The schedule for the 2012 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival has been posted! (SAICFF Schedule)
I am pleased to announce that Captivated will be showing on Thursday night in the main theater shortly after the opening ceremonies! It will be showing again in a side-room in the last block before Closing Ceremonies!
Unfortunately due to uncertain reasons, Alone Yet Not Alone will not be screening this year.
Hope to see you there!
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!
- - - -
Info Source
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!
"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
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)
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
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.
Wow, what an incredibly encouraging week! I've attended every SAICFA-Festival event since 2005 and I've enjoyed it every time! Just a quick note here for those unfamiliar with all this...you can register for the Academy and Festival seperately if you wish to attend only one event but they have always been held during the same week so it just kinda makes sense to go to both. (Academy is held the first half of the week, and the Festival is held the last half)
Highlights for me at this years Academy were the lectures by Kirk Cameron "Acting" - Steven Kendrick "Directing Actors" and "Behind the Scenes of Courageous" - Geoff Botkin "Story Structure" - Isaac Botkin "Christopher Nolan vs. Steven Speilberg" - Doug Phillips "Radioactive" where he critiques Food, Inc., Avatar, The Cove, 2012, the Al Gore documentary, and more.
"[the Academy] included messages on Epistemology for Filmmakers, comparison of the acting styles of Marlon Brando with Jimmy Stewart, an amazing Christ-exalting dialogue with Kirk Cameron that ranks as one of the most inspirational messages in the history of any Vision Forum event, discussions on managing sets, unions, and a rousing, hilarious and very practical session on screen tests and acting."
-Doug Phillips
"Stephen took us on a first look at his latest film “Courageous,” but the substance was a no-holds bar homage to absolute duty of the Christian filmmaker to make hard choices that honor Christ, and the blessings which come from it...The maturity and excellence of the story-line, production values, acting and structure of “Courageous” was so significant, that those of us who had the privilege to be present knew we were watching the birth of something that promises to make headline news as it blazes across the nation blessing millions and changing lives for Christ."
-Doug Phillips
At the 2010 Christian Filmmaker's Academy, Stephen Kendrick (the Producer of "Flywheel", "Facing the Giants", and "Fireproof") presented a keynote message entitled " 'Courageous'-The Vision, The Story, The Lessons." Here's a snippet.
We also got to see several rough clips from their upcoming film Courageous. Let me tell ya...it's going to be REALLY good!! - Movie Website
"Geoff Botkin Wows Us With a Brilliant Discussion on Structure, Story Arc and Beats of a Well-Drafted Script."
"[Avatar] is definitely anti-coporate...it's a very personal film in the sense that when I was a kid...in high school it was the start of the environmental movement, and I made a film in high school about pollution...In the years since, trying to get documentaries funded about the environment - you can't raise any money to do that. Nobody wants to buy that stuff. So I thought if i make a big, spectacular ation science fiction film, I can embed these themes in a movie that people are going to see for other reasons. It's absolutely subversive."
-James Cameron interview on "The View", Feb. 17, 2010
"...the effectiveness of Hollywood pantheists and environmentalists to subvert culture through media, and, second, the absence of a thoughtful response in film from the Christian community because we have abandoned the dominion mandate, and failed to mount an army to take the field." Watch the clips.
I found this bag sitting on a table, and in light of the "Radioactive" lecture...I took a picture of it ;) Now don't get me wrong, I do believe it is important to take of this wonderful world God has given us, but I also believe that there is balance. Taking care of the earth shouldn't be more important than people.
Isaac Botkin gave a very interesting lecture comparing two very successful directors!
"The Art of Scoring Films," with Oscar-winning composer Bruce Broughton.
A lecture by the young men behind the new EffectsForge company.
David Cook talks about his new film Seven Days In Utopia starring Robert Duvall. Movie Website
- stay tuned for a review of this year's festival!
- - - -
Lots of pictures and video used from "Doug's Blog"
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!
SYNOPSIS:
"This beautiful ninety-minute documentary takes viewers deep beneath the ocean waves among hundreds of white-tip sharks, into volcanic craters with giant lizards, and to the unusual habitat of the blue-footed booby. Featuring a Christian team of scientists and investigators to shoot a documentary on the Galapagos in 2009—Darwin's anniversary year—The Mysterious Islands brings a fresh perspective on the Theory of Evolution and presents sweeping cinematography of one of the most remote, desolate, and fascinating locations in the world."
It was several months ago when I watched this film, and I really enjoyed it! I found this film to be visually stunning, Biblically sound, and the storyline informative. A great movie for the whole family!
Learn more by clicking the banner below
- - - - -
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in advertising.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Over the last few years, successful Academy faculty and graduates have generated millions of dollars in sales from their ï¬lms, 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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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.
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 uniï¬ed universe are more powerful.
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.
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 -
Hollywood's Most Despised Villain
$3.50 - Download Here
Can the Western be Saved From the Hollywood Marxists?
$3.50 - Download Here
Walt Disney: A Christian Critique
3 Lectures / $12.95 - Download Here
- Click Here to view the full line-up of available resources! -