One of the most significant aspects of the film festival that impressed me was the atmosphere of holiness that I found myself in. Everything about the whole weekend was designed to bring glory to our Creator. From the films to the lectures, the music to the fellowship, everything about the festival exalted and honored the Lord Jesus. And that was truly refreshing.
For those of you who may not be familiar with the SAICFF, it was founded 5 years ago as an entity of Vision Forum Ministries for the purpose of encouraging the production of high-quality, culture-changing Christian films. In our media-saturated society, television and film productions have become the greatest influencers. And it is the opinion of the SAICFF that Christians need to be contributing the influence of Godliness in the world of media – in an excellent way. Not the corny, low-budget, lousy productions that many people associate with the idea of “Christian” movies.
Unfortunately, Hollywood has an agenda in which the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life run rampant. It’s an agenda that tears down rather than builds up the Biblical family. It’s an agenda that glorifies the pleasures of sin for a season. It’s an agenda that seeks to contradict everything for which God stands. Sadly, most Christians either sit back and complain about Hollywood without offering a solution or they embrace the same movies that the rest of the world applauds without concern.
The SAICFF does neither. Rather, it exists to promote a solution to the problem of Hollywood garbage without compromising convictions.
Founder, President, and Master of Ceremonies: Doug Phillips
The SAICFF offers a 3-day Filmmakers Academy for the purpose of training aspiring film makers on the foundation of a theologically-sound, Biblical worldview upon which is built the knowledge they need to produce excellent films for the glory of God. I’ve never been to the academy, but I’ve heard rave reviews about it from people of all ages.
Following this academy is the 3-day film festival itself during which are shown dozens of Christ-honoring films that are all in competition for the grand prize of “Best of Festival.” This year, out of 250 films, 50 were selected as semi-finalists to be screened at the festival. The films are selected based on various factors including content, production quality, screenplay, musical score, acting, and effort. The films are submitted from young filmmakers age 18 and under as well as seasoned producers such as Stephen Kendrick and Rich Cristiano. In addition to watching movies throughout each day, the festival also contains opportunity for enjoying delightful musical entertainment, engaging speakers, and special presentations.
Even though I am not a filmmaker, I have been interested in attending the festival for several years for the purpose of supporting its mission and learning more about what God is doing through this organization. I love the fact that the SAICFF is striving to raise up a generation of filmmakers who will use the power of the media for good. Before God transformed my life at age 14, my goal in life was to be a Hollywood movie star, and even though the Lord has changed my direction in life, there is still a part of me that loves acting and performance art. I am so delighted to see how God is using this small minority of Christians to light a candle in the darkness! May it burn brightly and draw mutitudes to the Savior!
To read more about others' experiences at the festival and to see additional pictures click here, here, and here.
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