January 2009 Archives

Congratulations to Pat S., Salvadore M., and Josiah D. for correctly answering the question. The image was that of an Ica Stone most likely depicting the division of the continents.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 31, 2009 | Permalink

Between now and midnight tonight, everything at Vision Forum is on sale for 25% to 50% off. This is a great time to build up your home school library with some core curriculum supplements. We have hundreds of items that fall into this category, but let me mention just a few classic and historical items that I believe would be helpful to any Christian home school family.

The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary: This gigantic, oversized, heavy book is perhaps second only to the Bible in terms of importance in your home. When Noah Webster first published this book, he understood that whoever defined the words of a culture would capture that culture. So he sought to give the American people a dictionary in which words have meaning in terms of their relationship to Jesus Christ. In fact, this is the only comprehensive dictionary of the English language in print that seeks to communicate a distinctively biblical worldview, even to the point of using Scriptures in the definitions. Your children can join the ranks of those generations of American leaders who were weaned on Webster. Our book is sturdy and well bound with acid-free paper and a gold foil stamp. A worthy investment. (25% off through midnight.)

The New England Primer: The single most influential Christian textbook in history. Most scholars agree that most, if not all, of the Founding Fathers were taught to read and write using this volume which is unsurpassed to this day for its excellence of practical training and Christian worldview. First published in 1690, the goal of the Primer was to combine the study of the Bible with the alphabet, vocabulary, and the reading of prose and poetry. This is the book that introduced the children’s prayer, “Now I lay me down to sleep,” and which made the “Shorter Catechism” a staple of education for American children. More than five million copies were sold in the nineteenth century alone. Facsimile edition written with older modern-English characters authentic to the founding era. (25% off through midnight.)

The Blue Back Speller: The great American educator Noah Webster first published A Grammatical Institute of the English Language, otherwise known as the Blue Back Speller, in 1783. His goal was to provide a uniquely American, Christ-centered approach to training children. Little did he know that this remarkable gem would become the staple for parents and educators for more than a century and would help to build the most literate nation in the history of the West. Many of the Founding Fathers used this book to home school their children, including Benjamin Franklin who taught his granddaughter to read, spell, and pronounce words using “Old Blue Back.” Facsimile edition. (25% off through midnight.)

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 31, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 30, 2009 | Permalink

They are the skulls of men and women which have been self-consciously deformed using skull elongation techniques by the ancient pagans of Peru. The act of elongating the skull was achieved by binding the head of a child with cloth, rope, and boards. As the skull grew, it would elongate. There are many examples of unusual skulls from the tombs of Peru, including some which evidence trephination, or the process of surgically removing portions of the skull, presumably to gain access to the brain or to relieve pressure.

Some evolutionists contend that similar skulls found around the world are not the result of skull-binding techniques, but of a different species of human or pre-human. This theory is impossible because it contradicts the biblical account of human origins. UFO and ancient astronaut theorists have their own irrational and unbiblical theories that connect these skulls to extra-terrestrial visitations, a theme that was explored in the recent Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull release. The true answers to the reason why there are similar examples of skull elongation practices found around the world in diverse cultures may rest in the common origin of these nations with the Babylonian mystery religions of the ancient post-Flood world.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 30, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 30, 2009 | Permalink

During an expedition I sought out and found this artifact. It was presented to me for inspection by a faithful woman in her seventies who had served as one of its guardians for close to forty years. As precisely as possible, tell me the name of the item in general and offer an explanation for what is being portrayed on its surface.

Send your answers to blogcontest@visionforum.com. Give me your answer and your full, accurate name. The first three people to answer the entire question correctly will receive a complimentary copy of R.M. Ballantyne’s masterpiece The Giant of the North. To learn more about R.M. Ballantyne, visit my son’s blog, Ballantynethebrave.com.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 29, 2009 | Permalink

I was flooded with answers to yesterday’s blog quiz from the entry “A Journey to a World of Birds.” Congratulations to Sofia Isabella, Jonathan P., and Tommy V.,our three winners who first correctly answered the question. This was a case of the early bird catching the worm, because within an hour of posting the question the responses began to pour in and have continued up to today.(Stay tuned to Doug’s Blog for more contests coming soon.)

And now the answer: I shot these images from the Ballestas Islands off the coast of Peru, and the highly prized cash crop is guano. (If you have not done so, click on each of the images for a higher resolution image with more details.)

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 29, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 29, 2009 | Permalink

Imagine a world of birds.

..and more birds.

Millions of them.

A few are solitary.

But most are birds of a feather that flock together.

It was the once the lair of pirates—with pirate caves and pirate treasure.

And further back into the unknown past, a giant marking was carved into the rocks of this remote island destination—its true meaning and message has yet to be discovered.

The pirates are gone—though their treasure is still being discovered.

As for the birds—the company they keep now include tens of thousands of crabs, and a huge population of seals.

...most of whom are astonishingly lazy.

No humans are allowed on this remote location.

Except for three. Their sole mission is to keep people away, and to guard a valuable “treasure crop.” Many years ago this crop was the basis for an international war. Today, the government will only allow it to be harvested but once every five years.

Tell me the precise name of the location where I shot these images. Also, give me the official name for the “treasure crop” I am referencing. Send your answers to blogcontest@visionforum.com. Give me your answer and your full, accurate name. The first three people to answer the entire question correctly will receive a complimentary copy of R.M. Ballantyne’s masterpiece “The Pirate City.”

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 28, 2009 | Permalink

Kirk Cameron of Fireproof, and speaker at this year’s SAICFF was quoted as making this comment about why Fireproof makes a great gift:

“It’s a great gift to give to somebody else. I think all of us know someone who is struggling in their marriage, people who are contemplating divorce or going through one,” he notes. “You can talk to someone all you want, but if you can follow that up with a movie where they can see what it looks like when a man really devotes himself to loving his wife, that can turn the course of everything.”

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 27, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 27, 2009 | Permalink

You can tell a lot about the vision of a family by the libraries in the home. And the video library is especially important. Wise Christian parents want wholesome, Christ-exalting films in their DVD libraries. This means fewer, but more carefully selected movies — movies like the carefully selected, award-winning family films from the 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 27, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 26, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 26, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 23, 2009 | Permalink

A Special Note to Readers of Doug’s Blog:

Have you ever spent a few days doing nothing but focusing on your relationship with your daughter? The Father and Daughter Retreat is a wonderful way to start. Join more than 500 fathers and daughters, and speakers Dr. Voddie Baucham, Scott Brown, Geoff Botkin and myself, for a very special time at the beautiful Callaway Gardens. Historically, this event sells out. Regretfully, each year we have to turn down fathers and daughters who really want to attend because we simply run out of space. This year, we have sold more seats then we did at the same time last year and I think it likely that we will sell out in the very near future. That is why I want to encourage the readers of Doug’s Blog to sign up now if you want a space at this very precious event.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 23, 2009 | Permalink

The 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival received significant write-ups from the press, including some international coverage in nations like France and England. In addition to the larger stories, it was great to see local papers cover events and filmmakers from their area who participated in the SAICFF. Here is one example from Kaufman, Texas, covering the $101,000 Best of Festival Grand Prize Winner, The Widow’s Might (which is now available for download on HD at behemoth.com).

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 23, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 23, 2009 | Permalink

An image from the trail to Intipunku near Machu Picchu, Peru.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 22, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 22, 2009 | Permalink

Click the banner to read the report.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 21, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 21, 2009 | Permalink

I had the privilege of attending the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival and Academy this year and saw firsthand how Vision Forum is stepping up to fill a vital need right now. Their vision is much greater and far reaching than most people realize.

The digitalization of media is bringing a massive flood of new young filmmakers on the scene. My deep concern has been that they can afford the equipment, but may not be morally responsible or theologically grounded enough to use this powerful influence for good. This festival and academy are exactly what is needed right now to steer them toward producing films that are professional, commercially viable, and also fruitful for eternity.

A close friend of mine, who graduated Valedictorian from a well known film school, attended the academy and festival with me. After the week, he commented how much he learned at the academy and how much more honorable and classy the festival was than others he had attended in the past. But more than that, he left with a clearer vision to use his skills for the glory of God rather than for leading others into decadence and vanity.

I believe that decades from now, we will see filmmakers who are changing the world who will undoubtedly state that this festival and academy was what God used to help ground them and prepare them for long term success.

Stephen Kendrick

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 21, 2009 | Permalink

Widow’s Might is a groundbreaking film, even though it is a first feature film from a teenaged director. It is one of the most original high-concept features in recent film history. The story is innovative in ways that can inspire the next generation of filmmakers, many of whom are looking for ways to break out of tired cinematic clichés, especially the weak theological clichés of the Christian “altar call” movie.

This film attempted and achieved a wholesome family message, illustrating the difficult-to-capture functional family environment. Its message addressed a very complex theological issue which is a defining issue of our generation: a form of taxation that asserts the state’s presumed authority over God. The clash over sovereignty between man and God is a topic Christian filmmakers will be exploring for decades to come.

The film employed a clever story line to make rich use of complex subplots, including an illustration of the abusive use of media.

Finally, the film used aesthetic elements to set new standards for taste and humor, charting a delightful course for tomorrow’s filmmakers who will make a clean break from patterns of discourse that have taken American culture in the wrong direction for several decades.

Geoff Botkin

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 21, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 19, 2009 | Permalink

Review by Adam McManus
Host of KSLR’s The Adam McManus Show

When Geoff Botkin warned the 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival audience that the G-rated Walt Disney film entitled “Princess Diaries 2” was filled with toxic messages antithetical to a biblical worldview, you could have heard a pin drop.

But, in scene after scene, Mr. Botkin revealed how this seemingly innocuous movie wasn’t innocuous at all!

Indeed, in the very opening scene, Mia Thermopolis portrayed by Anne Hathaway — the Crown Princess of Genovia — is graduating from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of International Policy. Mr Botkin described Woodrow Wilson as the second most treasonous president in terms of constitutional fidelity — the one who instituted the income tax system and established the Federal Reserve Bank. We learned that in the world of film making, nothing is there by chance. It’s all scripted to a “t” - including the decision to honor Woodrow Wilson over Ronald Reagan.

Throughout the movie, we hear the Princess declare over and over again the politically correct mantra “This is the 21st century!” — a notion no doubt instilled in her in the classrooms of the Ivy League. The message? Throw off the constraints of family, tradition, and religion and find your own “truth.” While the servants are conducting a slide show of possible suitors in order to help to get married within 30 days and retain the crown, Anne Hathaway’s character and a friend, without pause, yell out approvingly when they discover that one young man has embraced the abomination of homosexual behavior. In other scenes, materialism, lust, rebelliousness, and rudeness are all exalted as character traits in keeping with a Princess who wants to rule the country of Genovia as Queen.

Honor is a concept far from her mind, as Mia sneaks out the window to meet the cute boy, despite the fact that she is not only engaged, but literally hours away from holy matrimony. From Disney Company’s perspective, I suppose, it’s totally innocent since they don’t engage in sex.

I believe Walt Disney himself would be horrified at how the good, masculine, and honorable guy is presented as boring, and the bad, effeminate, skirt-chasing guy is seen as desirable. What messages are we sending both our young girls and boys if we allow them to watch this movie without an immediate biblical critique, or watch it at all? And why would a Christian pastor claim that Princess Diaries 2 was “loaded with virtue”?

Isaiah 5:20 comes to mind: Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.

For too long, parents and pastors alike who profess to follow Christ have allowed the pagan culture to desensitize them to the dangers in the world’s films, TV shows, and music, missing critical moments for Christ-like discipleship. If, as Geoff Botkin suggests, we are to “take every frame captive for Jesus Christ,” we all need to look at the world through a biblical lens, not at the Bible through the world’s lens.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 19, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 19, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 19, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 19, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 19, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 18, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 18, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 18, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 18, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 18, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 18, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 18, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 17, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 17, 2009 | Permalink

The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry took home the award for Best Original Score at the 2009 SAICFF. With Sperry, veteran filmmaker Rich Christiano has produced one of his most compelling films. This touching movie tells the story of a group of fatherless boys who are discipled by a remarkable grandfather figure named Jonathan Sperry, played by Gavin MacLeod. Set in the early 1970s, the film is visually beautiful. It would have been my pick for Best Cinematography, had the award been offered this year. It was precious to see the many teary-eyed viewers streaming out of the theater who were deeply impacted by Rich’s heartwarming Gospel story. I predict that Sperry will become a favorite in the Christian community and will find great success in the DVD market.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 16, 2009 | Permalink

The 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival was an event that from its inception was bathed in prayer. Last Friday night was one of the great events in the five-year history of the film festival as Dean Jones, Kirk Cameron, Stephen Kendrick, and Chuck Bentley of Crown Financial Ministries shared personal stories of principle, faith, and devotion to Christ in the area of independent Christian filmmaking. The image above was shot as we all bowed before the Lord just prior to the beginning of Friday’s event.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 16, 2009 | Permalink

The festival is over. The week is done. I stood in the hallway of the San Antonio Convention center and said goodbye to many of the strong Christian leaders I had the honor of spending a bit of time with. Like Stephen Kendrick, producer of Facing the Giants, John Moore, newly awarded winner of the largest grand prize for film in US history (Huemoore productions also holds claim to this years Audience Choice Award), the Von Trapp children, great-grandchildren of the Captain and Maria Von Trapp, and many, many more.

Over the past week I’ve seen history made. I stood and watched Christians leap to the front of film festival race, I saw resolute followers of Christ decide to use film for the glory of God, and to use it with competence. I’ve seen bewildered press from all over the nation ask themselves, “Who are these Christians, and what are they doing?” But most importantly, I believe, though it’s in the unclear future, I believe I saw the beginning of a Christian film industry that will someday influence the world for good as much as Hollywood has done for ill.

I stood alongside 500 young filmmakers who sacrificed their time and money to sit through three days of film training. From theology to technology they dissected what it means to be a Christian filmmaker. They recognized that the message is the priority, but the quality will influence how far their film goes, and how many people it reaches.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 16, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 16, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 16, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 16, 2009 | Permalink

Yesterday’s US Airways flight from LaGuardia Airport headed to Charlotte, North Carolina which landed in the Hudson river after the plane’s engine’s encountered several geese was a real testimony to good training by the captain of the airplane.

According to The New York Times:

On board, the pilot, Chesley B. Sullenberger III, 57, unable to get back to La Guardia, had made a command decision to avoid densely populated areas and try for the Hudson, and had warned the 150 passengers to brace for a hard landing. Most had their heads down as the jetliner slammed into the water, nose slightly up, just three minutes after takeoff on what was to be a flight to Charlotte, N.C.

The New York Times continued: “When all were out, the pilot walked up and down the aisle twice to make sure the plane was empty, officials said.”

Additionally, one of the passengers Jeff Kolodajy from Connecticut stated this in one news report: “Everyone’s fine. There was a lady with her baby and she was trying to crawl over the seats. And I said, women and children first. She got off,” said Kolodajy, who praised the effort by the pilot.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 16, 2009 | Permalink

Noah’s Ark: Thinking Outside the Box, produced by Answers in Genesis, received the Jubilee Award for Best Creation film category at this year’s film festival. You can read Ken Ham’s blog for their perspective on winning the award.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 15, 2009 | Permalink

“I wouldn’t trade this for an Oscar,” remarked Jones upon receiving the special Jubilee Award. Jones has played in 46 films and 5 Broadway shows over his career of more than half a century, including 10 films with Disney, 6 of which are on Variety’s all-time hit list. His best-known role is that of racecar driver Jim Douglas in The Love Bug. In more recent years, he has appeared in such films as Beethoven and Clear and Present Danger.

The special presentation in honor of Mr. Jones followed on the heels of the world premiere of Abraham and Isaac, a short film by Crown Financial Ministries (www.crown.org) which brings to life the biblical epic of Abraham’s call to give up his own son. Jones plays the lead role of Abraham in the new film.

Doug Phillips, founder of the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, set the stage for the award before inviting Ken Wales to make the final introduction: “Tonight we gather to honor veteran actor, Mr. Dean Jones,” Phillips stated. “Dean has touched the hearts of millions with his talents and gifts through film, but at the age of 78 he is best remembered today as a follower of Christ, a defender of the family — a man who is finishing his race strong by using his gifts to draw men all over the world closer to the Lord.”

Ken Wales, producer of the film Amazing Grace and the Christy series, then took to the podium to offer tribute to his friend of more than fifty years. Jones and Wales appeared in several films together in the 1950s, including Imitation General and Torpedo Run. During the filming of Torpedo Run — which starred Glenn Ford and Ernest Borgnine — Jones saved the life of Wales during a near-catastrophe when Wales got trapped underwater on the movie set.

“Dean reached down and [motioning to Glenn Ford] pointed to me underwater twenty-five feet below, and they suddenly realized I was in trouble, and they pushed me to the top. And out flowed three gallons of water,” Wales reflected. “So I owe him directly my life. But Dean knows that our lives are more serious than making motion pictures, because he knows that a dedicated life to God and His son Jesus Christ is paramount in telling stories that are redemptive.

“As I introduce this [video] tribute to you,” Wales continued, “I want you to realize the depth of this fine person, the sacrifices he has made, even to the point of abuse by an industry that just doesn’t care about God — to stand straight, to run the good race, to be a true man of God — a man whose life is dedicated to telling great stories.”

As he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Jubilee Award, Mr. Jones offered hopeful words regarding the rising independent Christian film movement.

“There is a curtain on stage, and it is down in front of all of us tonight,” Jones remarked. “And I believe it is going to rise soon, and there will be Christian people that have expertise in Christian filmmaking who become an anecdote to the horrors of our culture today.

“A change is coming,” Jones continued. “It’s a matter of time until one or two of ten of them in North Carolina or Utah or Texas catch hold of Walt [Disney]’s pattern and bring some quality work to the fore.... [They] are going to be doing films that will once again give an occasion for the children and dads and moms to gather together in a theater or around a television and see something that brings them together, that teaches them to love one another — films of quality, films of morality.”

In a separate lecture for students of the Christian Filmmakers Academy (CFA) held during the festival, Mr. Jones urged the students to make Christ-honoring films outside Hollywood: “If you want a job, do what I did: work for other people for 50 years, but the odds of you getting swallowed up by the blasphemous godless, decadent, deadly spirit of today’s show business are thousands to one.

“But there’s a better way — Walt’s way,” followed Jones. “And the pattern will still work: the pattern of keeping control out of the hands of the godless spirit of the age; of setting standards of excellence; of developing your own means of distribution.”

CFA founder Doug Phillips observed: “Dean Jones is emerging as the elder statesmen of independent Christian filmmakers. With a robust Hollywood career behind him, he recognizes the dangerous influence of Hollywood and is urging the next generation of filmmakers to take a different path — a visionary, Christ-centered path outside of Hollywood, one that allows Christian filmmakers to call the shots and make films that honor Christ because they embody a biblical worldview.”

Concluded Phillips: “His work in St. John in Exile — and most recently in Abraham and Isaac — are two examples of how he is modeling this new vision.”

The San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival (SAICFF) was held January 8-10 at the Gonzalez Convention Center in downtown San Antonio. The SAICFF is host to the largest single film festival grand prize of its kind in America — the $101,000 Best of Festival Jubilee Award — which was awarded this year to The Widow’s Might, a feature-length comedy adventure. In addition to Dean Jones, special guests at this year’s festival included Fireproof’s producer Stephen Kendrick as well as actor Kirk Cameron.

To download Dean Jones’s, “I wouldn’t trade this for an Oscar” audio clip, click here

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 14, 2009 | Permalink

The visionary behind Abraham and Isaac, The Widow and the Oil, and The Rich Man and Lazarus, all three World Premieres at the 2009 SAICFF.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 14, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 13, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 13, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 13, 2009 | Permalink

I want to tell you that I enjoyed every minute of every day at the Christian Filmmaking Academy and the Festival...I thank the Lord God for the vision you have. It’s good to see that there are men and women of God who realize that elements used in the creation of works of art, should be used for God’s glory, to reflect His Kingdom, and to benefit people, to influence them toward salvation. I was emotionally uplifted when we all sang “Holy, holy, holy” at the Filmmaking Academy. I thought to myself, it’s so sad that many Evangelical churches have abandoned the old hymns of the faithful forefathers and only sing modern contemporary music

...Also, many young people in Romania are growing discontented with the pop culture imported from here and from Western Europe. They ridicule Hollywood movies (although they continue to watch them, ironically) and they realize the shallowness of postmodern pop culture, defined by going to parties, watching movies, eating and shopping. This is a time when born again Christians can move to fill in the spiritual and cultural vacuum...”

Lucian Buzea

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 13, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 13, 2009 | Permalink

Christian filmmakers Olayide and Oluwafiropo Ropo-Pusin.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 13, 2009 | Permalink

Greeting from Shanghai, China. Just returned to Shanghai yesterday afternoon after 22 hrs traveling. Thank you so much for all the thing you done for the Kingdom business. I returned to SH with full blessing and fire. [The Botkin family] definitely impacted and blessed a lot of people’s life and we are one of them. It’s so amazing to participate the meeting and to know I have so many alliance. Hoping soon we could have ” SHICFF”- Shanghai Independent Christian Film Festival hold in Shanghai. Why not?

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 13, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 13, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 13, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 13, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 13, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 13, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 13, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 12, 2009 | Permalink

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — January 12, 2009 — More than 2,400 participants representing states from Alaska to New York and foreign cities from Cairo to Shanghai were on hand for the presentation of the Jubilee Awards during closing ceremonies at the fifth annual San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, held at the Lila Cockrell Theatre in downtown San Antonio this last weekend.

“Our goal with the Jubilee Awards is to reward the work of Christian filmmakers who have artfully communicated a Christian worldview through their film production,” explained Doug Phillips, founder of the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival.

“Thanks to aid of a private foundation, we are pleased this year to give the single largest cash prize of any film festival in America, as well as to honor the other fine winners at the 2009 festival.”

The “Best of Festival” Jubilee Award — with its $101,000 cash prize — went to The Widow’s Might, a feature length comedy adventure that tells the fictional story of how aspiring filmmakers came to the aid of an elderly widow who faced losing her home due to rising property taxes. The 101-minute film was written and directed by 19-year-old John Moore of Kaufman, Texas, with David Heustis and Jeff Moreland serving as producers.

“We never saw this coming!” said John Moore. “The greatest lesson we have learned at this event over the years is to press on; keep moving forward. Always pursue excellence. The production was very tough; but it brought our families together, and we’re even closer now than ever.... I dedicate this award to my father, the most inspiring man I have even known.”

In addition to landing the festival’s top honor in 2009, The Widow’s Might was runner-up for “Best Feature” and came away with the “Audience Choice Award,” receiving more than twice the votes of the closest contender. This marked the third time in four years that a film by HeuMoore Productions was voted as the audience favorite at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival.

The top honor in the “Best Feature Film” category was awarded to Fireproof, a film starring Kirk Cameron that explores a firefighter’s struggle to save his failing marriage. Fireproof — which was written, produced, and directed by Alex and Stephen Kendrick of Sherwood Pictures — was the highest-grossing independent film of 2008 with over $33 million in theatre sales, beating out such films as Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona (starring Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz), and Milk, starring Sean Penn. The film also received the runner-up nod for “Best of Festival.”

Stephen Kendrick, who was on hand in the Alamo City to receive the award, noted, “Sherwood Pictures is thrilled that Fireproof has won ‘Best Feature’ at a film festival that not only seeks to honor the pursuit of high production values, but also morally responsible filmmaking.”

The Terri Schiavo Story, a two-part television series that follows the Schindler family’s long and highly emotional struggle to save their daughter’s life, garnered the “Best Documentary” Award. The film, hosted by Joni Eareckson Tada, was directed and produced by Ken Carpenter of Franklin Films.

“This festival is a uniquely inspiring event, and I’m a big proponent of the type of film work they are encouraging,” stated Carpenter. “To have been honored with a Jubilee Award was a great conclusion to a fantastic festival experience.”

The top honor in the “Best Dramatic Short” category was awarded to The Prodigal Trilogy, a cinematic adaptation of acclaimed solo performer Jason Hildebrand’s monologues based on the Luke 15 parable of Jesus in the Bible.

The “Best Biblical Family” Award went to Binding Faith, an eighteen-minute documentary that chronicles the persecution that Christian missionary and minister, Dr. Ajai Lall, encountered when he sought to share his faith in northern India. Dondra Vaughn, who produced the film, received the award on behalf of the project.

The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry took the top honor for “Best Original Score.” Veteran film producer, Rich Christiano, who directed and produced the full-length feature, praised the film’s composer upon receiving the award: “One of the most important characters in any film is the music. Jasper Randall has done excellent work with his original score of The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry.... [W]e are thankful to have him on our team.”

Thirteen-year-old Peyton Thomas received the “Young Filmmaker’s” Award for Journey of Hope, a nine-minute film which he directed and produced. The film tells the true story of Charles Loring Brace, a young minister who created the Children’s Aid Society to provide safety and love to the children on the streets on New York City.

Noah’s Ark: Thinking Outside the Box — a film featuring Ark specialist Tim Lovett — took the top honor in the “Best Creation” category. The film, produced by Answers in Genesis, applies new research to the contours of the Ark while maintaining an unwavering commitment to the Word of God. Dale Mason, publisher of Answers magazine and Vice President of Communications Division for AiG, commented:

“On behalf of Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum, we are so very thankful for the vote of confidence that this Jubilee Award represents. Even more than that, we are humbled to be part of what God is doing to propagate the truth of Creation, especially to homeschool families.”

The “Best Treatment” Award — an honor given for the best three-page written condensation of a proposed film, documentary, or TV dramatic production — went to Kevin Powers for his proposed film, Sandtown. The winner received a $1,000 cash prize, a professional script analysis of the finished script based on the winning treatment, and a free copy of Final Draft screenwriting software.

Second and third place awards in the “Best Treatment” category went to Chuck Fultz for In Plain Site and Kevin Powers for Elk Valley.

Other winners included: The Widow and the Judge, which garnered the runner-up award in the “Best Dramatic Short” category; and The Full House of Blessing, which took second place in the “Best Documentary” category.

The “Best Trailer” Award, an honor for the trailer that best promoted the festival, went to Jeremiah Warren for Changing Lives.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 12, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 12, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 11, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 11, 2009 | Permalink

Charlie Zahm opens the award ceremonies with the National anthem at the closing night of the 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 11, 2009 | Permalink

”...and the winner is...Binding Faith!”

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 11, 2009 | Permalink

Congratulations to Ken Carpenter and Franklin Springs for “The Terri Schiavo Story,” winner of the Best Documentary Jubilee Award.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 11, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 11, 2009 | Permalink

Fireproof producer Stephen Kendrick is joined by his son as they model a living Jubilee Award. They did get the statuary award as well for their outstanding film Fireproof.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 9, 2009 | Permalink

Jimmy Broyden’s bio tells us that he came “from 17 year old drug addict and high school drop out to Stuntman. Entrepreneur. Motivational speaker and father of seven.” But we know Jimmy as a wonderful, humble and talented man who blessed the 2009 Christian Filmmaker’s Academy with two hours of power-packed training on stunt directing. And there is one thing we learned:

Don’t mess with Jimmy Broyden!

Here is what happens if you do...

KAPOW!

SPLAT!

WHAM!

ZOWIE!

POW!

CRUNCH!

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 6, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 6, 2009 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 6, 2009 | Permalink

The 2009 Christian Filmmakers Academy kicked off this morning at 10:00 a.m. with introductions from faculty members and special guests Geoff Botkin, Voddie Baucham, Isaac Botkin, and Jim Broyden. From there we launched into a foundational discussion on “Biblical Worldview and the Theology of Christian Filmmaking.”

Over the next three days attendees will get a crash course in biblical worldview for filmmaking along with special instruction in science fiction, stunts, violence in film, and composition.

To learn more about the Christian Filmmakers Academy, visit the web site http://www.independentchristianfilms.com.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 5, 2009 | Permalink

The timing of this remarkable event could not be better.

For the first time in modern film history a distinctively Christian film is the undisputed top grossing independent movie of the year. The Kendrick brothers’ film Fireproof takes the #1 spot with $33,063,487 in gross receipts. All this on the advent of the 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival where Fireproof will be competing with fifty other film releases for Best of Festival and the $101,000 grand prize.

Of the hundreds of films that were produced independently of the major Hollywood studio system (Universal, MGM, Paramount, Warner Bros, Disney, Sony Pictures, etc.) our Lord allowed Fireproof to beat out the rest at the box office during 2008. Praise the Lord.

TOP 10 INDEPENDENT MOVIES OF 2008

1. “Fireproof,” $33,063,487
   A film that honors Christ and reinforces biblical marriage.

2. “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” $22,749,000
   A film glorifying fornication, murder, and homosexuality.

3. “Slumdog Millionaire,” $19,661,000
   A movie containing extreme violence, drug use, and profanity.

4. “The Duchess,” $13,848,978
   An immoral film containing profanity and explicit sexual scenes.

5. “Milk,” $13,597,000
   A pro-sodomite film which mocks Christianity and defends radical homosexuality.

6. “Religulous,” $13,011,160
   A work of anti-Christian bigotry which attacks faith, the Gospel, and organized religion.

7. “Under the Same Moon,” $12,590,147
   A defense of illegal immigration.

8. “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day,” $12,313,694
   This movie includes theft, nudity, and fornication.

9. “Rachel Getting Married,” $10,018,000
   This movie contains strong profanity, drug use, and immorality.

10. “The Visitor,” $9,427,089

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 2, 2009 | Permalink

Dear Friends:

Life moves fast. If we don’t take the time to chronicle the providences of God, we forget them. If we don’t take the time to say thank you to those who have invested in our lives, we actually cultivate a spirit of ingratitude in our own hearts. If we don’t stop and make sure that we have a spirit of forgiveness toward others, we grow bitter, we lose the capacity to move victoriously into the future, and our prayers are hindered.

Here is a little practice that I was taught and would like to share with you. As you start a new year, I would encourage you to do the following things.

I. Outline and Chronicle the Many Providences of God

Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Hab. 2:2)

First, using simple bullet points, outline the key events for every week of every month of the year. Take the time to do the research which will help jog your memory and allow you to make an accurate record. I find that reviewing bills, blogs, journals, newspaper headlines, letters, and even organizing my photographs chronologically are enormously helpful tools. Those individuals who were faithful to journal or keep a diary will have little problem reconstructing key events. Give yourself a good week to reconstruct your own outline of the year. Also, by making this a family project, you will not only build your list with greater speed and precision, but (in the hands of a loving patriarch) the very act of chronicling the providences of God in your life is a blessed tool for family discipleship.

Every family will have a different set of priorities directing what they should record. In addition to recording the key events and providences of the year chronologically, I try to take the time with my family to record some of the following information on separate bullet lists:

1. Where did I/we travel?
2. What were the titles and key texts of sermons I preached?
3. What books/articles did I write?
4. What significant household projects did we accomplish in 2008?
5. What were the most important meetings of the year?
6. What special friendships were made this year?
7. Which children lost teeth, and how many?
8. Who grew in physical stature, and how much did they grow?
9. Who learned to read this year?
10. What diet and physical exercise regimen did I maintain to honor “my temple”?
11. What books did I read? Did we read as a family? Did my children read?
12. What Scriptures did my family memorize?
13. What loved ones died this year?
14. What were the great personal/ministry/national tragedies and losses of the year?
15. What were the great personal/ministry/national blessings of the year?
16. What were my most significant failures for the year 2008?
17. What unresolved conflicts am I bringing into 2008?
18. What significant spiritual and practical victories did I experience?
19. In what tangible ways did I communicate gratitude to those who have blessed me and invested in my life?
20. What are the top ten themes of 2008 for my family?

II. Say ‘Thank You’ to Those Who Have Invested in Your Life

[I] cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. (Eph. 1:16)

Whatever happened to the man who first opened to you the words of life from the Scripture? Where is the comrade, coach, or instructor who believed in you and helped you to accomplish a great goal? What about the Bible teacher whose careful handling of the Word opened up new vistas of understanding? Where is the friend who stood with you through thick and thin? Most importantly, what have you communicated to the mother who carried you in her womb, loved and nurtured you, or the father who labored to provide for and shepherd you?

When was the last time you responded to their investment in your life with gratitude, blessings, and even money? Jesus reminds us of those ungrateful recipients of blessing who simply went their way without demonstrating gratitude (Luke 17).

As a new year begins, make a list of two types of people: The first list are the names of people whose life, ministry, or personal investment in you have deeply touched you and changed your life. (In my case, the list includes parents, pastors, and even some teachers from the early years of my Christian walk that I did not meet until much later in my life, but whose books and tapes were crucial to my personal discipleship as a young Christian.) The second list should include those people who played the most significant role in your life in 2008.

Write a brief, meaningful letter to each of them. Be specific in your gratitude. Explain what they did for you and why it was important to you. Show them how they were God’s instrument of blessing in your own life. Pray over each letter, asking God to grant you rich insights on the character qualities of each individual and on the way those qualities changed your own life. Where appropriate, include a check or special token of appreciation that reflects your desire to show them, tangibly, that you recognize that you are in their debt. You cannot imagine the joy this will give to someone from your past who may think you have forgotten them. Give generously and without concern for getting a tax deduction. I strongly recommend sending money to your parents. Keep in mind that you will never be able to return their personal and financial investment in your life, except through your testimony of faithfulness, covenant keeping, and honor to the Lord.

Also, your children need to know the people who have blessed their parents. They need to see that Mom and Dad are grateful and generous. Share your letters with them. In our household, we ask our children to write to some of the people who have blessed Mommy and Daddy, because our children are the indirect recipients of these blessings on their parents.

This will take a day or two to complete. You may have twenty letters to write, but you will never regret saying “thank you.”

One last thought: One reason why Christians are often limited in vision, energy, and blessings is that, contrary to the Lord’s command, we are ungrateful, unforgiving, and bitter. Far too many who profess the name of Christ spend more time obsessing on those who have wronged them than rejoicing in those who have blessed them. Letters and tangible expressions of gratitude are not only pleasing to Christ, but an antidote to heart-sickness.

III. Forgive Those Who Have Wronged You

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21)

In the course of a year, it is possible to build up many offenses and personal grievances at others. Left unaddressed, these grievances fester and grow. They turn the heart black and the body weak. They foster a spirit of vengeance and misguided self-righteousness. The short of it is this: Unforgiveness leads to bitterness. Bitterness curdles the mind and the spirit.

Fresh starts and new years should begin with forgiveness for others. Having a genuine spirit of forgiveness towards those who have wronged us is a mark of biblical Christianity. It is an evidence that we have been redeemed, and that we are praying lawfully: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).

Successful Christians are men and women who are free from bitterness. They have learned the principle modeled by our Lord Jesus Christ who, while suffering death at the hands of people he had never wronged, was able to say “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:24).

I have a dear preacher friend with a sterling reputation who was once grievously slandered. When asked about the wicked actions of the slanderers, he replied something to this effect:

Oh you don’t understand — I am far, far worse than my detractors realize. They may have gotten a lot of the specific facts wrong, but I am just thankful they don’t know how bad my heart truly is. God have mercy on me a sinner.

This man had victory over bitterness.

My father is another man who always appeared to have victory over bitterness. In fact, from my earliest days to the present, I have watched lesser men “twist the truths [he’s] spoken to make a trap for fools.”

Early in my life when I was still in government schools, I would listen to my own teachers criticize before my class the work my father was doing for the President to dismantle a government agency which was at war with the family. I read untruthful articles and saw derogatory comics on the pages of the Washington Post picturing him as a caveman for his “prehistoric” views. When my father was a leader in the Republican Party in Massachusetts, a gangster repeatedly threatened the life of his family. I remember being a boy and having my father shield me from homosexual picketers and protesters that would follow him and our family around at public locations.

Lets remember to ask the question: Why should any Christian be denied in their lives what past generations of Christians — and our Lord and Savior Himself — patiently endured—whether it is pain, sufferings or trials? To our shame, most of us have been on both sides of that coin. From a son’s perspective, however, it is highly instructive to watch a father act honorably in the midst of conflict. It has been a great blessing in my own life to observe my father nobly respond even in the face of barbs from former allies and friends, once loved and nurtured by him.

Eternally optimistic, Dad would always say: “Never be bitter. Life is too short. Thank God for your blessings. Press on!”

Bitterness comes from being unwilling to forgive. Bitter people are small people. They are unsuccessful people. They are people who cannot move forward. They are people who believe that the personal wrongs against them are so great that they — the offended — are entitled to do to their offenders what they pray the Lord Jesus Christ will never do to them: refuse to forgive.

Here is my recommendation: Think through every grief, minor and major, caused by others to you in the year 2008. Now add to the list any other personal offenses that continue to linger from past years. Write these down as bullets on a sheet of paper.

The first thing you will likely realize is just how many offenses are polluting your thought life and, probably, your spirit. This is a sign of latent bitterness. Bitterness will kill you. It renders you completely ineffective.

Now prayerfully walk through the list — bullet, by bullet. With each offense, remind yourself that the most despicable action taken against you by another utterly (and infinitely) pales in comparison to the least of your offenses against the Lord Jesus Christ.

And yet He has forgiven you.

Before 2008 begins, adopt a spirit of forgiveness towards your insensitive friends as well as your hateful enemies. Forgive your imperfect father for whatever it is you need to forgive him for (and pray to the Lord that your own children someday forgive you for your failures). Quit devoting untold precious hours to commiseration, mental replay of the wrongs done, and thoughts about just how badly you were wronged. Stop blaming everybody but you for your problems. Look to yourself. Once you start chronicling your own sinful attitudes and crimes against God and man, you simply won’t have time to worry about the wrongs done to you. You will stop being bitter, and you will start being thankful.

Wipe the slate clean. “Press on.” Forgive.

Conclusion

As 2008 concludes and 2009 begins, take time to remember and to say “thank you.” Take time to examine yourself for bitterness. Forgive others.

It is appropriate that we do so on the birth of a new year. Remember that God gave man the stars on Day Four in part so that he could order and structure his days based on a clock/calendar system of days, seasons, and years (Genesis 1). He tells us to “remember” acts and to “number” our days. In Scripture, the formal act of remembering providences of God in our life is linked to hope, honor, and generational success (e.g., Psalms 44, 78, etc.). By February 2009, the year 2008 will be a distant memory. Strike now while the iron is hot. The opportunity to remember and to say “thank you” may never come again. And can you afford even one more day in which your prayers are hindered — because you were holding on to offenses and refusing to forgive?

Persevero,

Doug Phillips President, The Vision Forum, Inc.

Posted by Doug Phillips on January 1, 2009 | Permalink