168 Helping Birth Wildflower Film Project for Kids

Public Event: "What is the 168 Film Project and Why is Media So Crucial to Our World?" Speaker: John David Ware Founder and Director of the 168 Film Project.

Sept 10, 9:30-11:30, Wildflower Country Club, 4902 Wildflower Lane, Temple, TX 76502-4804

I am going to Temple, Texas (2 hours from Dallas) to speak with area church leaders and to consult with a very ambitious group based at the Temple Bible Church (weekly attendance 4,000). This project warms my heart, because #1 it is a sort of outgrowth of the 168 Film Project and 2, it is aimed at kids.

I believe that if we do not tell our kids the good news of Jesus Christ, then they and the whole world suffers. Want proof, watch the news. No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.

The Wildflower Film Project began as a charity fund-raiser for the Salvation Army of East Bell County, Texas. According to organizer David Roland, "The original plan was for a fashion show. However, the committee struggled to make that happen. Through what I call divine intervention, the focus changed from a fashion show to the beginnings of a Christian Film Festival. Co-Stars, Kevin Sizemore and Boo Arnold were invited to come and present the film, 'Useless,' which won Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Screenplay honors at 168 Film Festival."

On July 28, Kevin and Boo presented the film and their testimonies. The response to this event was so positive that plans were immediately begun for the 2012 film festival benefitting the Salvation Army of East Bell County.

Goals for the Wildflower Film Project are: To promote films of Christian values, with high moral character and integrity, To reach school-aged kids in both public and private schools and to provide practical experience in all filmmaking and related disciplines.

Wildflower Film Project will provide an opportunity for school-aged students to demonstrate a high level of understanding of course content through the medium of filmmaking. Like 168, this is a timed film production contest.

Eligible students include grades 4-12, which are split into three divisions. Students will use the art and science of filmmaking as a demonstration of their level of knowledge and understanding of school content. In conjunction with existing course work, the kids will research class subjects and write a film script, which they will oversee through production and post-production.

Teachers or school administrators will supervise. All cast and crew must come from the school community. Professionals (cast or crew) may only participate in an advisory capacity. The film must be student directed, and students will be at least 75% of the cast. No profanity of any variety is acceptable.

For authenticity, adults may be cast from the school district. The entry fee is $50 submitted with the contract.

Finalists will be notified before the end of the academic school year. All films will be shown throughout Temple and Belton. Each team will introduce their film for the viewing audience and complete an interview by the Final Awards Jury.

I asked organizer David Roland some questions:

How do you plan to get other schools to cooperate?

"I believe the enticement for students (at any age) is in meeting Hollywood personalities, and possibly getting an award or two. School recognition and outstanding accomplishments go very far in a campus's overall academic rating AND they also provide prestige to the campus which may be used when applying for state or district grants and extra funding. For teachers, learning how to use film as a tool demonstrating student knowledge could be a valuable tool over paper and pencil assessments, and less expensive too, said Roland "

What else you want people to know about this?

"As a mission-minded person, I want to encourage others to embrace filmmaking as a way of sharing taking the Gospel throughout our world and as a tool for documenting how God has blessed those who call upon Him for salvation, forgiveness, and mercy. The Wildflower Film Project isn't just about supporting the mission and ministry of the Salvation Army, it is also a collective Christian voice saying we will make films of high moral integrity, and of praise to the Father AND they will be entertaining and enjoyable, he said."

Tell me how 168 has influenced your plans to date.

"For me, 168 is the model to follow; encouraging Christians to take the step, move forward and tell the stories, the stories of Jesus, of the Father's love for His creation of His mercy, of His forgiveness. Because of the 168 Film Project, we have been inspired to encourage central Texas storytellers with this project," Roland said.

Actors and The Power of "No"

Sometimes you wonder whether you are making a difference in the world. Notes like the one below remind me that indeed, 168 is a vital ministry, having a positive effect on the future of the media.

Jun 17, 2011

Dear John David,

We met you last summer. Love and appreciate what you are doing to redeem Hollywood!

Our daughter Faith felt so akin to your vision! We were excited to hear what God was doing through you (and 168). As we raised Faith and thought about all the areas she could go into, at the bottom in last place would have to be the Entertainment Industry.

But God, of course, has a sense of humor and that is where He gifted her. And after trying every other alternative, we had to admit it, at least for now, He has called her there.

Just wanted to relate an experience that you helped inspire and let you know your encouragement has helped our daughter stand strong.

Faith got an opportunity to attend (a VERY PRESTIGIOUS ACTING SCHOOL’S) summer program. She just arrived there and has finished her first week. She wasn't too shocked but reported that every single teacher there cursed like a sailor.

More surprising every single kid but two, cursed in there initial audition, sadly even those that identified themselves as Christians.

She was given a character and a script that as you may guess, cursed. (A lot of these kids are 17 or younger!? ) Faith, remembering your passionate sharing (at the seminar), and following her own convictions said she went to the teacher and said she wanted to do her best but she didn't want to have her character curse.

The teacher dug her heels in and said, "You're an actor and actor's portray real life, and in real life people curse."

Faith smiled and just said, "That may be, but its not something I want to do." The teacher was miffed and told her she would " have to go to an Administrator and get permission, not to curse?!"

She stood her ground and they came back and said " Ok, you don't have to do it in our summer program. If you want to come back next year, you will have to curse if we give you a script that curses. Score one for the Light side!

I know this is a tiny, tiny battle in the redemption scheme of things. But, it is a tiny step in the RIGHT direction.

She is being a witness to industry professionals with her class of 30 kids or so. We just keep telling her to be faithful in these small things.

Let God use it as He will. We just wanted to encourage you that she remembered you saying, If actors would just say no, things would change overnight" and that encouraged her to "just say no."

(Please) continue to share your vision with young people entering the industry. It is so necessary. It helps them catch the vision!

"Super 8" or Super 168

J.J. Abrams, left, writer/director of "Super 8," arrives with his wife Katie McGrath at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Chris Pizzello / AP Photo

With no (on screen) stars, J.J. Abrams’ and Steven Spielberg’s "Super 8" made over $35 Million on opening weekend.

The film's central quest is the goal of the school-aged kids to finish their Super 8 zombie film.

The success of "Super 8" gives pause to think about the dramatic impact it could have upon youth. Currently, there are kids out there all around the world running around every week making short films like the kids in "Super 8." After this movie, there will be more.

Like it or not, life imitates art and imitates celebrity, especially at the kid level. Don't believe it? Just go Bieber-spotting at your local high school. Go see how many kids are sporting the Justin Bieber wanna-be doo. Or the look of the latest TV show cast. If kids are sponges, then the media is a giant cranberry juice spill on aisle 9. And grown-ups are the pimply-faced shop clerks running to clean up.

So, what?

So 168. The annual 168 Film Project is a grassroots way to help these artist kids who will soon shape culture with such a big megaphone.

That is the reason 168 is such a passion for it’s participants, festival-goers, sponsors and others.

Please consider supporting 168 by clicking here and making a generous donation.

NON-SPOILER, KITCHEN SINK TECHNICAL REVIEW: "Super 8"

The "Super 8" production budget is listed at $50 million. The marketing budget could be twice that. On an indie-level marketing budget, figure $10,000 per theater to put a film out, times 3,379 theaters and you get a minimum of $33,790,000 to market the film, which obviously has great behind the line obligations with names like Abrams and Spielberg attached to the gravy train.

It is a very enjoyable film, though it is by no means a great film. It has action, danger, intrigue and many of the ingredients necessary for a fun, exciting film. What it lacks in logic and character development, it makes up in cute kids whom you want to see succeed.

Talk about a tough day of production. The lead actress (Elle Fanning) shows up with an attitude, the film loader is happier blowing off explosives on the set and there is a huge train derailment in the background that nearly wipes out the entire cast and crew. But wait, that's "production value."

In true indie film style, cast doubles as crew when not on camera. How very 168.

It's like STAND BY ME meets CLOSE ENCOUNTERS, E.T. and a few other films. Its mixed genre message is diluted by flawed logic and all-too-convenient devices within the story. But, the cast performances are great and do much to help the audience gloss over story weaknesses.

Indie filmmakers take heart. Though you may not be able to equal this film's budget or production values, you can make a far better story.

You might be surprised to hear some of the language in the film. The name of Jesus Christ is prominently featured by both kids and adults. Profanely, unfortunately.

Oh, for the sweetness of Spielberg's "E.T." But wait, didn't 7-year-old Elliot scream "penis breath" at his older brother at the dinner table. Yeah, he did. Romantic kid movies push envelopes too. It's just a fact.

Is it in the quest for "realism" that "Super 8" director/screenwriter (both Abrams) felt the need for the kids to swear in the name of Jesus? Don't the filmmakers know this is offensive to 70 million Christians? Is it?

Is Hollywood really just about making money? Because if it is, then presumably, there would be less offense to the largest faith group in the country.

Maybe they just know that no one probably will say anything and they'll go see the film anyway. Maybe it's just that the public has allowed them to get away with it. Try substituting the name Jesus with the name Muhammad and see how far the film gets.

Getting Work in the Biz: The 168 Connection

Photo: "Red Line" film set with (L-R) director Robert Kirbyson, actress Nicole Gale Anderson ("Mean Girls 2," "Jonas" "iCarly"), 168 founder & president John David Ware, actor Kevin Sizemore ("Johnny Blue," "Transformers: Dark of the Moon") on location at the Hollywood station of L.A.'s metro rail system (image by Joe Osborn).

How do we evaluate success at 168? There are many barometers we could use. We are primarily concerned with providing a spiritually profound experience for our participants.

Of course, we are dependent on individual team leadership to provide an environment conducive to growth in this area. Each year we see evidence that there is a hunger for and satisfaction in spiritual things. This year, we saw many grow closer to Jesus, at least two for the first time.

But, spiritual success is only part of the story. Each year, we prove more conclusively that the 168 experience is a platform from which cast and crew find work.

Successes are coming faster and faster for 168 Alumni. Here are some examples.

Joshua & Rebekah Weigel started their filmmaking career with 168. Their film "The Butterfly Circus," which won $100,000 at the Doorpost Film Project and has been downloaded 10 million times. “Butterfly” stars the limbless evangelist, Nick Vujicic and Eduardo Verastegui from "Bella." "Butterfly" is currently in development as a feature.

Actress Jenn Gotzon has honed her craft in ten 168 films. She sees the 168 community as a foundation, which helps keep her grounded. After her Best Actress Award-winning performance in 2008's "Stained," she has been in great demand. A cameo in "Frost/Nixon" (2008) opened the floodgates to starring roles in five feature films including “Alone, Yet Not Alone,” “Crossroads,” “Dragon Day,” “September Skies,” (from 168 veteran Don Wahl) “Dante's Inferno Documented” and "Doonby," opposite "Dukes of Hazzard" star John Schneider. Recently she climbed to a #2 rating on the Internet Movie Database Starmeter, beaten out only by actor Chris Hemsworth of “Thor.”

168 has been instrumental in connecting both cast and crew for many of these features. Jenn's husband Chris Armstrong directed "Crossroads," which will be distributed by Sony Pictures. 168 Best Editor, Chris Witt is editing "Crossroads" and "Dragon Day."

Congratulations go to 168 veteran producer Jessie Ottolini for winning the 2010 GoDaddy.com “Create Your Own Commercial” contest and grand prize of $100,000. Going against the website registrar's normally sex-based advertising strategy, Jessie’s family friendly spot paid off, proving that quality can compete with gratuity.

Most recently, through a weekly Bible Study, Boo Arnold asked his friend and fellow actor Kevin Sizemore to meet Brandon Adams, director of the based-on-scripture-and-shot-in-a-week 168 Film Project short, "Useless."

It's a cop-with-a-conscious drama from husband and wife producers Dennis & Olivia Bentivengo (& Best Film of 2011). Arnold and Sizemore became co-stars for the film and later, dual Best Actor nominees. In the end, it was Kevin Sizemore, who scored the Best Actor prize.

After Sizemore won as Best Actor, 168 Juror and casting director Beverly Holloway auditioned him for feature film "Red Line," directed by 168 veteran Robert Kirbyson.

Holloway was asked to reveal a bit of her process in recommending Sizemore for a larger role than he originally auditioned for.

“As a juror for this year’s 168 Film Festival, I had the privilege of watching some great performances by several very talented actors.

I can honestly say that had it not been for seeing Kevin (Sizemore) in the 168 film “Useless” I may have very likely passed over his submission.

Because of the timeline for casting ("Red Line") I had to be extremely selective about how many actors I auditioned. I received about 1400 submissions FOR EACH ROLE and was only able to call in about 75 people per role.

That’s a tough selection process, but when I came across Kevin’s submission for one of the supporting lead roles (Actors take note: He had taken the initiative for his own career and submitted himself through Actor’s Access) I enthusiastically scheduled him for an audition.

I did this based solely on his performance in ‘Useless” without even checking the rest of his credits or resume. (Credits listed on a piece of paper can be good, but NOTHING beats a great performance that I can see for myself.)

When Kevin came in for his audition he did all the right things, he was prepared, on time, ready to jump in and “play” but unfortunately he just wasn’t the right fit for that particular role.

I had seen him give a powerful performance and I knew he was talented, so it was worth trying in another role. And thankfully we did! We are thrilled to have him as a part of the cast!”

"Red Line" is about a terrorist bomb on an L.A. metro train. The film, which stars John Billingsly & Nicole Gale Anderson, is due later in 2011. Said Sizemore, "If not for my involvement in the 168 Film Project, (my role in "Red Line") would not have happened. This is a character that plays to all my strengths and is perfect for me.

Look for Kevin Sizemore on the small screen for Toyota and Old Navy commercials and soon in the upcoming feature "Johnny Blue" and "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" (July 2011)

"Red Line" director Robert Kirbyson said of Sizemore, "We asked him to read for the larger role of a father conflicted with doing the right thing (or) protecting his family. His audition was extraordinary, emotional and powerful. Originally we had discussed trying to attract a big 'name' to take on this role, but we all fell in love with Kevin and couldn't imagine anyone else in the role."

Kirbyson's directorial debut feature film "Snowmen" opened the 2010 Heartland Film Fest, winning it's highest honor, the Truly Moving Picture Award and it was voted Top Narrative at the 2010 Tribeca Film Fest World Premiere. Most recently, "Snowmen" won the Audience Award for Best Picture at the 2011 Dallas Int'l Film Fest, as well as a Jury Prize for Best Picture at the 2011 Toronto Int'l Film Fest Sprockets Program for Youth.

What does all this mean for the future of Hollywood? These successes represent the first ripples from the wave of triumphs coming from almuni of the 168 Film Project.

Persistence and dedication to craft is pays off. Be encouraged! These are very exciting times indeed.

"Red Line" Synopsis: Moments after departing from the Hollywood & Highland Metro Station, commuters on L.A.'s subway system experience a sudden explosion. Deep underground nine survivors soon discover that the danger has just begun. Not only are they trapped between the collapsed tunnel and the twisted remains of the metro, but they soon uncover a second bomb that has yet to detonate. As the timer counts down to certain death, the trapped survivors begin to suspect that the bomber has been trapped among them. With an unexploded bomb, a missing gun, and a group that's quickly turning on one another, the rescue crews might not arrive in time to save the survivors from themselves.

Faith ’N’ Film Summit at NAB Show - Review

The Faith ’N’ Film Summit at NAB Show was amazing.

Jefferson Denim's worship music kicked off 12 1/2 hours of programming on a high note!

Corbin Bernsen and John David Ware

Michael Jr's (“The Tonight Show,” Comedy Central) comedy kept us in stitches and we laughed hard.

Against my better judgement, I sat in the front row for the no-holds-barred (Christian) comedian. At the appropriate time, I held up a sign reading "10 min." This is a common practice to keep a show on time. As I expected, he seamlessly folded ME into his routine, calling attention to my sign. Five minutes later, I held up a "5 Minutes" sign. So he said, "He just held up a '10 min.' sign and now a '5 min.' sign, so I figure I have 15 minutes." It's hard to be the heavy.

Faith ’N’ Film Summit attendees voted on best "168" film from in three categories. Congrats to the winners:

Best Speed Film: “Child’s Play” Owen Kingston, Tom Cooper

Audience Favorite: "Good News?" Theo Love, Jessie Love, Eric Lee, Susu Keepman Lee

Best Write of Passage Spotlight Film: "Clip" Jeff Rose and Wes and Amanda Llewellyn

Also screening were:

"Useless"Dennis & Olivia Bentivengo

"The Main Thing" Stephen Puffenberger

"Rescued" Ted and Karen Eachus *

"Breaking and Entering" Mark Blitch and Joey Williams

"Blood Oath" David & Jerusha Kiang

The Las Vegas audience had many newcomers, so I enlightened them on the the subject of: Speed-Faith Film: What is the 168 Film Project and why is it changing lives? If you don't know the answer to this question, consider that 168 employs around 1500 cast and crew each year, causing Christian and secular team members to focus on a divinely-selected Bible verse. God does the heavy lifting and many lives are changed amongst a very influential population.

The panel discussion was enlightening. "Market Forces in Faith and Family Content" featured:

Ted Baehr, founder and Publisher publisher, Movieguide

Brian Bird, writer/producer, "Not Easily Broken," "Touched By An Angel”

Paul Crouch Jr., vp of administration, Trinity Broadcasting Network

Ken Wales, producer "Amazing Grace," "Christy"

John David Ware, founder/president of the 168 Film Project (Moderator)

We attempted to answer these questions:

Where is the Best Market for Buying and Selling Faith and Family Films & TV?

Is a Secondary Market Desirable or Needed?

How is the Internet Changing Faith-Based Programming?

The panel seemed to agree that yes indeed, we do need a new market in which to peddle faith & family wares. This is vastly different from what I have heard in the past. The term "Christian Ghetto" comes to mind (as used by Bob Briner in "Roaring Lambs"). It applies to a secondary marketplace that accepts mediocrity and allows Christian ideas to flourish in films and TV despite the inferior quality of these vehicles when compared with secular entertainment. The existence of this "ghetto" allows the somewhat tarnished display of superior ideas in inferior programs that would otherwise never see the light of day. The communication of these ideas is made harder due to the fact that consumers (Christian and secular) are accustomed to a much higher standard.

However, if we had the luxury of asking Jesus which he prefers, "theological cheese" that is biblically sound OR slick, edgy, but vapid art with worldly messages. I think we know which he would prefer.

On the panel, we also learned of the soon-to-be released online offering, "iTBN," which will be like a Hulu for Christian films, said Paul Crouch Jr. When broadcasters are putting such great resources and energy into their internet offerings, it really shows how far we have come since the advent of the WWW. This will mean new outlets for Christian content.

I asked point blank, "How can producers get production money from TBN?" The answer was simple: you need a great "faith-forward" idea that is thoroughly thought out and polished with completed market research and demographics. So now that you know, go likewise and do it!

We had a good laugh about how many "Deliciously Bad" films are received each year at TBN. While these may provide an occasional guffaws, they will never receive any funding.

We learned a great deal about the untitled story of Ashley Smith and 2005’s Atlanta hostage crisis, because three of our presenters are currently working on the Fox Searchlight production, Brian Bird (writer), Ken Wales (producer) and Derrick Warfel (Assoc. Producer).

The production is due to start filming in summertime.

Dr. Ted Baehr gave a great apologetic for why the film industry should be making "good" films--they make more money! He also gave away copies of his new book, "How to Succeed in Hollywood Without Losing Your Soul." It describes working in the industry from a Christian Worldview with commentary from many including, writer/producer Randall Wallace ("Braveheart," "Secretariat"), exec. producer Phil Roman ("Garfield," "The Simpsons") and Richard Cook, former chairman of Disney Pictures.

There was great excitement as we discussed how far we've come as a community of artists. You know of some of our many successful budding artists, like Jenn Gotzon, Joshua and Rebekah Weigel, Jesse Ottolini and others. Watching the work of our best speed and Write of Passage Spotlight filmmakers was very impressive.

The teaching of Derrick Warfel and Brian Bird was enlightening. Derrick disected a scene from Mark Blitch's "Breaking & Entering," comparing it to a scene from Aaron Sorkin's work on "The Social Network." It was fascinating to watch the scene in the Harvard President's office, while hearing the expert critique and commentary on the beat-by-beat motivations of the characters--delicious. This is what we call StoryLab, and we will do more of this soon.

The Vegas crowd was from all over the world and they got their 1st taste of Amoeba Networking (like speed dating for business professionals). They will never be the same. They experienced firsthand the metaphor of a single-celled community, which is dependent on each other. In the Amoeba exercise, all must meet someone new by rotating at a certain point in time or the whole community suffers.

Think about it and remember to pray for this community, our U.S. president and all of our federal, state and local leaders.

The Q & A with writer, director Corbin Bernsen was fascinating. He is on a spiritual journey, which we get to explore with him because his workbook is his films. I remember a quote from my college philosophy class from the book "Illusions," by Richard Bach, "The world is your exercise book, the pages on which you do your sums. It is not reality, though you may express reality there if you wish. You are also free to write lies, or nonsense, or to tear the pages."

While the book is decidedly new-agey, the truth is that we are here to write, to learn and to teach. Tearing the pages is hopefully something we do less and less of.

We watched "Rust," a largely autobiographical work, born of Bernsen's relationship with his dearly departed father. The film was fascinating in many ways and it has quite a backstory.

It was shot in sub-zero weather in Kipling, Saskatchewan, just north of North Dakota, Home to 1,100 people.

Despite not even having a movie theater in the town, the residents of Kipling financed a Corbin Bernsen movie through $1,000 unit investments. Individuals, families, even a group of senior citizens voted with their pocketbooks to bring Hollywood to Kipling.

And if not for one red paper clip, no one would know about Kipling.

Internet sensation, Kyle MacDonald's successful quest to (in a year's time) became a homeowner through a series of trades, starting with one red paper clip became a reality in Kipling. MacDonald's last trade was for a role in a Corbin Bernsen film.

Catching the fever, the town of Kipling asked for a more family-oriented film, which they agreed to finance. Their enthusiasm captured Bernsen's attention and he committed to writing and shooting “Rust” in Kipling and to using town residents as actors.

In our interview, Corbin spoke of the deeply personal nature of "Rust," and how it paid homage to his father and to his journey of faith. He also told of how the studio/distributor actually asked him to include an altar call in the film! Jaws were on the ground on this one, but it proves that the secular studio knows the core audience for this type of film and they see that an altar call scene is good for profits. Shocking.

Corbin plans to build a museum for his collection of snow globes (7,000 & counting).

In conclusion, I must say that the 1st Annual Faith ’N’ Film Summit at NAB Show was a smash. Praise Jesus.

Peace,

John David Ware

168 Film Festival Winners 2011

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Paul Luebbers, 626-394-9763, info@168project.com

POLICE DRAMA ‘USELESS’ CUFFS BEST FILM AT 168 FILM FESTIVAL AS TOP-NOMINATED ‘CHILD’S PLAY’ TAKES CUSTODY OF MOST AWARDS (6) INCL. SCRIPTURAL INTEGRATION, DIRECTOR, SUPPORTING ACTRESS & SCREENPLAY-DRAMA

11 Shorts Claim 24 Awards in Faith-Based Speed Filmmaking Contest,

Bandied by Musical Romp ‘Good News’ as Best Comedy, Lonely Heart Drama ‘Second Glances’

for Editing & Pastoral Introspective ‘The Main Thing’ Crowned Best Doc

The red carpet at the Alex Theatre, Glendale, CA

GLENDALE, Calif. (Apr. 2, 2011) – Husband and wife team of Dennis & Olivia Bentivengo’s cop-with-a-conscience drama “Useless” won Best Film tonight at the Bible-verse-illustrating 168 Film Festival, collecting three awards, including Best Actor (Kevin Sizemore) and Cinematography (Brandon Adams).

Based on the Apostle Paul’s appeal to Philemon to grant the slave owner’s son Onesimus his personal freedom in Philem. 1:10-11 and up for 11 awards, the film stars an actor who’s no stranger to law enforcement in Sizemore, known best for playing Harlan on “Prison Break” and Marine Sgt. William Moore on “NCIS,” and appearing soon in “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” currently in post-production.

Frontrunner divorce drama “Child’s Play” -- with the most nominations (14) going into the 9th annual weeklong (i.e., 168-hour) filmmaking competition in a 20-finalist field of 11-min.-or-less films -- from U.K. producer Owen Kingston took the lion’s share of awards, with six, counting Best Scriptural Integration, Screenplay-Drama and Director for Kingston and Tom Cooper (who were the festival’s top award winners with four apiece); International Film for Kingston, Cooper and Anita Wadsworth; and, rounding out the picture’s haul, Supporting Actress for Eleanor Appleton and Original Score for Michael Wray.

Tied for second-most wins with “Useless” was seven-time 168 filmmaker Theo Love’s cheeky guide to the atheists’ gospel “Good News,” which scored Best Comedy and Screenplay-Comedy nods (director-producer-editor Theo and wife Jessie, Eric Lee and wife Susu Keepman Lee) plus Best Actress for Benedicte Westbye.

Last two of “Second Chances”-themed edition’s five multiple-award-winning films, with two each, are journeyman Stephen Puffenberger’s exploration of a church’s life cycle “The Main Thing,” which took Best Unlimited Documentary and the Evangelista Award for the best telling of the core of Jesus’ message; and 168’s two-time Write of Passage winner and producer Alan Tregoning’s “Second Glances” for Best Editor (Chris Wiegand) and Sound Design (Wiegand, Josh Spake). Wiegand tied Puffenberger and the Lees for second-most awards, while 18 others won single awards, some of them albeit shared with fellow team members.

While six out of 24 award recipients were multiple winners in the 168’s 22-category competition, five recognized films were multiple winners out of the 11 overall winning films. The six single-win films are: “Breaking and Entering” for Best Supporting Actor (Mark Blitch); “Stranded” Animated Film (Michael Mitchell, Sarah Abel); “Guide Me Home” Music Video (first-time helmer Henry Wong); “Khwaish – A Desire” Production Design (Susheel Rankawat); “The Cure” Makeup (Kelly Jo Kern, Rachel Ringwood); and Behind The Scenes Documentary “The Making of ‘The Potter’s Hand’” (“The Potter’s Hand” director Brandon Chandler.)

# # #

168 Film and Media Ministry

There are many kinds of filmmakers (FM) in the 168 Film Project.

Timid, shy, bold, prideful, hopeful. They all (believe it or not) get what they need in the 168 experience, good or bad.

The process works wonders in the prideful or the humble or those needing to toughen up or learn a great lesson from adversity. It's especially great to see those who were helping last year step out and produce a film on their own. And to see some receive salvation by meeting Jesus.

We don't always hear all the stories like we like to, but we try to get around to talking with everyone. And most every year we hear of someone who became reborn on set. Pray for that.

Here is a note from one of the FM's who practice what we call media ministry.

Check it out. What if the next Spielberg thought like this?!

Yes, you can change the world and don't let nobody tell you different.

Peace,

jdw

P.S. The name of my next band comes from this editorial: Oblivious to Subtlety. Another priceless quote from below: "The devil is like a dog, he never barks at a parked car!"

From Dennis:

The Lord put it on our hearts to produce last year, though we just joked about it after helping out on "Through My Sister's Eyes"... Then when it came time for the 168 this year I prayed for the Lord to show me if my wife Olivia and I should produce, and I prayed that He show me a sign that was huge & obvious (because I'm oblivious to subtleties).

That night (or possibly the next night) we went to my brother in law's home, where my mother in law (a wonderful servant of the Lord) prayed for all of us individually, laying on hands & praying for our different needs. When she got to me however, she said to me "The Lord wants me to tell you to go ahead with your plans, go ahead" (in Spanish).

Now I hadn't mentioned my prayer to her or my wife, so I knew then that the Lord was giving me confirmation. Later before registering for the 168, I prayed for further confirmation, I then realized that He actually gave me clear confirmation, so I went on faith and signed up!

I then started looking for a Director, and came across Brandon rather quickly, we liked his previous work very much, and he seemed interested in working with us, we met up & decided to go on this adventure together.

That was the smoothest part of the whole experience, ha ha! The rest of it (with the exception of Mark coming on board to help us) was step by step, a lesson in leaning on the Lord. We didn't know what was coming up next, but I could tell pretty early on that it was going to be "one of those" types of experiences & embraced it.

I figured we could just lean on the Lord as He wants us to,or we could stress out all the way, and end up leaning on him because we finally got tired of trying to do it our way.

So I appologize to our crew for our first production meeting going something like "We don't know..., not sure, ah we'll see what the Lord does." in the respect of it not feeling too much like a production meeting, but the goal there was fellowship and prayer, and we did accomplish that : ).

Most every cast and crew member came last minute, we had a major spot filled, then that person dropped off of our team, we had a spectacular location not work out a few days before we would begin shooting, another key position was just about filled when that person got in a car accident that changed their availability (he's doing well, but keep him in prayer).

We had multiple spiritual attacks in several areas, and that was further confirmation that we were doing God's will. I like to say that "the devil is like a dog, he never barks at a parked car!"

Through all the crazy circumstances however, the Lord was faithful, He was true, He guided us to have the exact crew that He wanted us to have (or lack there of in some areas), He put the people that were supposed to be on this project together, and we had a blessed time together! We are truly blessed by the folks God brought aboard, and I pray that the Lord do a work in all of our hearts to surrender completely to Him, to lean on Him, and to own the forgiveness & grace He has given us, and that we pass it on to the folks we encounter in our lives.

God's will is not the same as happenstance, the Lord bringing things together is not the same as fate, luck, or "things work themselves out", I'd hate for those things to be confused with the perfect will of God, and His sovereign guidance.

God is very much active in this world in the lives of folks that trust in Him, and in influencing the lives of those who don't yet know Him. We all experience loss, and troubles, it "rains" on everyone, the difference between believers and non-believers is that, believers know that we are saved by grace, by the blood of Jesus Christ that died for us, so we could be cleansed and liberated from our sins, and to have eternal life with God the Father, and we have the Holy Spirit indwelling us to guide us until that day comes.

This world is temporary, but heaven or hell (depending on our decision) are eternal, meanwhile, God allows things to happen in our lives so we would lean on Him for strength, we need not fight dependence on God, we need to embrace it.

May the Lord bless you and your family as you seek God first in your lives.

Matthew 6:33
"...seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

-D.B.