Film Festival Live: Von Trapp Children, Click Clack Jack, Jon Sperry, and The Other Son
Well, it’s incredible to have an entire day of simply watching movies. I don’t think I’ve done anything like this before. But before I talk about the films, let me share with you an incredible opportunity I got just an hour or so ago. I was honored to be able to listen to the Von Trapp children, great-grandchildren of Captain and Marian Von Trapp, sing prior to the main evening session. I must say, it was some of the most amazing acapella singing I have ever heard. They certainly carry the grand tradition of music through the generations. If you ever get the opportunity, please do not miss hearing this family.
Let me share with you my two favorite films (besides Expelled and Fireproof):
Click Clack Jack
Director: Ryan Bodie
Producer: Ryan Bodie, Keith Thomas, Jerry Chambless, Stacy Kesten, Brian Ging
I had heard from an unnamed source, beforehand, that Click Clack Jack was weak in several areas and a disappointing film overall considering their budget. I saw quite the opposite. It was a clever, period piece that kept the audience laughing the whole way through. Strong Christian morals, good acting, and a powerful gospel message only make it that much stronger. Probably an 8 in my festival rating list.
The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry
Director: Rich Christiano
Producer: Rich Christiano, Chad Gunderson
I must say, the biggest improvement in festival films from last year is the cinematography. And The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry was excellent visually. Plus, with excellent child(ren) actors, it made it a very impressive film. I had sat down to watch while waiting for the film I intended to watch started. 45 minutes later, I realized I had overstayed by 30 minutes, so I felt like it was worthwhile to watch the entire film.
The Other Son
Director: Phillip Leclerc
Producer: Chris Leclerc
I have to give props to my pals Chris and Phillip: They presented a new and interesting view into the life of the older brother in a reinvention of the parable of the Prodigal son into modern day. It was short, impactful, and thought-provoking. And a quick note to Chris: Pushing, pushing, pushing (winks) (That, if you didn’t guess, is an inside joke) But really, it was a great film, and I’ll be interested in seeing how far it goes in the festival.
Tonight, we got to hear from Doug Phillips, Geoffrey Botkin, Stephen Kendrick, Kirk Cameron and countless other filmmakers. Most of it were things that we had been presented with at the academy, and things I have already written about.
Thanks so much to all of you for reading, and hope you enjoy it all,
January 9th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
I had the pleasure of hearing the Von Trapp’s sing in Montana at the same concert that Doug Phillips first heard them. When you combine their “Sound of Music” heritage and their singing excellence, they are hard to beat.
January 9th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Isaac, I forgot to mention, thank you for covering the festival!
January 9th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
That is sooo cool!!! I’ve always wanted to hear them sing. I love how their whole family is so united…
I bet you’re having lots and lots of fun over there!! I love keeping up with your blogging…It’s been exciting! I come on as often as I can, and you almost always have a new post. 
God bless you, Isaac.
~Sophia
January 9th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Thanks for the reports! I have REALLY enjoyed reading them… now I’d like to see the films!
January 9th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
I’m so glad you had the opportunity to hear the von Trapp children! They are wonderful! I’ve seen them several times, but it’s been a few years ago now - I see Justin has really shot up!
You are doing a great job with these posts!
January 9th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Isaac! just do it!
~Chris
January 10th, 2009 at 4:11 am
We really enjoy your blogging Isaac. For tomorrow, I think The Widow’s Might will be shown, won’t it? I’m having confusion with time because January 10 is already ending in a few hours here while it’s only starting there.
January 10th, 2009 at 7:16 am
That’s really exciting! We have some of their CD’s and their singing is so beautiful! Thanks for this blogging, I really love it!
January 10th, 2009 at 7:20 am
That’s sooo cool. I saw the von trap children at a homeschool conference once, and it was cool!
January 10th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Hi Isaac! It was great meeting you last night with my dad. These blog posts are wonderful, and I still read them, even if I’m experiencing it all as well.
The VonTrapps did a wonderful job!!!
Liza
January 10th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Your book is awesome, and so…are you guys!
January 10th, 2009 at 9:52 am
It is really encouraging to see all of the people learning how to take a stand against the bad movies going out in our world today, as well as trying to encourage biblical movies, giving glory to the name of the Lord, and him alone.
Thank-you for all the blogging your doing Isaac! That way, even those who did not make it to the film festival can see what is going on, and use what you have written on this blog as a learning tool for filmmaking. Keep up the good work!
January 10th, 2009 at 10:55 am
That is so awesome that you got to hear the Von Trapp children! I love that movie and have read the book by Marian Von Trapp. That is a wonderful book.
I love it that there are people out there will ing to stand up against the trash in Hollywood movies. Keep it up.
January 10th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Thank you sooooooo much for the wonderful posts of the film festival Isaac!
I wish I could have been there to hear the Von Trapp’s sing!
Thanks again!
January 10th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I am greatly enjoying your posts, Isaac!! I’ll be sorry when they’re all over.
I got to hear the Von Trapp children sing once too, although it was quite some time ago and they were much younger. But they were amazing!!! Justin [i]has[/i] gotten much taller!!
Thanks again for keeping up the posts! I love it!
January 10th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
oops sorry about that…the italics didn’t work…
January 10th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
If anyone wants to know more about the original von Trapp family, I know of an excellent book called “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers,” written by Maria von Trapp herself. It’s a great family read. Mrs. von Trapp has a fabulous sense of humor–I’ve read it at least three times and still laugh at certain parts!
January 27th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I saw them a few years ago. They were really good! although they weren’t all the same height!
January 29th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Ditto from me!
February 28th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Wow! The great grand children sing too?
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Cool!