168 Film Festival is Here April 3-4

Well,

It's been a long trip through the turn in of all the films, nominations and jury procedures.

Very exciting, the list of awards presenters for the 168 Film Festival.

All the nominations are on the website and the winners are selected and sealed on 18 categories of awards. Here's the latest on the parties, promos and paparazzi. Hope you can make it.

Please pray all goes well and that the power of these visual parables reaches past the curtains towards the open window.

Peace,

John



168 Film Festival 2009 Scheduled Events

Friday, Apr. 3, 10AM-9PM
(United Community Church 333 E Colorado St. Glendale, CA 91205)

Saturday, Apr. 4, 10AM-Close (Awards Show 9:30pm-10:30pm)
(Alex Theatre 216 N. Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203)

Tickets ($10-35, VIP $65): http://store.168project.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc
818-557-8507. –OR- 818-243-ALEX http://www.alextheatre.org

$1 Raffle: Win an iPod Touch & hundreds of dollars in food and services from Area Restaurants and Merchants! (Must be present to win)

Glendale Participation: Angela's Bistro, Aoba Restaurant, California Pizza Kitchen, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Islands Restaurant, Lunchbox Restaurant, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse.

Others: MB2 Raceway Sylmar, Knitting Factory Hollywood

Parties: To Celebrate the Filmmakers!
Friday After-Party: 9pm to midnite Aoba Restaurant 239 N. Brand Blvd. JAPANESE-THAI FUSION AT 20% OFF!
Saturday After-Party:10:30pm-Late - Celebrate down under at the OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE 146 S Brand Blvd. (1 block south of Alex Theatre)

Extended Clip Reel: http://168project.ning.com/video/168-clip-reel-2009-4-min
Nominations: http://www.168project.com/news/196.cfm

Prize Package: Valued at $7500 for award winners!
-TubeMogul will provide a lifetime Business Account for the BEST PICTURE award winners
-AJA Kona 3 I/O Card Value for the BEST PICTURE award winners (value $3,000)
-Out of Frame Prize: $1000 in production support rental credit
-Kino Flo Rental Credit $1,000
-Video Symphony donated $1500 in tuition for the Best Editor of 2009
-The Best Film Team will meet one-on-one with “X-MEN-Origins: Wolverine” Producer Ralph Winter
-Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio: Donated Master Class Tuition for Best Actor/Actress

Awards Show Scheduled Presenters Include:

Ralph Winter, Producer: “X-MEN Origins: Wolverine”
Howard Kazanjian, Producer: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back
Zachary Levi, Star of NBC’s “Chuck”
Sy Richardson, Actor: The Coroner on "Pushing Daisies"
Michael Lehmann Boddicker, renowned synth player, grammy-winning composer
Brian Bird, Writer/Producer: "Touched by an Angel," "Not Easily Broken"
Gary Hall, Senior VP of 20th Century Fox Television
Rick Fry, Pastor of Media City Church
Kim Dorr, Talent agent and Pastor of Arts


Sponsors: Tubemogul, Eiki International, Regent University, AJA Video Systems, Resurrection Pictures, Out of Frame, Church Production Magazine, Kino Flo, Video Symphony, Arri and Sony




Friday April 3rd Screenings

Screening #1 – 10:00AM

Team 81 FAMILY MATTTERS (Unlimited Doc) Producers: Owen Kingston, Judith Kingston, Jon Wadsworth
Team 16 THE WAY HOME Producer: Cheryl L. Farr
Team 65 DISOBEDIENCE Producer: International Interns Inc.
A 168 Classic from 2008 HOME Producers: Mark Blaney, Jackie Sheppard
Team 40 UNTITLED PROJECT Producer: Christopher J. Boghosian
Team 37 LOST FOUND Producer: Kathy O’Brien
168 Behind the Scenes Documentaries
Team 29 INHERITANCE Producer: Mikki Hall
Team 51 GRANDMA, YOU’RE FIRED Producers: Barry Thurston Jr., Emmett Loverde
Team 82 GOODBYE Producer: Kayla Tabish

Lunch – 11:45AM

Screening #2 – 1:00PM

Team 28 JUST LIKE YOU Producer: Adekunle Ilori
Team 83 MEET ME ON THE INSIDE Producer: Don Wahl
A 168 Classic from 2008 STAINED Producers: Joshua Weigel, Aaron Moore, Jeff Bartsch
Team 74 PASSION FOR PURPOSE (Unlimited Doc) Producer: Pete Brown
Team 10 LIKE FATHER Producer: Steve Puffenberger
Team 39 AND A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM (Unlimited Doc) Producer: Don Weisbrod
Team 14 THE WORLD ACCORDING TO MJ Producer: Mary Burkin
168 Behind the Scenes Documentary
Team 19 MORE THAN ABLE Producers: Jantin Manntai, John Lockmer
Team 66 JASMINE Producer: Richelle T. Sanchez

Break – 2:50PM

Screening #3 – 3:10PM

Team 68 SURFACING Producer: Tommy Stork
Team 46 WHERE TO BEGIN AGAIN Producer: Chris Lambert
Team 56 MOUNTAIN OF TRUTH Producer: Stephen Maiorana
A 168 Classic from 2008 WHILE YOU WERE AWAY Producer: Vance Elliot
Team 33 PESACH: A PASSOVER STORY Producers: Ben Boquist, Kristen Van Valkernburg, Doug Boguist,
Michaele Lavigne
Team 67 HOTLINE Producer: Shira Fry Dillon
168 Behind the Scenes Documentary
Team 9 PAPER FLOWERS Producer: Alicia Hottle
Team 1 LISTEN UP Producer: Jim Foust


Dinner – 4:55PM

Screening #4 – 7:00PM

Team 3 LOVE ECHOES Producer: Elena Bueca
Team 42 REVEALED Producers: Sam & Shawn Calvillo
Team 78 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Producer: Stephen Byrd
Team 8 LOVE NEVER TIRES Producer: Mike Capozzi
A 168 Classic from 2006 INTERROGATION Producers: Don LaFontaine, Paul Pape

Break – 8:15PM

Screening #5 – 8:30PM

Team 23 RONNIE’S RESTAURANT Producers: Clint Loveness, Alan Tregoning
Team 7 LELA Producer: Lynda Stein
Team 71 CHINESE ANTIQUE Producers: Anthony Ma, Jennifer Ng, JC Chang
Team 24 HIDDEN TRUTHS Producers: Tim Lowry, Mark Chang
Team 57 OBEDIENCE Producers: Mathew Abate, Caleb G. Brown, Naomi Kasa


Saturday April 4th Screenings

Screening #1 – 10:00AM

Team 54 PUSH Producer: Jordan Easton
Team 61 REFLECTIONS Producer: Pat Daugherty
Team 76 JACK’S PLUMBING (Unlimited Doc) Producers: Isaac Anderson, Jack Parker
Team 32 THREE OF CLUBS Producer: Mike Shields
168 Behind The Scenes Documentary
Team 70 WHO DID WHAT WITH KENNY MARCUS Producer: David Waddell
Team 22 ONE Producers: Geoff Hall, Tim Woodford, Ben Small
Team 53 BY THE BOOK Producer: Mark Gentz
Team 44 SHADES OF GRAY Producers: Marc Stone, Rochelle Wornardt

Lunch – 11:50AM

Screening #2 – 1:15PM

Team 60 CONCEPTION Producers: Kurt De Vries, Rick Ellis
Team 30 ASHA TO ASHES Producers: Jonathan Perkins, Sonia Mari
Team 73 BROKEN Producers: Alexander Smothers, Patrick Ingram, Chris Wycoff
Mike Wech
Behind the Scenes of 168 Films
Team 80 PULLIN’ TEETH Producers: David Gaw, Nick Ganas, Justin Dial, David Martinez
Team 72 DADDY’S GIRL Producers: Susu Keepman Lee, Eric Lee
Team 20 FATHER OF THE MAN Producer: John O’Neal
Team 43 ASHES TO APPLES Producer: Richard Juden

Break – 2:45PM

Screening #3 – 3:00PM

Team 64 THE LAST OBEY Producer: Derek Butler
Team 63 GOD MOVES (Unlimited Doc) Producer: Deana Spyres
Tema 34 HIMIG Producer: World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific
Team 35 PUTTING THE ASH BEHIND YOU Producers: Ryan Johnson, Mark Blitch, Adam Kitchen,
Danny Owens
Team 25 JOSEPH’S WHEEL OF DESTINY Ian Eyre
Friday Night Audience Winner

Dinner – 4:15PM

Screening #4 – 5:55PM

Team 69 GRIP Producers: Chris Ackerman, Brandon Chandler, Josh Holt
Maddy Curley, Scott McLean
Team 55 THE LAST LAUGH Producers: R. McCall Jones, Susan S. Shearer, Amber Deegan
Team 58 THE TEST Producer: Pat Smith, C.A.T.C.H.
Team 45 GREAT OAKS Producers: Laureen Trujillo, Jason Lewis, Sharon O’Leary-Martin
Team 49 ABEL’S WHEELS Producers: Rebekah Score, Sara Messer
Team 52 HELP WANTED Producers: Ryan Skeete, Kelly Allard, Jacob Snowden,
David Skidmore
Team 79 THE CALL Producers: David & Jarusha Kiang
Team 50 STEALING HOME Producer: Nathan Bettisworth

Break – 7:35PM

Screening #5 – 7:45PM

Team 58 WHEELCHAIR ANGEL (Unlimited Doc) Producer: Don Maynard
Team21 UNSCRIPTED Producers: Jonathan Brown, Jackie Sheppard, Luke Walton
Team 48 STILL BORN Producers: Andrew Librizzi, Chad Gunderson, Benjamin Dane
Todd Terry
Team 2 GUIDED (Unlimited Doc) Producers: Frank Lozano, Monique Newman
Team 13 UP IN THE AIR Producers: Chris Roberts, Doug Folsom, Wes Llewellyn
Team 18 SAVING LEVI Producers: David Bradshaw, Michael Ramsey
Team 26 LOVE IS GOOD Producer: Theo Love

Break – 9:20

Award Ceremony – 9:30

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to announce our screening blocks for 2009. Click: Screening Blocks.
Here is the link to the festival sneak preview extended trailer (4 min. version) Click: Trailer. This is much longer than normal trailers so that we show you the many voices of those involved.

My hat is off to the filmmakers, for their amazing efforts to make this year our finest yet. We had 83 entries resulting in 67 finished films for the April 3-4 screening! These artists have put their body, heart and soul into their work to entertain you and the Creator.

The 168 Film Festival has become an annual happening in the Christian community, with over 2,000 patrons year. It is a one-of-a-kind, must-attend opportunity for you to invite secular friends.

Come and see what everyone will be talking about for a long time, the culmination of efforts for 67 teams that finished their films.
Please understand, IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE AWARDS. It's not about screening on Saturday night either. People in the know appreciate that all of these films (finalist or not) have something special to offer BECAUSE they are built on the word of God. I encourage you to see them ALL - Friday and Saturday.

The theme for 2009 is "FAMILY BUSINESS." Everyone has some kind of family. Some families resemble Norman Rockwell paintings and some leave much to be desired. According to the Psalms, "God is a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows" (Psalm 68:5); "God sets the lonely in families, He leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land" (Psalm 68:6).

From the joy over a newborn to a father's sorrow over a prodigal, take a journey with us as we explore the complexities of the very basic structure for human life - the family. (Not for children under 12).

Thank you for supporting us in prayer and by attending the film festival. This film festival is changing the world through the media, one short film at a time.
Peace,

John

168 Entries at their Peak in 2009

The sky is falling and your house is on fire! Huh?

I guess someone forgot to inform the filmmakers of this factoid.

In fact, we have surpassed our all-time peak (in 2008 we had 82 entries) with a record number of 83 entries to the 168 Film Project. Praise Jesus.

Sponsor prizes are coming in fast at this point, now up to $6500 for the winners of the 168 Film Festival Awards. The focus is on finding tools for filmmakers to use in a win-win situation for all parties concerned. Sponsors to date include: Sony, Arri, Kino Flo, Out of Frame, Regent University, Church Production Magazine, EIKI, Resurrection Pictures, Video Symphony. We have been able to secure very inexpensive insurance for teams as well as deals on locations and gear.

The LA teams got their foundational scripture verses on Tuesday night and there were shouts of joy and looks of bewilderment as teams lauded the fact that they had a plan to illustrate the verse or bemoaned the fact that they had to start all over.

This year, teams seem to have a certain spiritual maturity about them that was not as strong overall in previous years. There has been a genuinely sweet spirit at all the events over the last 6 weeks. We have treated filmmakers to insights from Mark Clayman, producer of "The Pursuit of Happyness", Brian Bird, writer of "Not Easily Broken", Luke Schelhaas, writer/producer "Smallville" and "Law and Order", Ralph Winter, producer "XMEN Wolverine" and many others.

The next event is one of my faves, the Casting Audition on Sat. 2-14-09. 300+ actors come and line up for a chance to wow the producers with a 25-second monologue geared toward getting a same-day callback. Up to 20 teams are expected at the audition, meaning potentially 80 roles up for grabs. Not a bad ratio.

Prayers for the actors and the filmmaking teams are in order as they grind out a 11-minute miracle in 168 Hours.

Honestly, if you go and see the latest Oscar contenders, you'd be tempted to give up and say, "ok I'd better grab all I can because this is all there is. No afterlife, nothing. When they shut the lid on my casket, it's lights out and game over." Our 168 Hour MEDIA MISSIONARIES are definitely out to shake things up in an age that desperately needs films with a message of hope.

Peace,

John

Sundance Review

My experience at Sundance was fascinating!

We had an excellent crowd for the 1st annual "168-Dance" at St. John's Anglican Church. We showed 5 films and talked unashamedly about faith and filmmaking. Pastor/Actor Doug Folsom and Director Wes Llewellyn (UNBOUND, A GOOD DAY, CROSS WALK, THE MOMENT AFTER 1-2) were on tap to explain their films and filmmaking style. Also making an appearance were filmmakers Jeff Bartsch and Chris Roberts (Vote for the cat now at voteforthecat.com).

It was a very interesting to watch Doug Folsom show his film and tell his new congregation about his role in the 168 Film, "I Believe," in which he plays a hypocritical, self-deceiving priest who displays all manner of unsavory sins on camera, including alcoholism and inappropriate contact with women in counseling.

We had a good laugh as he told them of his heart for them and how he hoped to never disappoint them as his character had. He asked for prayer for his purity and commented on the myriad temptations that face each and every pastor, priest and teacher worldwide. Pray for your Pastors!

The foundational verse of the film was "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder." James 2:18-20.

John and Ed Priddy of the Windrider Christian Forum were very kind to allow me to set up a display at their forum at the Mountain View Church. Each year, Windrider invites college students from Christian Universities to come to Sundance, watch the films and engage the culture. They are now the largest single ticket-buying block at Sundance and I was honored to be a part of their excellent program.

Windrider showed several films and held a Q & A with the international group of filmmakers.

At Sundance proper, I saw some great films ("Sin Nombre, "Yes Men Fix the World") and some not so great films. I am happy to say that I would put the best of the 168 Films up against the Sundance Shorts ANY DAY OF THE WEEK! That made me feel good.

"168" Films, for the most part do not wallow. They do not celebrate base and debauched themes.

Many of the films at Sundance celebrate darkness and hoplessness. There are also many gay films featured prominently.

Going to Sundance truly reinforces the mandate we have: to change the world thru the media. It is so very important, for they who control the stories control the culture. And recently, darkness has held sway in the media, be it tv, film or the web.

As we wandered Main Street, my friend and I met a gay man who desperately wanted connection and to be heard. He wanted to tell his story. 50-year-old Corey's parents (from Salt Lake City, Utah) are devout Mormons and they are ashamed of him.

He told us how he'd bought a flat some years ago, and how his lover had poisoned him, trying to kill him and steal the house. Corey was in a coma for some time and though he has recovered, his thoughts are muddled and confused. He is desperate to know God, but he has much trouble discerning what is real and what is lies and distraction.

We talked to him for quite awhile and it was so beautiful that it made me tear up at one point. Absent from our interaction was any sense of baggage or judgemental attitudes on either of our parts. He accepted us for what we were, concerned humans looking out for our wounded, confused brother.

He allowed us to pray for him right there in the middle of Main Street. We prayed that he would receive clarity from the Lord in Jesus' name and that his family and he would reconcile themselves.

I gave him my card and I hope to hear from him and to encourage him to continue seeking all the time. I told him to seek and he will find, knock and the door will be opened.

Thank you Jesus for using me thus.

Pray for Corey.

Awake and Dreaming

I find myself dreaming at times yet I'm still awake.

There's a Christian on the other end of the line, yet they are spouting and spouting endless rain and tragic arguments, and not connecting with what I know of the Book... "Everyone does it. It's ok..."

What book are they reading.

With all the great excitement that comes with 70 or so films preparing to be made, there's been a steady stream of piqued interest. New interest. Self interest.

Now, I know business must be done. But, c'mon. There are principles and the faithful are faithful only if they DON'T COMPROMISE on their faith, right?

So, lately I get calls from some who want to call the shots and dictate their way and I start to feel sick. No, I start to feel a tangible presence of self over all. And it stinks.

And my friend tries to convince me to do something that ain't right because he can make money doing it.

And the arguments don't make any sense and I ain't buying it.

I know how completely hollow it feels to engage in what I know in my bones feels wrong.

And my self-interest isn't sufficient to pose a real conflict, to where I can't be trusted, so I feel safe. I feel I can be trusted.

I pray to God, thanks for testing me and letting me prove trustworthy in small things.

For, if not trustworthy in the small things, then who would trust me with true riches? Or you?

I hope that by being somewhat cryptic, I can hold onto my friends, warn them and warn others to avoid the foolishness of compromise.

I heard once that true confidence and fulfillment only comes from knowing your duty, and tho it's hard, fulfilling the call to the best of your ability. I think it's right, but the truth is elusive.

Pilot said "What is truth?" Is that is the most profound question a human can utter? I think so. (and then there's the most profound admission) But, what do I know?

Glitter

All that glitters is not gold. It's been 6.5 years since we started the 168 Film Project. I look back on all the challenges and the triumphs and what it has cost to get here and I ask, was it worth it?

Personally, it has cost me much of my time, energy and focus from being a writer/director. But, the accomplishments of one really do pale in comparison to advances among a group of folks with the strength of conviction of a greater good.

168's stated purpose is to illuminate the Word of God and to assist emerging filmmakers in forging a career that is honoring to the teachings of the Judeo/Christian bible. This has been done in every year of the contest. Following are some examples.

UNDERSTANDING GAINED:
A Producer said: "I finally realized that God doesn't want to be on MY team, he wants me to be on HIS team!"

RELATIONSHIP REKINDLED:
One Producer said: "Before 168, God and I weren't talking. Now we have a relationship."

RELATIONSHIP STARTED:
An agnostic director said: "After 168, I am no longer agnostic. I now consider myself a seeker, because I can no longer deny the truth of the words of Jesus."

SALVATION:
Ron became involved with 168 only because of his interest in filmmaking. After learning to trust the men and women involved with the project, he later trusted in Jesus and even was baptized on the set after the finished shooting the baptismal scene. He is now in seminary on the way to becoming a youth pastor.

A distraught young girl had decided to commit suicide. Before she did, she wanted to treat herself to a dream she had, making a movie. Because of the kindness she received on the set of a 168 project, she was deeply moved and decided to allow herself to live, and to live for the saviour!

How lasting is a human commitment, especially in Hollywood?

Hollywood can be a very lonely place. A population of dreamers (Christian or not) is prone to enslavement to their own dreams. I submit that our dreams and their selfish pursuit mean nothing. There is a narrow passage that leads to fulfillment and few find it. It is so very elusive.

I am watching as the filmmakers and actors and actresses who have cut teeth working on 168 projects grow up. They are starting to achieve significant things and to garner the success for which they have worked so hard.

In 3000 years of "evolution" it is really strange to me that humans still wrestle with the same foibles, specifically pride, materialism, lust greed, envy and on and on. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it, and though they may see the dangers, the seduction of the world is all too potent a weapon for many to resist.

I know of one person (we'll call Desire), for whom I can say it has always been about Desire and no one else. There is a masquerade toward helping others, but at the end of the day, it's all about Desire. So, when Desire is fulfilled and the means don't quite justify the end, what follows may be a leftover gnawing that this artist may or may not understand. And at the inevitable end of intoxicating success, will it still be all about how powerfully God is moving and working into the dreams of Desire?

Who is this person? It's also you and me. The Lord gives and takes, disciplines and rewards. He is good today, tomorrow and yesterday.

Seduction is clothed in many raiments and in the future, only one thing is sure: seduction is offered to all without prejudice. Some of us are tested by the praise and the success we receive. Will we be ever-humble? In our heart of hearts, is it really, truly all about us??

How would we REALLY know? Oh, yeah we will find out in the end, but what about now??

Psalm 119:9-16 gives a pretty good clue:

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. (niv)

More words to live by in:

Psalm 37:3-8 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. (niv)

And finally, Ecclesiastes 11 Has great wisdom and exhortation to venture, to work, to live, & to enjoy...as well as a warning.

4 Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap...

6 Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well...

9 Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. (niv)

Peace out!

John

Faith's Ebb and Flow

How do you handle frustration? Do you give up easily? Who do you choose to help you along the way?

The world has yet to see what God can do with a servant, who is fully sold out to Him. That means an end to special interests. An end to me and my interests. Think of Obama, putting together his new expiriment, choosing old foes and unknown quantities with which to surround himself. He will be largely dependent on those he selects. His legacy will be that of the sum of his choices.

Similarly, you are making a film (your life) which will have highs and lows. Some day, we will all get to watch you, the hero and groan with you as you make the worst possible choice and faces the end of your run. We will cheer you on as you are humbled and we will howl with joy as you miraculously rise from the ashes and get to make the same choices all over again. It won't feel the same, the circumstances and the stakes will be different, but the choices are always the same.

Do you choose the path of honor and humility or to cash in on fleeting moments. Stardom comes in all flavors and sizes, from the warehouse manager, promoted to shop foreman to coffeehouse singer suddenly thrust onto center stage and a national tour. Your ego demands that you become a different person and leave all your previous self and baggage behind.

Someone once said, "wherever you go, there you are." It's very true, you will face the same self as you faced where you lived last time you moved. And it's really hard to change. But with Jesus, all things are possible. I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me. Take that to the bank and step out.

The comfort zone only provides comfort for the moment. Looking back at ourselves all curled up and fetal in a comfort zone is likely to only produce regret and sorrow.

Make today the start of the end of the comfort zone. Let faith flow in and thru all you do. Amen.