Action Alert: The Widow’s Might
Click to watch the production trailer for The Widow’s Might.
Brett and I first met John three years ago at the 2005 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. We had just started the Rebelution a few months before and were live-blogging the festival as members of the press. John was a semi-finalist in the Young Filmmaker category with an audience favorite called Bubble Trouble. As we interviewed him, we knew we’d found a fellow rebelutionary.
The next year we were back. So was John. This time with a documentary film called A Lifetime of Childlike Faith. We were excited to see how much his filmmaking had matured and improved. It was a clear foretaste of things to come. Last year his film Heartstrings — a humorous and heartwarming story about fathers and sons — scored both Best Young Filmmaker and the coveted Audience Choice Award.
This year John is working on his biggest effort yet — a feature-length film, shot with a RED One digital camera (all aspiring filmmakers may now drool). We’ve asked him to share, in his own words, the purpose behind the film, as well as an open invitation for rebelutionaries — especially those in the Dallas area — to be involved in this exciting project, to pray for its success, and to follow the work as it happens.
A Letter to Rebelutionaries
Fellow Rebelutionaries,
In 2004, my friend David Heustis and I formed a “production company” to make movies. Our goal was the spotlight, our quality was on par with the average YouTube video. Now, after a few years of listening and learning from more experienced filmmakers, we have improved. But we’re still teens. And while we’ve added to the crew, many of our strongest additions are teens, as well.
So when we announced our plans to create a feature-length film, with the joint aim of sparking a movement towards tax reform in our Texas county, it was hard for outsiders to take us seriously. Would this just be a feature-length YouTube video?
Over many labor-filled months we wrote the screenplay, secured locations, locked down contracts with various professionals, and prepared for the hardest thing we’ve ever done. As we interacted with crew members, facilities, and local officials, they were shocked to discover that the writer and director of our film is eighteen, that our producer is nineteen, that our visual designer is seventeen, and that a majority of our grips and cast are teens as well. But they weren’t shocked that we were producing a film. Other teens have done that. Instead, it was the content and purpose of the film, and the seriousness with which we take our mission.
Why not an action film? A thriller? A horror or sci-fi piece? All of those genre are far more common among young filmmakers. Why a story like The Widow’s Might?
The Widow’s Might tells the story of an elderly widow who is about to lose her home due to tax foreclosure. When teen friends John and Cameron learn about it, they are determined to stop it. With the support of their families, they start educating the citizens in their town on the issues in an effort to turn her situation around. What they discover is that making a difference is a hard thing. A very hard thing.
What makes The Widow’s Might different than other films with young people fighting for change is that we’re actually doing it. The story is fiction, but the issues are real. What’s more, in the story of the film, John and Cameron put out a call to thousands of people for a rally in support of the needy widow. We’re doing that right now.
On Wednesday, August 27th, about 45 minutes southeast of downtown Dallas, TX, we will be shooting the biggest sequence of film: A showdown between our story’s heroes and villains. We need your help to make it happen. We’re looking for 1,500 people to join us. The message of the film hinges on the turnout. We’ll be issuing a press release using the crowd as a key indicator of the newsworthiness of the film release. We’re working to get national news writers to attend.
Are we crazy? Well, yes. Crazy about making a difference. And we want you to join us. It will be fun, but it also will make a real and meaningful artistic statement. Tell your friends. Join us on the 27th. Let’s make a difference together.
In Christ,
John R. Moore
August 21st, 2008 at 8:37 am
Hope it goes well, sorry but I’m not flying down to Texas for the shooting scene. It’d be a rather long commute. But will be praying for your efforts. It’s great to hear about other filmmakers working for good change and God’s glory.
August 21st, 2008 at 8:44 am
Wow! That sounds like an amazing endeavor! We would love to help, but unfortunately we live over 800 miles away so that would not be possible for us…
I will pray though that the Lord will (continue to) bless your work.
~E.
August 21st, 2008 at 9:52 am
[...] From The Rebelution’s blog, an excerpt from an open letter from John: The Widow’s Might tells the story of an elderly widow who is about to lose her home due to tax foreclosure. When teen friends John and Cameron learn about it, they are determined to stop it. With the support of their families, they start educating the citizens in their town on the issues in an effort to turn her situation around. What they discover is that making a difference is a hard thing. A very hard thing. [...]
August 21st, 2008 at 10:17 am
Wow, sounds like a poerful plot!
August 21st, 2008 at 10:39 am
Wow! I unfortunately live too far away to commute there, but I will send this to the several friends we have in Texas. May God bless your endeavor!
~Ericka
August 21st, 2008 at 12:32 pm
That’s awesome! It almost (but not quite) makes me wish I lived in Texas…
August 21st, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I’ve been following this film for awhile and it’s really exciting to see it come to life! Keep up the great work guys! I wish I could make it down there as well but I’m on the east coast. And yeah, I’m drooling over the RED camera.
August 21st, 2008 at 1:03 pm
*swipes drool of the desk and returns to earth with a jolt*
WOOOOW.
Alas, I won’t be able to make it, but be assured, my prayers will be there!
August 21st, 2008 at 2:05 pm
That is so cool! I’ve been thinking about going to the SAICFF this coming year. What’s it like?, if possible to explain.
http://www.triplea-ahlaischaslifehappenings.blogspot.com
Soli Deo Gloria, Ahlaischa
August 21st, 2008 at 3:20 pm
cool!!
August 21st, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Way to go John! I hope you have an amazing turn out!
August 21st, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Thats Awesome!!!!! I will be praying that everthing goes well!
August 21st, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I had no idea this was going to be mentioned on The Rebelution! This is so epic!
I have been doing the behind the scenes videos featured on the website (I also put together the majority of the promo video at the top of this article). I have really learned a lot from being part of the production of this film.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:36 pm
This is so awesome! The rise of more and more Christian film-making really excites me. I love films and some friends and I hope to make one someday (maybe soon)!
)
Too bad I live on the other side of the country :(. (But God’s in control.
I’ll be praying though.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:41 pm
My co-blogger Alyssa posted about the movie last May in our blog and it’s amazing that it’s here in The Rebelution!
Don’t worry John, though Alyssa and I live across the world, we’ll surely pray for this hard thing you’re doing and your shooting on the 27th… (if only we could fly to your shoot, we would! ^_^)
God bless!
August 21st, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Omw! That is so awesome what ya’ll are doing! I wish with all my heart that i lived in Texas, but although i will not be with you physicaly i MOST DEFFINANTLY will be with you spiritualy! GOD BLESS! I will keep ya’ll in my prayers!
August 21st, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Way to put the aspiring filmmakers in agony over the films they want to make and the action they want to implement to change things! =) Actually, I am grateful. Last night I was thinking, “I cannot do this!” about a particular endeavor. What a wimp. I am angry at myself, but now feel like I cannot not do what needs to be done — which means I’m content amidst a now agonizing passion. Thanks for inspiring “the rest of us;” John, David, and team. =) I was very nearly afraid of actually making a difference — but now I’m going to stop worrying and just think about those being “evicted” who I need to be a voice for. Just think how many people agree with what we’re doing, yet only think about it or talk it over within their homes — thus nothing changes. The world could use more of what you have. Imagine what would happen if everyone who agreed that right was right and wrong was wrong actually spoke out, actually took a stand. If the world was that way, historically speaking, Hitler never would have succeeded — and over 6 million lives could have been saved! Isn’t that incredible? Makes me think twice about what our generation could accomplish — it’s not so much that we lack potential, numbers, or even belief in what’s right; but rather that we lack the passion and the enthusiasm and the courage to initiate change (like you guys are doing). I’m praying for y’all — and will be watching for updates!
And thanks so much for sharing this with us here, Alex! I was just thinking about this exact… no, I’m just kidding. But it was still a great encouragement at the perfect time — and I’m so blessed to be able to join in this endeavor through prayer!
Viva la Rebelution !
August 21st, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Go John! And thank you, Harris brothers, for bringing your readers’ attention to HeuMoore’s incredible work.
As a suggestion, all of y’all aspiring and professional filmmakers alike should consider attending the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival where John’s movie will hopefully be premiering along with scores of other amazing, independently-produced films. (independentchristianfilms.com)
To those of you who already know you are going, my family and I will see you there!
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:15 am
Wow!
Sounds exciting!
I’ll be praying for y’all!
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:59 am
Thanks Rebelution for letting us all know about this! Sarah Byrum, I guess my family will see you there! We live on the other side of Dallas and hope to drive over, so that’s nine more people!
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:04 am
How I wish I could be there!
To echo Christin A., John, we will be with you in prayers even if we can’t make it across the many waters.
I can hardly wait for the movie to come out! God bless you and your team! 
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:48 am
I wish I lived closer so I could answer your call. However, I will keep you in prayer. Keep up the good work! May God bless you!
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:18 am
i will have to see if i can go! we live in dallas tx, so maybe i can! but even if i can’t come, you all will be in my prayers! love, quinn
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:10 am
Sounds awesome! When does the movie come out, and will it hit theaters? I’d love to go to the big showdown, but I live halfway across the country from Texas.
Daniel
P.S. A fifteen-year-old Chinese girl won the gold medal in the olympic womens 30-meter platform diving! A fifteen-year-old! How cool is that?
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Hey, Rebelutionaries, let’s make a clear distinction between the word “can’t” and the word “won’t.” Unable is different than unwilling. Don’t say you can’t come, if the truth is that you simply won’t come. Even if for good reason you won’t come, may I issue a challenge to send a replacement or two. Contact your friends and family who do live closer to Dallas and ask them to go in your place. It will still allow you to be part of the adventure. We can’t all go to foreign missions, but we can help send someone who can go. We will never make a difference in this world if we quit in the face of what is difficult, or even what others say is unreasonable. Black slavery continued for years because people thought it was unreasonable to make it end in the UK and then in the U.S. Great history is made only when enough people say, I going to do it regardless of how difficult or expensive it may be. These are the problems I choose to deal with rather than the problems that come from not trying. It is usually just a matter of priorities, not of abilities. We have the time, the money and the energy. We just invest it in some other way. You must not break a promise unless you are released from your promise by appealing to the one to whom you made it. You cannot spend money you do not have, but you can go to those who have the money, but not time, and then let them pay to send you in their place. These obstacles can be overcome once we decide we are going to do something, rather than excuse ourselves from doing it. So, whether it is helping to make this film a success, or stopping human slavery, the grace of God shows up in our hearts as a resounding “Yes!” and the resolve to follow through by the grace of God to do hard things. I hope several thousand of you will make the trip to be part of this fellow Rebelutionary’s film project. Make it a part of your code of honor to either go, or send someone in your place.
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:56 pm
I CAN come.
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Mr Harris,
If you ‘can’t’ go, even thought you would love to, and you don’t know anyone even nearby how can you help besides pray?
I cannot go because since mom left I am needed to care for my siblings, I have little or no means for financial income so monetary help is not an option either.
I want to help, but prayer is pretty much my only option. In this situation is that sufficient?
I know action is better, but when you cannot act, then what?
All His,
Hillary
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I’ve never wanted to live in Texas until now!
I wish I was there to help, but sadly I’ll be in school in South Carolina. ;D Prayers are flying all over this, though, I assure you! :]
Congrats on the opportunity!
August 23rd, 2008 at 6:56 am
Everyone: Brett and I wanted to comment and say that we completely agree with our father. He’s not saying that everyone should go to Texas — but as a general principle, we need to avoid being like the person described in James 2:15-16, where it says:
“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”
In other words, if you believe in a project, really do something! It doesn’t mean that we should ever neglect other God-given obligations, but it does mean that we should pray, spread the word to friends who might be interested — and if we really believe it is God’s will that we be involved in something, we shouldn’t let a brief survey of distance or finances stop us in our tracks.
May God bless you all!
In Christ,
Alex
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:56 am
Read the post on needing 1500 extras…and bring your own snacks? Are you kidding? If you want ANY kind of crowd, you should have at least drinks for these folks or why come out? I have been on films with large crowd scenes and they NEVER asked for people to bring their own snacks. As a matter of fact, the whole reason we got a crowd was a free hot dog and coke!
You also have no idea how hard it will be to control that size of a crowd…if you can get them. Why not go for about 300…Move them around, use digital effects, cut-outs and/or inflatables? Honestly, you don’t WANT that many people to keep track of and possibly irritate.
Think about it…Maybe the Lord will be merciful and not have you have that many people. Maybe he will give you a faithful 100 and you can use that. Look at the “Gladiator” extras on the DVD..and good luck!
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:35 am
Though I personally may not live close enough or have the means to help, I can certainly pray. However, a thought did come to me. My mom is a member of several email groups and I’m sure we can at least spread the word through them. I’ll try to get that accomplished this weekend.
Thanks for your comment Mr. Harris, it reminded me that I do have at least a way of spreading the word. Hopefully there will be a few families who are able to answer the call.
In Christ,
Amanda N. H.
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Hey guys! This movie sounds awesome and I am excited to say that I used to live about 5 minutes away from where this scene is being shot! I’m still not that far away since we moved (it’s probably a 30 minute drive now), so I will definitely try to make it.
I just talked to my mom and she said that I’d pretty much have to convice my brother- Wednesday night is when our youth group meets. Hopefully, he will agree as well and we’ll see you guys out there!
I’m definitely excited about this film and can’t wait to see how it all turns out!
August 24th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Guys, this is really really REALLY really really REALLY awesome!!!
I already emailed my aunt and uncle who live in Austin. I\’ll ask my dad if I can come, but, since I live in Maryland and college starts on Tuesday, I doubt I\’ll be allowed to go. However, I will definitely pray for you all!
August 24th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Amanda, dear, read the post closer, there are drinks provided. If you are going, why don’t you volunteer to bring food for everyone? Help out the cause?
AND for all you facebook people, check out the Heumoore Group:
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12047916071&refurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.new.facebook.com%2Fs.php%3Fref%3Dsearch%26init%3Dq%26q%3Dheumoore
And the Widows Might Cause:
http://apps.new.facebook.com/causes/109840?m=9c677&recruiter_id=14086422
August 25th, 2008 at 5:16 am
Praying for you on your first day of school!
August 25th, 2008 at 5:28 am
David HUESTIS? My best friend’s name is Shiloh Huestis. She lives in Alaska. Does David?
August 25th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Fellow Rebelutionaries,
Let’s think outside the box!
As a film producer and political campaign manager, I’ve been involved in activating thousands and thousands of people to support various causes. Through my experience, I’ve learned that the biggest hindrance to accomplishing BIG THINGS for the glory of God is NOT our numbers, or resources, or contacts, but rather our willingness to develop creative solutions for maximizing the resources we do have.
Let’s think now…
What resources do you have?
Obviously, all of you have internet.
Be creative, and find people on facebook. Find political meetup groups that might be interested on meetup.com. Email news stations, newspapers, and radio shows in the area.
Most of you probably have cell phones.
Call churches, youth groups, college campuses, dorms, pro-life groups, homeschool associations, etc., in the area and encourage them to attend.
Ask your church if they will lend you a van and sponsor 15 people to drive over and attend. (This is obviously the most fun option, and is very effective.)
Many of you are willing to pray. That’s great!
First, pray that God will open doors for you to attend this event. (If necessary, pray and fast.)
Second, pray that God will help you to open the doors for others to attend this event. (If necessary, pray and fast.)
Third, pray that God would bless John Moore and friends with the people, resources, weather, and publicity they need to make this event successful!
You’ve got 2 days.
Persevero,
~Jon Kayser
James 2:26
August 25th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Mirriam, I wouldn’t be surprised if Shiloh is related in some way to David. Both the Heustis and the Moore families used to live in Alaska. And, in fact, unless my information is wrong, the Mooreland family — who starred in Hearstrings — still does.
“To God be the glory, great things He has done…” We’ll be praying, John!
August 25th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I live a few hours away but I seriously doubt that my parents would let me go but I would love to. It sounds cool. School just started and considering how my parents both have to work and I can’t just miss school it doesn’t look likely. But I really want to go.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Sorry John, I do not believe I should go. I live many miles away.But if God has other plans and just hasn’t shown them to me then who knows? Maybe doors will be open to where I could be there.In any case, I am praying for you guys and all who are a part of this film.God bless.Hannah
August 25th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I love the storyline! Creative in it’s complete relation to everyone! And I know a few folks in the Dallas area–as does my sister-in-law, who grew up there…I’ll pass the word on!
Blessings!
August 25th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Mirriam,
Fascinating! I don’t have any immediate family on my father’s side living in Alaska. She’s most likely a distant cousin.
Yes, the Moore family, Moreland family, and Heustis family all lived in Alaska.
-David H
August 26th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Mr, Greg Harris,
Thanks for the reminder
So often I forget that God is the God of the impossible, and that nothing is impossible with Him! A lot of times I put myself in a box thinking “There’s NO WAY I can get involved; it’s too far, my parents can’t take me etc.” instead of coming up with different ways I can help. Although I know it wasn’t God’s will this time for me to go, my sister and I can rest assured knowing we have done our part. Thanks again!
Blessings,
Ericka
PS. Let us know how tomorrow goes, John and David! We’ll be praying….
August 27th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Just had to add…I sent out a message to my Texas friends and one responded…that her husband happens to be playing the bad guy.
And todays’ the big day! We’ll be praying!
Blessings,
Abigail @ Pearls and Diamonds
August 27th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
That sounds great! I’ll try to be there!
August 27th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Truly it’s an awesome endeavor, we will be praying for it! (since flying there with be impossible for us)
With God nothing is impossible!
God bless you and your endeavors!
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:07 am
hope all goes well
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Any updates from people who participated on how this went?
October 5th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Oh I wish I could have been there!! Let me know if you ever decide to do a movie from Spokane WA =D
I mainly do theater acting but a movie could be fun
I shall be looking more into this, I will pray all goes well!
April 1st, 2009 at 6:34 am
I wish I could have been there! Where’s the press release?
April 16th, 2009 at 4:49 am
Wow, I wish I could have been there.
May 1st, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Hi! Just had to leave a comment. I truly enjoyed your opinion. Keep up the good effort.