We live on the threshold of a revolution in independent Christian filmmaking. For the first time in more than half a century, Christians have the opportunity to change the terms of debate for this crucial medium of cultural influence by challenging the Hollywood giant. Like David’s sling before Goliath’s enormous sword, the weapons of this warfare are unconventional by industry standards, but when wielded with accuracy and faith, they can strike a devastating blow to the modern pagan elites who seek to crush the very witness of God in this nation. At least four factors fuel this revolution in filmmaking:

First, America needs a permanent break from Hollywood. The need for alternatives to “Babylon Central” is not only recognized within the Christian community, but by typical Americans who are disenchanted with the present state of affairs. The domination of the film industry by Christ-hating, family-denigrating elites, and the general absence of family-affirming, spiritually truthful media — at a time when the family is being redefined out of existence — has created a vacuum in our culture. Christians with a spirit of innovation who take the field and step up to the plate with courage and wisdom have an opportunity to fill this vacuum by communicating life, hope, and beauty from God’s perspective.

Second, we can market our products without selling our souls to the enemy. In the past, the only way a film could be financially viable was by getting the blessing of the Hollywood studios that influenced the distribution process. At bare minimum, this has usually meant sacrificing the spiritual and creative integrity of the project. The growing availability of alternative distribution networks means that independent Christian filmmakers have the ability to encourage the Body of Christ and influence the culture as a whole, while generating a dollar return sufficient to finance their projects.

Third, Christians now have access to the tools. Technologies which were once primarily available only to well-funded Hollywood studios are now readily available in the consumer and prosumer markets. For less than $10,000, the independent Christian filmmaker can set up a basic digital studio capable of noteworthy productions. For less than $5,000, the Christian film student can have a working platform to make digital film shorts.

Fourth, the path to successful filmmaking is no longer the exclusive domain of humanistic film schools. Recognizing that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,” many of the next generation of independent Christian filmmakers will be mastering their craft outside indoctrination centers which do not fear God — centers which, consequently, are fundamentally handicapped in their ability to wisely mentor. The rise of less expensive, family-friendly, discipleship-based, diverse creative alternatives for training should be heralded with thanksgiving. The advent of viable educational alternatives is not only the wave of the future, but an event which means that Christians who are willing to think outside the box live at a time of unique opportunity.

(We must remember, of course, that the existence of inexpensive technologies, alternative distribution networks, and alternative education training models in no way ensures the creation of quality cinema by Christians. Careful thought, wisdom, and significant vision are needed to produce culture-challenging media which is not only timely and theologically sound, but retains high production values.)

The Time is Now
My own observations of the burgeoning independent film movement — emerging from America’s community of entrepreneurial, creative, and spiritually committed home educators — has led me to conclude that the time is ripe to aggressively encourage young men and women to use this medium to impact the culture for the glory of God. (Vision Forum is located in San Antonio, Texas, a city that boasts several budding film studios — and even a new film society in the works — run by home educators and dedicated to a distinctively Christian vision of filmmaking.)

The beauty of independent filmmaking is that it allows the Christian to avoid the “wide path” of assimilation and syncretism with the cesspool and mire of Hollywood, and it opens the door for them to take a visionary, creative, narrow path for the glory of God — a path which gives them the opportunity to define the terms of debate and take the spiritual high road. Methodology is not neutral. We must approach God’s work with a vision for methodological holiness. I am reminded of Hudson Taylor’s wise comment: “God’s work done God’s way, will never lack for God’s supply.”

It is for this purpose — to encourage the next generation and to promote godly independent filmmaking — that Vision Forum is pleased to announce the Jubilee Awards and the 2004 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival.

The $10,000 Jubilee Award for Best Independent Christian Film Short
The biblical doctrine of the jubilee includes the joyful concept of freedom from indenture and bondage. In the context of independent filmmaking, the Jubilee Award is offered in gratitude to the Lord for the freedom and opportunity He is making available to a new generation of Christian filmmakers more interested in pressing the crown rights of Jesus Christ than indenturing their careers, their vision, and their work to Hollywood elites. Film shorts can be from five to fifty-five minutes in length. There are no restrictions on who may submit an entry, and applicants are allowed to make multiple submissions. The first prize is $10,000. Runner-up and special category prizes will also be awarded. Submissions must be received no later than September 1, 2004. Winners will be announced at the 2004 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, to be held in November of this year.

Join Us for the First Annual
San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival
Join us in San Antonio, Texas, on November 11-13 for a three-day Christian film festival featuring Christ-honoring, independent film shorts produced by a diversity of enterprising home educators, budding film students of all ages (9-99), and a new wave of Christ-oriented filmographers. Everyone with an interest in God-honoring independent Christian filmmaking is welcome to attend. The cost of the festival (which includes unlimited access to all film screenings, classes, and workshops) will be between $75 and $120, depending on when you register. Registration is limited to approximately five hundred. First come, first serve. Festival schedules, speakers, and registration information will be posted in the next four weeks at www.visionforum.com. Information concerning the Jubilee Award for Christian Film Shorts, including film categories and contest terms, will be posted at the same time