The following are a series of testimonies from filmmakers who participated in last year’s San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. To read more, to see pictures, or to register, go to www.independentchirstianfilms.com.

Defining Moment as Filmmaker and Father

I think I can honestly say, with little hindsight required, that SAICFF will prove to be a defining point in my life not only as a filmmaker, but more importantly as a new father and a Christian. It was wonderful to spend the week with people who shared a passionate belief in God’s ability to speak to the culture through film, and who responded to the idea of families creating art together, not with cynical accusations of nepotism, but with genuine appreciation, love, and enthusiasm. Prior to the festival, I had not fully contemplated and appreciated the value of working with family. That has changed because of you, your staff, and your informative speakers. Thank you for giving my wife, my brother, and I such a wonderful experience to share together. —Richard R.

Festival Opens Professional Doors

I was the winner in your film festival “Creation Films” category. Right after my first screening, the Vice President of Marketing from [name withheld] took [my wife] and I to dinner to discuss publishing the project! They are discussing it right now and wish to fly me to [location] to discuss particulars. I understand you called them to tell them about the festival. Thank you so much. I’ll keep you posted on what transpires. —Wes Olson (Jubilee Award Winner, “Best of Creation”)Many of the films that I viewed simply blew away my expectations, and I left the festival energized and excited about the future of independent Christian filmmaking. I am grateful to have been able to witness the “ground breaking” of this movement and hope to also attend next year’s festival, which I suspect will be even better! Your vision and ministry have been a blessing to me and to my family. —Josh E., 2004 SAICFF Attendee

Direction for Independent Filmmakers

Let me thank you and Vision Forum for having this event in San Antonio. It was very exciting to see the gathering of people with a similar desire and passion, and to see the pool of talent that God is gathering together.... For the past five or six years, God has been stirring in my heart this desire to see redemptive, life-changing films for the glory of God. Over the years, as I travel to various media events and conferences, I meet Christians who have such a heart for media, and a heart to see that media used for God’s glory; yet, many of them are directionless. They are full of zeal, but have no guidance or organization that they can turn to for information and resources. That’s what excites me about this new movement. Thank you again for your hard work in this area, and may God continue to bless you and guide you as we step into this new and exciting area of ministry! —Russell Pond (Semi-Finalist, 2004 Jubilee Awards)

Professionalism and Excellence

Our film was accepted into the festival and after the first screening, my wife and I knew this experience was going to be different. The staff was organized, professional, and the screenings always started on time. But that’s only half the story because when the lights went down you could almost guarantee an entertaining screening. This will easily be the biggest and the best Christian film festival in years to come. That comment is not intended to stroke any egos. Honestly, if you want to attend a festival that’s committed to quality — this is the one. I plan to watch it closely and submit my films as often as possible. —Aaron M.

Exciting Vision for a Replacement Industry

Thank you for your hard work to bring this festival together! It was a tremendous blessing and encouragement to many people, myself included. I learned a lot, and will continue to learn as I listen to the lectures on tape. The vision of a replacement film industry — one that glorifies God rather than the devil — is a great one, and I believe that God will bless it! ... Again, the festival, in my opinion, was a great success, and will probably only get better every year! I was unable to enter a film this year, but I intend to do so next year. May God bless you all! —David T.

Developing Networks

It is my belief that, in addition to annual festivals, an ongoing communication network between Christian filmmakers at all levels is needed to help us to develop our craft and tackle film projects too large to be done individually. I met some people this weekend and have began forming a network of my own.... Thank you for your time, and thank you again for this program. —Ray J.