I was a cop for a few years and was taught to investigate things out to the fullest. One way to do this is to start with a question. So I ask, “Why does the answer to this question have to be an either/or?” It seems to me that the answer is both; or all of the above. There are films that have a Christian message, with a strong Christian theme. And that’s OK. I don’t understand why so many divide over this issue. We can make films for the believer, which I say is a “Christian” film, meaning it is geared towards a Christian audience. That’s just good business, knowing your audience. Then there are those who are Christians that are also filmmakers that make “secular” films. As Christians, however, we jump to either side of the camp, pointing and judging the other side harshly. There is room for both.
A label on a film is the expected genre or theme within the film. Again, this may come off as too cerebral for some. But, if I said I was going to take you to a Muslim, or a Jewish film, what would you expect? And would you truly want to go? Would you expect a Muslim or Jewish message, and would you be open to it? And to the opposite of that, just because I hire a football team to make a movie, does not always mean we are going to turn out football films. A Christian can work in Hollywood
Hello,
ReplyDeleteMaranatha Christian International Film Festival (MCIFF) is a worldwide search to discover new Christian filmmaking talent and is currently gathering submissions from all over the world. The submission deadline is June 1st, 2011 and will yield 50 finalists. They can either be amateur or already work professionally in the film industry. Filmmakers can enter our “Imagination Without Limitation” series in order to compete for the self titled award in development where the film must contain the “Never Seen Before” special effects or camera tricks moment.
MCIFF seeks to showcase and honor innovative and exciting new voices in the American and international film communities. With ten categories and awards for each category, our goal is to recognize a large and diverse selection of films from all genres and from all over the world.
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Bryan M. Little
Founder & President
http://maranathafilmfest.com
Not really a comment - more like an ad wouldn't you say... :)
ReplyDeletehere! here! (is that a comment?) :-]
ReplyDeleteI think these are some great thoughts! I've always been confused as to why there has to be separate, minority Christian/mainstream Secular sides in the media. If a musical artist has a Christian worldview and lets it show through their music; they are usually labeled by their beliefs, and not their musical style. But, if an artist has an athiestic/agnostic worldview, and they let it show through their music, then they are labeled by their musical style and NOT by their belief/worldview. Why should faith, or lack thereof, be defined as a subcategory genre in entertainment?
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts. Why do we call it a Christian Film. It would be better if the secular world after seeing the movie was able to tell if it was "Christian". Just like in the Church of Acts how it was the outside world who called them Christians(Acts 11:26).
ReplyDeleteAs a filmaker I understand that filmmaking is business and you need to make what the client and the audience wants. But when you have creative control and you are a Christian shouldn't that tremendously affect the way you make films. Absolutely.
Do you think its possible to make films that are geared to what the secular world wants but with the Gospel in it? Because after all who really knows what they want? If the Gospel is what people need then with creative control of the material I believe we should put the love of Christ in films, and hopefully the Name of Christ in films as well.
Good stuff all.
ReplyDelete@Eclipse - I would say it is more about identifying your audience. If I made an overt Christian film, it would bother me that they are calling it "Christian" - it helps me reach my audience.
@Matt - I love the Acts comment. Very insightful.
Though I do agree with your statements, I think if they (the non-believer) believe we are "preaching" to them, they will tune us out - and that I think is not good.
But, I do agree - I would not shy away from putting Christ in film, even more of a "secular" story - if it fit.