A new feature-length drama will hit U.S. theaters on April 9, 2010. “Letters to God” is described as a “heartfelt tale of inspiration, hope and redemption.” It is directed by David Nixon (“Fireproof,” “Facing the Giants”), and co-directed by Patrick Doughtie who wrote the book on which the film is based. The book was inspired by a true story of a young boy stricken with cancer who writes letters to God as therapy and in turn inspires his family, friends and community at large. Filmed in the Orlando, Florida area, the reported production budget was $3.5-million.

Produced by Possibility Pictures and Mercy Creek Entertainment, “Letters to God” is the story of what happens when one boy’s walk of faith crosses paths with one man’s search for meaning—the resulting transformational journey touches the lives of everyone around them.

Tyler Doherty (actor TANNER MAGUIRE) is an extraordinary eight-year-old boy. Surrounded by a loving family and community, and armed with the courage of his faith, he faces his daily battle against cancer with bravery and grace. To Tyler, God is a friend, a teacher and the ultimate pen pal—Tyler’s prayers take the form of letters, which he composes and mails on a daily basis.

The letters find their way into the hands of Brady McDaniels (JEFFREY S.S. JOHNSON), a beleaguered postman standing at a crossroads in his life. At first, he is confused and conflicted over what to do with the letters. But the decision he ultimately makes becomes a testament to the quiet power of one boy’s shining spirit and unshakeable faith.

“Letters to God” is described as an intimate, moving and often funny story about the galvanizing effect one child’s belief can have on others.

See our review of the film.

For more information, see official site.

He’s hot. He’s hip. He’s Amish.

Scheduled for release January 8, 2010 (DVD), “Holyman Undercover” is described as “a hilarious film about faith, hope, love—and the perils of testifying in Tinseltown!

Produced by Pure Flix Entertainment (Arizona) and Underdog Productions, “Holyman Undercover” features an all-star cast, including:

• David A.R. White—”Mercy Streets,” “Six,” “The Moment After“
• Fred Willard—”Anchorman,” “WALL-E“
• John Schneider—”Smallville,” “Dukes of Hazzard” TV series
• Jennifer Lyons—”Dorm Daze,” “Married with Children” TV series
• Clint Howard—”Apollo 13,” “Austin Powers,” “Little Nicky”
• Edie McClurg—”Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Van Wilder”

This comedy aimed at young adults features fictional character Roy Weichbrodt (David A.R. White)—Holyman Undercover! The film joins Roy as he says farewell to the farm and hello to Hollywood in this zany comedy.

Roy heads to Los Angeles to search for his long-lost uncle, and instead finds fame and fortune playing Satan on a top-rated television show. While pursuing the girl of his dreams, Roy’s fantasy quickly vanishes when scheming networks, powerful producers and temperamental co-stars turn his life into the world’s worst reality show.

Produced by Pure Flix Entertainment (Arizona) and Underdog Productions LA, the film is said to include an uplifting, inspirational message, plus “cure your blahs and jumpstart your heart in a film the whole family can enjoy.”

Church showings are available through PureFlix Movie Outreach, using an official three-month licensed version of the film on DVD (unlimited showings). Churches also receive posters, handbills, press release, Web banners, printable movie passes, PowerPoint promo, study guide, and 15 retail DVDs.

Official site: movie.holymanundercover.com

See our review of “Holyman Undercover.”

Featured latest Christian films and various celebrities

The first ever Greater Boston Christian Film Festival took place September 24th through October 1st, 2009, providing 8 days and nights of free public screenings. Celebrities who appeared at the event included Christian actor/producer David A.R. White, actress Andrea Logan White, Rebecca St. James (musician, author and actress), producer Michael Scott, director Chad Kapper, producer/director Joseph Nasser, and New England Patriots’ athlete Ben Watson.

10 movies were shown, including the world premier of the apocalyptic thriller “Blink of an Eye,” the world premier of “Sarah’s Choice,” the new comedy “Holyman Undercover,” “Saving God: One Soul at a Time,” “Fireproof,” “Facing the Giants,” “WWJD? The Movie,” “Beyond the Sky,” “VeggieTales Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah’s Umbrella,” “The John Bunyan Story,” and “VeggieTales The Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s.”

The event was organized by Christian Film Festivals of America, Inc. (Tom Saab—President and film evangelist).

Official site: christianfilmfestival.org

Releases on September 11, 2009

Joel C. Rosenberg’s New York Times Nonfiction Bestseller, “Inside the Revolution” (Tyndale), will release as a thought-provoking documentary on DVD on September 11, 2009 and, in an unusual move, will premiere the same day on the Web. While traveling throughout the Middle East conducting research for Inside the Revolution, Rosenberg captured on camera hours of insightful interviews with leaders and officials from this volatile region. The DVD documentary also titled “Inside the Revolution” is produced by Rosenberg in conjunction with Solomon Productions of Albuquerque, New Mexico—the same team who created Rosenberg’s previously successful documentary “Epicenter.” Tyndale will release a companion study guide to both the “Inside the Revolution” book and film.

Shot in Israel, Iraq, Turkey, Morocco, the UK and Washington, DC, “Inside the Revolution, includes interviews with:

• Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
• Former CIA Director Porter Goss
• Former undersecretary of defense intelligence Lt.-Gen (ret.) Jerry Boykin
• Ahmed Abbadi, Morocco’s former director of Islamic Affairs
• Middle Eastern government officials, church leaders and many more

Three simultaneous revolutions

Rosenberg dramatically paints the picture that there are three simultaneous revolutions happening in the Middle East. The Jihadists capture the headlines, but Rosenberg makes the case that there are two additional powerful movements in the region that hold the potential to change not only the area but the world forever. Rosenberg calls these three factions: The Radicals, The Reformers and The Revivalists.

“Inside the Revolution” revisits the Iranian Revolution 30 years ago and takes a hard look at how the Carter administration completely underestimated this game-changing event. Rosenberg warns that our current government leaders are in danger of once again misjudging the fanatical ideology of the Iranian government. Recent protests over election fraud in Iran fuel further uncertainty about the unpredictable regime.

Rosenberg is a follower of Jesus Christ, a bestselling author and founder of the humanitarian aid organization The Joshua Fund. He believes,

“We are now at the most dangerous moment of the Islamic Revolution.”

Viewers will not only walk away with a clearer understanding of the history and people which have shaped the current Middle East, but also they will experience the revival taking place in the region. According to Rosenberg, over the last few decades more Muslims have converted from Islam to Christianity than any other time in history.

Shot in high definition, the “Inside the Revolution” DVD is 90 minutes in length, plus additional bonus interview footage. This voyage inside the Islamic world is ideal for personal viewing or with church or community groups. Inside the Revolution offers a challenging perspective on the forces that are battling to dominate the Middle East and change the world.

“The Inside the Revolution” Companion Study Guide offers more than 100 study questions, helpful excerpts and scripture references, and a workbook format with additional space for discussion notes. In this companion piece to the best-selling book and DVD, Rosenberg takes readers Inside the Revolution and answers the most pressing questions about Radical Islam and God’s work in the Muslim world.

Released in March 2009, the hardcover edition of Inside the Revolution spent 8 weeks on the New York Times hardcover Nonfiction Bestseller List and also appeared on bestseller lists for USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal, and Christian Booksellers Association. Rosenberg has authored five novels and two non-fiction bestsellers with nearly 2 million copies in print.

Webcast September 11, 2009

On Friday night, September 11, 2009, Joel C. Rosenberg and Lt.-General (ret.) Jerry Boykin, former commander of Delta Force, will host a national town hall meeting to discuss the threat of Radical Islam, the future of Israel, and the role of the Church in the Middle East.

They will show a 30-minute excerpt from the “Inside the Revolution” documentary film to an audience of some 2,500 in Philadelphia. They will then answer questions from the audience, and from viewers around the country and around the world. Their hope is that many churches will show the Webcast of the 2½ hour event in their auditoriums that Friday night (7:00 to 9:30pm ET).

Rosenberg explains,

“There are critical issues at stake, and they deserve thoughtful, serious responses. General Boykin’s prayer and my own is that pastors in hundreds of churches throughout North America will choose to set aside Friday, September 11 to show the webcast to their congregations as a catalyst for an ongoing conversation on these vital issues.”

For no fee, churches can connect to the high resolution broadband Webcast. To sign up, churches must register at insidetherevolution.org Rosenberg wants to use this film to spark an international conversation about the threat of Radical Islam to the United States, Israel and Judeo Christian civilization and the churches responsibility in all this, including the responsibility to bless Israel.

Official site: insidetherevolution.org

Now available from ChristianAnswers

More about Islam

• About Islam—An Overview for Christians
• Witnessing to Muslims
• Recommended resources
• How does the Qur’an compare to the Book of Genesis on great events of history (Creation, Fall, Flood and confusion of languages)? Answer

Lesson in Confidence

Big Idea has announced an August 2009 release date for their latest VeggieTales DVD (50 min.). The story features “Minnesota Cuke” who learns to overcome his fear of ridicule in the service of doing the right thing.

A wealthy Humphrey Muffet asks Minnesota to go in search of the famed Noah’s Ark – an artifact he wants as the centerpiece of his Biblically themed goldfish pond. Along the way, Minnesota endures much ridicule as he completes the ludicrous tasks required by an ancient book of clues. With several twists and turns along the way, the clues eventually lead not to Noah’s Ark, but to Noah’s umbrella.

Official site: BigIdea.com

“The Secret” is out, and it’s sweeping the world. Some claim the Law of Attraction is the key that unlocks the greatest treasure chest of all—the power of the universe. And by using this amazing tool, you can fulfill all your dreams and desires. Are these claims true or just wishful thinking?

David Balsiger, senior producer at Grizzly Adams, explains,

“It’s not often that we as filmmakers get the chance to explore a subject in depth and conclude that Oprah and Larry King failed to dig deep enough into the claims and conclusions they broadcast to millions of viewers, but that’s exactly what happened in this instance.”

According to Charles E. Sellier, founder and CEO of the Grizzly Adams,

“Millions of people bought into The Secret after positive exposure on television shows like Oprah and the Ellen DeGeneres Show. The more we looked into the popular lifestyle philosophy, though, the more we believed there was still a lot left unexplained. Our goal with this television special/DVD was to tell the missing parts of the story. We are pleased that the Hermes judges agreed that we achieved our objective.”

“Unlocking the Secret” is a new documentary created by Grizzly Adams Productions, available on DVD. It was recently recognized with a Platinum Award by the 2009 Hermes Creative Awards.[info below]

Examining “The Secret”

The premise of “The Secret” is simple: anything you want—romance, riches, respect—can be yours if you send out positive thoughts. Author Rhonda Byrne refers to this as the power of attraction. While few dispute the value of positive thinking, the philosophy prescribed by proponents of The Secret ignores the impact of logic, life experiences, education, talent, and effort put forth to achieving success. According to Wikipedia, Byrne is part of the New Thought movement—“a spiritual movement which developed in the United States during the late 19th century and emphasizes metaphysical beliefs.” Time Magazine listed her among 100 people who shape the world (2007).

Sellier states,

“We found that the 2006 book and DVD Australian television producer Rhonda Byrne, didn’t answer nearly as many questions as we would have liked. We produced this show because we know from more than five thousand years of recorded history that life on this planet is far from simple.”

Incorporating drama, animation, and interviews with a diverse group of scientific experts, “Unlocking the Secret” uses disciplines as diverse as ancient history and twenty-first century quantum physics to put “The Secret” into perspective in the real world.

“Unlocking the Secret” is currently available for broadcast licensing and DVD distribution throughout the world.

The Platinum Messenger Award is the highest honor given by the Hermes Creative Awards, an international competition for creative professionals involved in conceiving, writing, and designing traditional materials and programs, as well as emerging technologies.

Administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, entries for the Hermes Creative Awards come from production companies, advertising agencies, corporate marketing and communication departments, PR firms, design shops, web-based innovators, and freelancers. The Association was founded in 1995 as a means to honor outstanding achievement and service to the communication profession.

Official site: GrizzlyAdams.com

The award-winning documentary, “The Terri Schiavo Story” from Franklin Springs Family Media, was one of three finalists for an International Christian Visual Media (ICVM) Crown Award for Best Documentary. The Crown Awards are designed to recognize excellence in production and content of films and videos that are created to reflect Christian values in a secular world. Franklin Springs Family Media was awarded the Best Documentary for “An American Adventure: The Living Legacy of Jimmy Gentry” from the 2008 ICVM Crown Awards.

Ken Carpenter, the film’s producer/director, says,

“It’s gratifying to have another film festival recognize the Schiavo film. Our hope is that the result will be more people taking the time to revisit the events surrounding her death.”

In addition to the film’s ICVM nomination, “The Terri Schiavo Story” was given the Jubliee Award for Best Documentary at the recent San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. The film has also been endorsed by the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), and was shown in a special screening during NRLC’s recent national convention. Additionally, the Dove Foundation gave “The Terri Schiavo Story” its highest rating of five stars.

Four years after her death, the ethical and cultural implications of Terri’s case are still being felt throughout society and continue to spark debate. Just last year during the Democratic debates, President Obama said one of his “regrets” as a Senator was voting for Congress to intervene to save Terri’s life. Hosted by author and speaker Joni Eareckson Tada, who became personally involved in the case in 2005, “The Terri Schiavo Story” sheds new light on the controversial decision that led to the death of a 41-year-old disabled woman.

Joni Eareckson Tada, herself disabled after a diving accident which left her a quadriplegic in a wheelchair and unable to use her hands, says what happened to Terri continues to affect disabled citizens.

“The story remains relevant because there are countless people like Terri Schiavo whose lives are in grave danger because of unclear custody and guardianship laws. Plus, more states (under futile care policy directives) are quietly removing the feeding tubes from brain-injured people when families abandon their responsibilities. Feeding tubes are providing basic care, not medical treatment.”

Terri’s brother, Bobby Schindler, made a personal appearance during the screening at the National Right to Life convention. Schindler was interviewed at length in the documentary and is now involved in helping families in similar circumstances through The Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation. Schindler believes the truth about his sister’s death has been distorted and hidden—until now. He says,

“Our hope is that people will learn the truth about what happened to Terri and realize the atrocity that it was and that anyone who claims that her death was ‘peaceful’ and ‘painless’ is lying. It is because of the truly inhumane nature of death by dehydration that when people are killed this way it is always done behind closed doors in the strictest secrecy. I wholeheartedly believe that if the public had been allowed to witness Terri’s suffering first hand, the outcry would have deafened Florida and the world.”

About Ken Carpenter

Through his Franklin Films production company, Carpenter has produced projects for many of the leading names in Christian entertainment and ministry, including Michael W. Smith, Compassion International, Steven Curtis Chapman, The Gideons, Jeremy Camp, eHarmony, dcTalk, Integrity Publishers, Mercy Me, Big Idea Productions, Casting Crowns, and many others. Carpenter took home the Dove Award for Long Form Video in 2007 for Amy Grant’s “Time Again,” and in 2006 for Mark Schultz’ “A Night of Story and Songs.” Carpenter also recently produced and directed the latest John Tesh television special—“John Tesh Alive.” He is currently producing and directing multiple episodes of a new human-interest television show hosted by author Joni Eareckson Tada.

Official site: TheSchiavoStory.com

“Paranormal,” the latest supernatural thriller from Cross Shadow Productions, (the creators of “Pray,” “Pray 2: The Woods,” and “Pray 2.5”), is currently seeking theatrical and DVD distribution. Starring Maureen MacDonald (reigning Mrs. America 2009), Nick Errato (“Main Street” starring Orlando Bloom and Colin Firth), John Rutland (“Leatherheads”) and Laurie Kimsey (America’s Teen 2008).

Following the success of suspense/thriller “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”
(Sony Pictures), comes a supernatural thriller reportedly in the vein of the hit Sci-Fi channel television series, “Ghost Hunters” and Frank Peretti’s “House” (Roadside Attractions / Lionsgate).

“Paranormal” follows best-selling, self-made novelist Greg Evans struggling through the worst case of writer’s block in his award-winning career. In a desperate search for inspiration, Greg quickly finds himself immersed in a world he is not prepared to face.

Turning to a group of paranormal investigators, Greg and the ghost hunting team search for proof and answers, yet are unaware they are about to have an experience of a lifetime! None will leave the way they came. “Paranormal” promises to “peel back the supernatural curtain to reveal how the Truth will expose the darkness! the darkness!”

Cross Shadow is a Christian production company based in the Raleigh, North Carolina. They are currently working on a number of different projects in various stages of development. Their “goal is to provide clean, relevant, high-quality productions that promote character,
values, and morals while avoiding negative language, sexuality, and gratuitous violence.”

Official site: ParanormalTheMovie.com

“Friends for Life,” a full length motion picture directed by Michael Spence and produced by Grizzly Adams Productions (GAP), won a gold REMI Award at the 2009 WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, bringing to 21 the total awards won by this movie.

Grizzly Adams senior producer David W. Balsiger introduced the film at the festival and conducted a “question and answer” session following the screening. The screenplay was written by Joseph Meier and Charles E. Sellier, and produced by Grizzly Adams Productions in association with Flynn-Daines Productions.

Starring Michael Flynn, Tayva Patch, and Jimmy Chunga, “Friends for Life” tells the story of a retired big city attorney living in a small mountain town, who suffers loneliness after the death of his wife. One day in the woods near his home, he discovers four orphaned wolf pups who face certain death without his help. He takes in the pups and nurtures them until they are old enough to go back into the wild. Alone again, the retired lawyer becomes embroiled in helping the town fend off an unscrupulous land developer. Again out in the woods, he is attacked by a grizzly bear only to be saved by the reappearance of the wolves. His gift of life to the wolves is repaid and he has four loyal friends for life. Sellier, the film’s creator and supervising producer, notes,

“I think the main reason why this film is so very well received is its similarity to my original Grizzly Adams series. The very same values, morals, and compassion are instilled in this story—the same as the beloved James Capen Adams character that our fans grew up with. I am really pleased to be able to bring this special feeling back into their lives.”

David Balsiger points out,

“We’re in our fourth decade of producing movies and television shows. ‘Friends for Life’ has already become the most honored feature film in our history.”

WorldFest-Houston Film Festival

Founded in 1961, WorldFest-Houston is the third oldest film festival in North America and the oldest festival in the world dedicated solely to independent films. WorldFest does not accept entries from major studios.

The REMI Award, presented to the top entries in every category, was inspired by the creative genius of artist Frederick Remington. Remington is famous for his paintings and sculptures of cowboy life in Texas and The American West.

“Friends for Life” is available for worldwide broadcast licensing and DVD distribution.

Official site: Grizzly Adams Productions

Workshops and additional speakers announced for April 25th event held at CBS Studios

The Biola Media Conference continues its 14 year tradition of gathering leading experts to help attendees navigate the challenging world of film, TV and digital media around this year’s theme of “Closing the Deal.”

President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group, Mark Zoradi, will kick off the 14th Annual Biola Media Conference on April 25th at the CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA. Zoradi oversees the worldwide distribution and marketing of all Walt Disney Studios film properties including Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures, and Touchstone Pictures.

Phil Cooke, host of the 2009 Biola Media Conference, says,

“Mark Zoradi, one of the most successful movie distribution executives in the world, is the perfect voice to open the conference. Mark understands more than most people how to really connect with an audience, which is critical to a project’s success.”

Prior to assuming his current role in July 2006, Zoradi led Walt Disney Studios’ international distribution and marketing arm, formerly known as Buena Vista International, as president for 14 years. At Buena Vista International, Zoradi made a global impact and shattered industry records by earning more than $1 billion at the international box office for 12 consecutive years, generating $16.8 billion from 1995-2006. No other company has come close to this achievement.

Arthur Anderson, co-producer on films such as “Mission Impossible 3,” “Windtalkers” and “Paycheck,” says,

“With today’s economy, there is no more relevant topic to examine than our best opportunities for ‘closing the deal’ on current projects. We come together to network ideas in a highly creative environment.”

This year’s workshops will tackle diverse aspects of how attendees can land themselves and their projects past the finish line, such as: Innovative Film Financing, Ambition vs. Ethics, Legal Aspects Of Deal-Making, How To Package and Sell To Hollywood, and Webisodes: Springboard To The Big Screen.

• INNOVATIVE FILM FINANCING will feature creative and unorthodox ways to finance your film/tv/new media project, led by Rolfe Auerbach, President of Brand-In Entertainment.
• AMBITION VS. ETHICS will examine the core of successful business practices led by veteran producers Ralph Winter (“X-Men,” “Fantastic Four,” “Wolverine”) and 1019 Productions partner, Terry Botwick.
• LEGAL ASPECTS OF DEALMAKING will explore the legal infrastructure that will make your deal a reality, from the creative legal minds of Travis Mann with Inferno Entertainment, Todd Burns, COO of Mpower Pictures, and Christa Zofkin, Head of Business Affairs for United Artists.
• HOW TO PACKAGE AND SELL TO HOLLYWOOD will include the packaging and pitching of your project, yourself and your message led by Doug TenNapel, graphic novelist, video game designer and writer of the animated Nicktoon series Catscratch, and guest TBA.
• WEBISODES: SPRINGBOARD TO THE BIG SCREEN explores how low cost Webisodes can garner an audience and grab the attention of film or TV execs looking for new talent or fresh ideas. Hosted by Dan Rupple, Seriously Funny Entertainment and panel TBA.

The Biola Media Conference will close out the day with a very rare public appearance and Q & A Keynote Session with Joe Eszterhas, acclaimed writer of Basic Instinct, Jagged Edge, Footloose and Showgirls about his craft and on how his new-found-faith has affected his outlook and career.

Kathleen Cooke, co-director of the Biola Media Conference, states,

“The Biola Media Conference at CBS Studios is the largest event in the country for people of faith working in the entertainment industry. It’s become a catalyst for connecting people and projects. Redemptive films like The Chronicles of Narnia have been birthed out of relationships made at this conference.”

The Biola Media Conference is sponsored by Biola University’s acclaimed Cinema and Media Arts Department. For more information, to register online, and for sponsorship information, visit biolamedia.com, call 1-866-334-2266 or e-mail bmc@biola.edu.

About Biola Media Conference

In its 14th year, the Biola Media Conference exists to educate, inspire, and network people of faith working in the media while providing creative inspiration into the spiritual nature of any career in the media industry. Recognized as the premier event for Christians in the entertainment field, BMC attracts participants who will benefit from direct interaction with acclaimed industry pros who are at the top of their craft. From CEOs to the next generation of industry leaders, attendees secure valuable information, insight, and contacts that strengthen their character and their careers.