Well, the Christian Filmmakers Academy is done, and is making way for the event that has press from all over the world watching it. The San Antionio Independent Christian Film Festival.

The Academy was closed to the press, and it was much less formal than the Festival will be. Mr. Phillips explained, in closing of the Academy last night, that today we will be joined by media from all over the nation who want to know, ‘Who are these Christian filmmakers? What are they doing? Why are they doing this?’ Mr. Phillips told the students that, “You must conduct yourself like brother’s of Christ to the secular media.”

This is going to be quite the interesting few days.

So, I want to quickly overview several of the films that I have either already watched, or have spoken directly to either the director or producer about their film.

Fireproof
Director: Alex Kendrick
Producer: Stephen Kendrick

Lt. Caleb Holt lives by the old fighter’s adage: Never leave your partner behind. Inside burning buildings, it’s his natural instinct. In the cooling embers of his marriage, it’s another story. After 7 years of marriage, Caleb and Catherine Holt have drifted so far apart that they are ready to move on without each other. Yet as they prepare to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb’s dad asks his son to try an experiment: The Love Dare. While hoping The Love Dare has nothing to do with his parents’ newfound faith, Caleb commits to the challenge. But can he attempt to love his wife while avoiding God’s love for him? Will he be able to demonstrate love over and over again to a person that’s no longer receptive to his love? Or is this just another marriage destined to go up in smoke?

Expelled
Director: Nathan Frankowski
Producer: Logan Craft, Walt Ruloff, John Sullivan

Ben Stein, in the new film EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed, has a heroic and, at times, shocking journey confronting the world’s top scientists, educators and philosophers, regarding the persecution of the many by an elite few.

He travels the world on his quest, and learns an awe-inspiring truth… that bewilders him, then angers him… and then spurs him to action!

Ben realizes that he has been “Expelled,” and that educators and scientists are being ridiculed, denied tenure and even fired — for the “crime” of merely believing that there might be evidence of “design” in nature, and that perhaps life is not just the result of accidental, random chance. To which Ben Says: “Enough!” And then gets busy. NOBODY messes with Ben.

The Widow’s Might
Director/Producer: John Moore

From the creators of Bubble Trouble, and Heartstrings, comes an all new feature length comedy adventure! John Moore and Cameron Cavillo are buddies; aspiring filmmakers with the dream of winning the prestigious American Viewfinder film festival. When an acquaintance of Cameron’s, an elderly Widow, faces losing her home to the outrageous property taxes in her area, the Moore family takes action, along with their friends, the Morton family. Through political smears, on set mishaps, and a wild western ride, these families band together in a classic black hat/white hat tale of heroism!

The Other Son
Director: Phillip Leclerc
Producer: Phillip and Chris Leclerc

Perhaps the greatest biblical parable of all time is that of the Prodigal Son. This gripping story has all the components of a suspense-filled novel. Mystery, drama, and forgiveness give this parable the elements of a great film. Its powerful message and rich attention to detail have been quoted by some of the world’s greatest writers including Shakespeare and Dickens. However, within the prodigal son’s redemptive message is another equally captivating, sinister, and compelling story. The film, The Other Son brings to life this powerful message, making this historic parable more powerful than ever.

Keep an eye on Fireproof and Expelled: I think the grand prize will be going to one of those two. But Widow’s Might may possibly sneak in and steal it.

Let the film festival begin!