Vision Forum Independent Christian Film Festival

by Aaron Dodson

It is an eagerly anticipated event by thousands nationwide. Tens of thousands of dollars and uncountable hours of time go into the preparation and creation of the event. The San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival is the biggest name in Christian Film Festivals and a monumental think tank, brainstorming and networking opportunity. Filmmakers, investors, critics and conservative moviegoers of all ages come to see the best of the independent Christian film movement.

This year the Film Fest has created massive buzz and a huge groundswell movement by offering the largest cash prize for any film festival in the nation- Christian or secular. $101,000 will go to the best film from the film festival this year. They also upped the competition by opening the feature film category, an hour and a half theater quality presentation.

But this is more than just creative an opportunity for Christians to show off their film work and get rewarded. This is about breaking monopoly, and influencing a culture. Doug Phillips, founder of Vision Forum ministries and the host of the film festival says it like this. “The humanistic religious worldview of Hollywood elites and their intense hatred for Christianity and the value system which it embodies has created a rift in American culture and profoundly damaged the American family. We intend to respond, not by cursing the darkness, but by lighting candles. Building a community of independent Christian filmmakers is one such candle.”

Along the way it is tons of fun. Whether you are chatting with the director of one of the features, brainstorming about cultural change, laughing with new friends or rushing to the next show time, the atmosphere is amazing. The air is full of a feeling of electric excitement. You feel like you are in a place where the world is being changed. And from just a few conversations with the directors and organizers, I am convinced it is true.

Do you want to be a part of this amazing movement? The Film Festival is a wonderful place to sit back and enjoy great films, great people and great thoughts. So bring a your family and a friend, and head down to San Antonio. You will not regret it.

Interested? Go to the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival home page and sign up to get email updates.

Posted by Shawn Cohen