San Antonio Independant Christian Film Festival

Well, as I am writing this event is still going on. The basic idea behind this film festival is to encourage young, Christian film makers to persue their dream. The festival is offering a $10,000 prize to the winner of the Best Film category. The films shown here have ranged from very edgy films about adultery or abortion, to basically fun or interesting films, to documentaries on Christian persecution in Sudan or the homosexual "war" in San Francisco.

Most of the films I have seen have been pretty good. Many have been made for under $1,000, some for up to $10,000, some for under $50. Interestingly, as I expected, the money had nothing to do with the actual quality.

Quality has fluctuated somewhat. Some, like After Hours, showing how easily innocent inter-office flirting can lead to adultery were excellent. Well produced, well acted, great editing, music, everything. From Josephs Quill, a look at the events leading up to the Christmas Story from Josephs perspective (he is writing to his mother) was excellent as well, acting was good, lighting was impressive, as was the editing. Both of these were under 7 minutes, which was a strength. When you have a limited budget, best to get as much for your buck as possible.

Some have been... good because of their subject. Forced To Flee, about persecution in Sudan was hard hitting on the reality side, but not as polished a production. One image I won't forget is a baby sucking on a bullet casing, because they don't have pacifiers or anything. And the casing was left after the Muslims sacked that town. This one had a higher budget, but I think that was mostly because of the extensive travel required.

So, of the films I have seen, about half were what I would call up to snuff, no major problems. Hey, for most of these people this is their first or second film ever, so they have done very well.

I have been here to assist my father, a storyteller (and a good one), who has been providing entertainment each night. The Festival rented out the Arneson River Theater, which is right on the River Walk, open air, and George Sarris and Charlie Zahm have been regaling the audience with stories of bravery, and songs of Americana. Both performaces over the last 2 nights have been excellent, and very well recieved.

All in all, a great time, met some neat people (including having dinner with Ron Maxwell, who directed Gettysburg, which I thought was quite good, and Gods and Generals, which I didn't think was that great, but he was interesting to talk with) and had a great time watching films. This has motivated me to get back into producing, hopefully something that I could enter here next year, and I would hope would be good enough for other festivals.

Now, off to the festival!:)