 2010 Christian Filmmakers Academy includes a free standard festival pass. Therefore you do not need to register for the festival if you register for the academy.

Standard Rates

Standard Festival Pass:$75.00/person
Student Festival Pass*:$65.00/person
Family Festival Pass**: $295.00

Special Early Bird Rates

Register before July 1, 2010 and save!
Standard Festival Pass $50
Student Festival Pass $45
Family Festival Pass $199

* Student pass rates are available to active, home-educating students or non-professionals enrolled in full-time primary or secondary education, age 24 and under.

** Family Access Pass rates are available to any family of five or more immediate family members.

Register HERE.

Film Academy Passes — October 25-27

Get your passes to the fifth annual Christian Filmmakers Academy and broaden your grasp of the diverse skills necessary for independent Christian film production.

Note: Registration for the 2010 Christian Filmmakers Academy includes a free standard festival pass for the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival October 28-30. Therefore you do not need to register for the festival if you register for the academy.

Standard Rates

Standard Individual Academy Pass: $595.00
Standard Family Academy Pass: $525.00 per person*

Special Early Bird Rates

Register before July 1, 2010 and save!
Individual Early Bird Rate $395
Family Early Bird rate $350 per person*

* Rate applies to immediate family members only. Must have 2 or more members to qualify.

Register HERE.