Films by Latter-day Saint Filmmakers
Films about Latter-day Saints
LDS Film.com LDSFilm.com

Other Upcoming Films, made by Latter-day Saints

• Believe: formerly titled "The Impossible Dream;" written and directed by Loki Mulholland; filmed in Salt Lake County and Utah County; made in cooporation with Kaleidoscope Pictures ("Jack Weyland's Charly"); producers: Russ Kendall (1st assistant director/UPM for "Charly") and Micah Merrill; cinematography by Ryan Little (The Singles Ward; The R.M.; The Home Teachers; Saints and Soldiers); Production Designer Anne Black; Editor Ethan Vincent; Composer Aaron Merrill. Cast includes: Larry Bagby, Lincoln Hoppe, Steve Anderson, Ann Bosler, Brian Clark, Britani Bateman, Danor Gerald, Jeff Olson, Craig Clyde, Jodi Russell, Vanessa DeHart, Jansen Davis, Lori Rees, Maclain Nelson, and Curt Dousett. Special Guests: Graham Russell (lead singer of Air Supply) and Troy Dunn. The film follows Adam Pendon, a struggling laid-off steel mill worker, who unwittingly rises to fame and fortune in the ranks of multi-level giant, Believe Industries. Through Adam, enter the mysterious and hilarious world of MLMs and the people who inhabit them. "Believe" is the ultimate multi-level marketing mocumentary. Release Date: April 20, 2007.
  
  
• Blank Slate: New TNT movie airs on TNT network on Sept 9, 2008, entitled BLANK SLATE. It was produced by Electric Entertainment (who produced Independence Day, The Patriot, 8-Legged Freaks, and Fly Boys. The executive producer is Dean Devlin (writer/producer of Independence Day/Patriot/etc). The film was shot in Utah. The plot is about an amnesiac who is sentenced to Death Row for a murder she can't remember committing. She is given a second chance at freedom by the FBI while being recruited as part of the secret experimental unit of the FBI's unsolved crimes division. Part of the experiment is that she is implanted with the final memories of murder victims. While she pursues the leads of other peoples' memories, she is haunted by the distant echoes of her own life... a life she can't remember. LDS crew are as follows: Steven A Lee - Producer; Joe Pia - Co-Producer; Ryan Little, Cinematographer; John Lyde - Cameraman; Brian Sullivan - Cameraman; Debbie Farrer - Set Decorator; Barbara Ward - Set Decorator.
  
  
• Broken Hill: The producers of successful cult film Napoleon Dynamite hope to repeat its success with their new South Australian movie "Broken Hill." The family drama, described as Billy Elliot in the Outback, was shot around Adelaide over a seven-week period. The movie follows a talented, teenage composer living in outback Australia who dreams of getting into the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Director Dagen Merrill; Producer Chris Wyatt; Starring Alexa Vega from the "Spy Kids" films and Oscar winner Timothy Hutton.
  
  
• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: feature film being produced by Jerry Molen; adaptation of the popular book by Barbara Robinson, which has been read by more Sunday School teachers to their classes than just about any other book which is absolutely not part of the official Church curriculum.
  
  
• Coyote: "Coyote" is directed and co-written by Brian Peterson; with Chris Wyatt as Producer. The story concerns two friends who find out that their Mexican pal has been deported. They decide to smuggle him back across the border. Surprised at how easy it was, they see it as a business opportunity and open a "kinder, gentler" human trafficking company. It's fun and profitable for a while as they gain allies across the border and are able to beat the Minutemen at their own game, but when the real coyotes discover what they're up to, they don't look kindly to being cut out of a piece of the action. The film finds a balance between a comic satire on the state of the immigration debate and a classic thriller of bad guys versus good guys with tragic flaws. "Coyote" is entered in the L.A. Film Festival in June 2008.
  
  
• The Eleventh Hour: An action thriller starring Matthew Reese ("Beauty and the Beast"), Jennifer Klekas ("White on Rice"), K. Danor Gerald ("High School Musical 2"), Sarah Bell ("Vampire Chicks with Chainsaws),Adam Abram ("The Collectors"), Joel Bishop, David Nibley, Won Choi, Scott Chun, and Nathan White. Synopsis: After years as a prisoner of war, Michael Adams, a former Navy SEAL, is trying to live a normal life. However, his life is turned upside-down when his estranged wife has a bomb implanted into her skull to assure Michael will assassinate U.S. Senator Mason Chambers. Now Michael has less than 12 hours to kill Chambers, or the bomb will detonate. The movie is action-packed with incredible fight sequences. John Lyde wrote, directed, produced, and was the editor. Premieres at the LDS Film Festival January 18, 2008 at the Scera Theater in Orem. DVD released September 30, 2008.
  
  
• Everybody Wants to Be Italian: Screenplay and Direction by Jason Todd Ipson. Producers Jaime Burke and James Huntsman. The cast includes Jay Jablonski, Cerina Vincent, John Kapelos, John Enos III, Marisa Petroro. Synopsis: Jake's spent the past eight years focusing on one thing: winning back his ex-girlfriend. Problem is, she's happily married and has three kids. Fed up with his refusal to move on, his buddies set him up on a blind date with an Italian woman. Knowing that an Italian from Boston's North End will never date a non-Italian, they set about teaching Jake how to fake it. SHOT ON LOCATION IN BOSTON AND LOS ANGELES; AN ASGAARD ENTERTAINMENT PRODCUTION; THEATRICAL RELEASE DATE September 5, 2008.
  
  
• Evil Angel: Richard Dutcher is doing the principal photography on a supernatural thriller for six weeks in SLC. Filming began October 2, 2006. The film stars Richard Dutcher and Ving Rhanes ("Mission Impossible III," "Pulp Fiction"); Kristopher Shepard, Ava Gaudet and (High School Musical's) Bart Johnson, there are Dutcher alumni actors like Chris Kendrick (Brigham City), Desean Terry (God's Army), Jacque Gray (God's Army), Lucas Fleischer (State of Grace), LaMont Stephens (States of Grace), jj Boone (States of Grace), Rachel Emmers (States of Grace), and Leonard Kelly-Young (Falling). The film's official site Evil Angel Movie is up and running, but the IMDb site IMDb has more information. Legendary cinematographer Bill Butler ("Jaws" "Grease") is the director of photography. It is produced by Dutcher and Utah Entrepreneur Rick Koerber. The line producer is Jeff Miller. Plans are for a Halloween release.
  
  
• A Father In Israel: Christian Vuissa is in developement and inching towards pre-production on A Father In Israel. Should go into production the summer or fall of 2008.
  
  
• The Final Cut: Kurt Hale's latest film is a Cloverfield-type thriller that may film the summer of 2008.
  
  
• Five Days of Fire: Formerly entitled "Hidden Soldiers" had its theatrical debut January 26-27, 2007, at the American Family Entertainment Center in Rexburg, Idaho. Sold out performances for each showing made budding Mormon filmmakers from Madison High School and BYU-Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho, very pleased with the reception of their 80 minute feature length film. Written and directed by Mason Stoddard and Max Daines, seniors at Madison High School worked with Schyler Porter and Piers Tueller, freshmen at BYU-Idaho who are producing the film. Although amateurs, Stoddard and Daines were winners at the 2006 Mad Cat Film Festival at Madison High School with their 10 minute shorts entitled "Pocket Watch," and "The Evacuee" respectively. Stoddard, along with another filmmaker, Nic Mosely, took the overall best film at the 2006 Kiwanis Teen Film Festival for "Pocket Watch," and won $1000 and training in film techniques at the film school in Driggs, Idaho, run by Dawn Wells, of "Gilligan's Island" fame. "Five Days of Fire" is set in World War II and follows a U.S. platoon that crosses into enemy territory to secure a German scientist. Captain Casdorph (Schyler Porter) must lead a group of men that is becoming increasingly divided. As the enemy attempts to impede their progress from the outside, the platoon becomes torn apart from the inside. One of the soldiers, Jimmy Pratt, (Taylor Barton) must overcome his fear of death to complete the mission. What started as a short high school movie has become one of the biggest feature length films that Eastern Idaho has produced. Created by teenagers with little experience, and an even smaller budget, "Five Days" exceeds the limits of independent filmmaking. The film received assistance with costuming and props from Shane McCann, who also worked on the film "Saints and Soldiers." McCann said, "I'm in charge of uniforms and equipment to make sure it's all accurate and authentic--down to the way they carry their guns." McCann has a military museum in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Others in the cast are Bennett Briggs, Levi Price, Taylor Barton, Devon Marrott and Rob Page. The filmmakers have plans to submit "Five Days of Fire" to as many film festivals as possible in 2007.
  
  
• The Flyboys: Dark Coast Pictures Production: The Flyboys: fast-paced adventure film featuring young protagonists -- sort of a cross between "Stand By Me" and "North By Northwest" - a coming-of-age action film; shot in 35mm; produced and directed by Rocco DeVilliers ("Pure Race", "Only Once"); Lisle Moore composed the music and Lisle H. Moore, Jr. was the Executive Producer; co-producer Dan Urness; written by Jason DeVilliers and Rocco Devilliers, with additional writing by Richard Dutcher; stars Tom Sizemore ("Saving Private Ryan"), Stephen Baldwin ("The Usual Suspects"), Jesse James ("As Good As It Gets"), Reiley McClendon ("Pearl Harbor") and Harrison Young ("Saving Private Ryan"); filmed in St. George, Utah. The film has won over fifty major awards at film festivals all across the country. Updates on the film’s release are posted on the movie’s Web site, The Flyboys Premiere was August 14, 2008, in St George where it all began. Opens in Northern Utah September 12, 2008. The film will not be available on home video until sometime next year.
  
  
• Forever Strong: Champions of Highland: Producer Adam Abel and Director Ryan Little have teamed up again (“Saints and Soldiers”) to produce an inspirational drama about Larry Gelwix (coach of Salt Lake City’s Highland rugby team who has won 16 National Championships) and a Seattle-area youth who transferred reluctantly to Highland in 1994 from a rival team—only to face his former teammates later in the championship game. Screenwriter Dave Pliler built his fictionalized movie around real events. Little states they have taken creative license here and there, but it's a true story. The plot involves Rick, a troubled teen who is sentenced to a juvenile detention center in Utah, where he meets a counselor (Sean Astin from “The Lord of the Rings”) who gets him a tryout with the Highland team. Under the tutelage of Gelwix (Gary Cole--Will Farrell’s dad in “Tallageda Nights”) Rick turns his life around in time to face his old team, which is coached by his disapproving father. Gelwix is a consultant on the film and has supplied more than a dozen of his players as extras. Little says, “This movie is about Gelwix’s philosophy of teaching boys to be champions--not just in rugby--but in life.” Other actors in cast include: Sean Faris as Rick Penning (“Yours, Mine and Ours,” “Sleepover”); Neal McDonough as Coach Penning ("Flags of Our Fathers," "Minority Report," "Band of Brothers"); Max Kasch as Griggs ("Greatest Game Ever Played," "Holes"); Nathan West as Q ("Miracle," "Bring it On"); Arielle Kebbel as Emily ("Grudge 2," "Be Cool"); and Larry Bagby. Crew members include: Director of Photography, T.C. Christensen; Line Producer, Steven A. Lee; Editor, John Lyde; Production Designer, Geary Sivertsen; Costume Designer, Anna K. FindlayPremiers at LDS Film Festival, January 16, 2008. Theatrical release September 26, 2008.
  
  
• Friends for Life: -- Flynn-Daines Productions, LLC has just completed Friends for Life, the third feature film they have made in Utah over the last 18 months. It is one of twenty feature films they are slated to make over the next five years in association with Grizzly Adams Productions. Friends for Life was filmed entirely in Utah using Utah cast and crew. Michael Flynn and McKay Daines are the producers. Michael Flynn also plays Jim Crawford a a retired lawyer who, after losing his wife, finds four wolf cubs who have been orphaned. He raises them to maturity – with the help of an angel – and at the same time confronts and defeats the plans of an unscrupulous land developer who wants to ruin the quaint mountain town that Jim calls home. Jimmy Chunga (Forever Strong, Heber Holiday) plays Ralph the archangel. Also starring in the film are Connie Young (Singles Second Ward), Tayva Patch (Return with Honor. Brigham City) and David Nibley (The Best Two Years, High School Musical). Michael Spence directed and Ron Hill was the Director of Photography as he was on the Flynn-Daines Productions of Heber Holiday and The Dance. Mark Nelson edited the film as he did Heber Holiday and Merrill Jenson (Out of Step,The Testaments, Legacy) is composing the soundtrack. The wolves and grizzly bear were trained for by the world famous Utah trainers Doug and Lynne Seus (Dr. Dolittle 2, The Bear, Evan Almighty) The film will be released on DVD for Thanksgiving 2007 nationwide and internationally by Grizzly Adams Productions.
  
  
• Gentlemen Broncos: Director/writer Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre) and wife Jerusha Hess writer have a new comedy about a teenager who attends a fantasy writers' convention where he discovers his idea has been stolen by an established novelist. As of June 2008, Production has wrapped.
  
  
• Heber Holiday: The partying lifestyle of high maintenance LA actress, Sierra, has spun out of control, and her notorious on-set temper tantrums jeopardize her career. After an intervention led by her tough director Mac, she is whisked away to a clinic in the gorgeous Wasatch Mountains of Utah, far from the urban jungle where her every whim is catered to. Here Sierra learns some of life's most important lessons and simple pleasures. Written by McKay and Cameron Daines and directed by McKay Daines; editor John Lyde. The cast includes Torrey DeVitto as Sierra, K.C. Clyde as Tyler, Michael Flynn as Mac, Jimmy Chunga as Hound, Erin Chambers as Jodi, and Thurl Bailey as Mutumbo. Heber Holiday is repped by Quantum Releasing and is currently playing , or has been sold, in Germany, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Former Yugoslavia, and the Middle East. Peace Arch Entertainment secured the Canadian and North American rights and those theatrical, TV and cable, and DVD release dates will be forthcoming on Heber Holiday.
  
  
• Hold the Door: Drama written by Mark E. Johnson who is also the director. Producer Curtis Brien; Director of Photography Chad Davidson; Production Designer Tamar Gadish. Cast includes:Manuel Guzman, Omar Huamanchumo, Ella Valentino, John Rafael Peralta, and Oscar Moncada. "Hold the Door is the story of an unlikely friendship between the simple, naive Eugene and the brutal Hector, which is jeopardized when a relationship develops between Eugene and Hector's girlfriend, Monica. Eugene's candor and forgiveness earn Monica's trust, but lead to resentment from Hector. Even as they exchange crosses as a token of friendship, their awkward relationship stands in the way of Hector's passion for Monica, which turns violent when he learns of their attraction. Featured at the 2008 LDS Film Festival January 17, 2008, at the Scera Theater in Orem.
  
  
• A House Divided: (Previously titled Mount of Olives) Director Mitch Davis ( “Other Side of Heaven”) shot this “Romeo and Juliet” style film on location in Israel about a young Jewish man who visits Israel for the funeral of his father. While there he falls in love with a mysteriouis Palestinian woman who pulls him into a world of dangerous intrigue. Produced by Jim Abrams, Aldric Porter, and Davis, the movie stars F. Murray Abraham, Tovah Feldshuh, Eion Bailey, and French actress, Linda Hardy. Post-production has just been completed on the film. Release date unknown.
  
  
• House of Fears: House Of Fears is a feature length thriller/adventure produced and written by Steven A Lee and John Lyde. The film's story centers around six high school friends that sneak into a haunted house the night before it opens for Halloween, only to find that their evening of fun has turned into their worst nightmare. The film was filmed at the Rocky Point Haunted House in Salt Lake City. The film stars Corrie English (Unrest, Runaway Jury), Sandra McCoy (Cry Wolf, Cinderella Story), Michael J Pagan (Fallen, Gridiron Gang, Forever Strong), Corey Sevier (Decoys), Alice Greczyn (Dukes of Hazzard, Shrooms), and Eliot Benjamin (Forever Strong). As of October 15, 2007, it is in post-production.
  
  
• Intellectual Property: directed by Nicholas Peterson ("MuM", "Cookies for Harry"); director of photography: Nic Sadler; screenplay by Peterson and Hansen Smith; drama/thriller; An inventor (Christopher Masterson, who stars as Francis in the TV series "Malcolm in the Middle") must protect his inventions from becoming casualties of the Cold War. "Intellectual Propert" had its Utah premiere at the LDS Film Festival January 20, 2007.
  
  
• Killer At Large: Shinebox Media Productions. Obesity Documentary--about the rising global epidemic of obesity, from former Brigham Young University student,Steven Greenstreet and award-winning director of “This Divided State.” Executive Producers are Shawn Talbott and Timo Lahtinen. Co-producer Patrick Waldrop, and Produced by Elias Pate and Bryan Young. “The issue of obesity is absolutely staggering,” said Young. “When you think of the sheer numbers of it, more than 65% of all Americans are overweight or obese, and being overweight or obese causes problems that decrease our length and quality of life significantly. And we’re finding that there are more causes to the problem than simply the notion that Americans are eating more and exercising less.” The film features interviews and footage of numerous public figures discussing both the politics, causes and effects of obesity including former President Bill Clinton, consumer advocate Ralph Nader, filmmaker Neil LaBute, Senator Tom Harkin, Senator Sam Brownback, Governor Mike Huckabee, and a number of bestselling authors. "Killer At Large" has been submitted to a number of notable film festivals including Sundance and Slamdance. Plans are to release to theaters in 2008. For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Killer At Large
  
  
• The Letter Writer: As of 5/10/2006, Christian Vuissa’s short film "The Letter Writer" just won 2nd Place at the Spiritual Cinema Festival-at-Sea. The film also won the Gold Award at the Worldfest in Houston. “The Letter Writer” is an official selection at the following upcoming film festivals: Eugene Film Festival, Eugene, Oregon, May 12-14; Mendocino Film Festival, Mendocino, California, May 18-21; Damah Film Festival, Culver City, California, May 19-21; DeadCenter Film Festival, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, June 7-11; and ReelHeart International Film Festival, Toronto, Canada, June 26-30. Starring Bernie Diamond; Score by Robert Allen Elliott; Editing by Ludwig Einklang; Cinematography by Dave Skousen; Production Design by William C. Rowan, Jr.; Written, Directed, and Produced by Christian Vuissa; Mirror Films. Synopsis: Sam writes a warm and compassionate letter with the fervor of a true master craftsman. "The Letter Writer" captures the beauty of selfless service and love. More festivals to be announced soon.
  
  
• Minor Details: A new film by John Lyde has completed filming in American Fork, Utah, about four teenage girls who join forces to solve a mystery at the prestigious Danforth Academy. It's a teen movie, sort of like Nancy Drew, with lots of fun characters and a great story to entertain all ages. Sally Meyer and Annie Edwards are the screenwriters. It is being produced by John Lyde, Salley Meyer, Annie Edwards, and Leah Faber. The website and trailer can be seen at www.MinorDetailsthe Movie.com or IMDB Minor Details. The LDS cast includes: Kelsey Edwards as Abby, Caitlin E.J. Meyer as Paige, Dani Chuchran as Clair, Lauren Faber as Taylor, Jennette McCurdy (star of Nickelodean series iCarly. www.iCarly.com) Emma Duke as Emily, and Brady Edwards as Brad. Others of the lead cast are Savannah Jayde Gipson as Riley, Andrew Cottrill as Sean, and Elijah Thomas as Ethan.
  
  
• mr. dungbeetle A comedy/drama written and directed by Tom Russell is in post production as of January 2006. Jeff Parkin is the producer and Travis Cline the director of photography. Synopsis: Five mental patients escape a mental institution and their psychiatrist goes in search of them. Shot in Utah; "Dungbeetle" debuted at the LDS Film Festival 2007.
  
  
• Pirates of the Great Salt Lake: Blue Shift Entertainment; Kirby Heyborne stars in this feature-length comedy produced by Nathan Phillips and Christian Vuissa, who is also the production manager. Director Eric Nelson also co-wrote the script with Phillips. Heyborne plays Kirk, a twenty-something misfit who has long fancied himself as a modern-day buccaneer. Along with his sidekick Flint (Trenton James “Blind Guy”), Kirk buys some pirate gear and a little boat and sets out for adventure on the Great Salt Lake. When the pair run across an old treasure map, they must battle a wicked rival to claim the prize---which may or may not be cursed. “Pirates” also stars Larry Bagby (Saints and Soldiers) and Emily Kennard (Napoleon Dynamite’s Trish). Filming started August 2005 at Provo, Orem, Springville, the Great Salt Lake via Antelope Island, and a cave in Fillmore. (It’s not a pirate movie without a cave!) Shooting wrapped in early September 2005. Showing at the Spud Fest Family Film Festival (Take 1) April 20, 2006, in Rexburg, April 21, 2006, in Pocatello, and April 22, 2006, in Idaho Falls. Pirates of the Great Salt Lake. Film festivals entered include: Toofy FF, 9/30/06, 9 p.m. at Boulder Theater, Boulder CO; Idaho Inter.FF, 9/29/06, Egyptian Theater, Boise, ID; 9/30/06, at The Flicks in Boise, ID; UC Berkeley Pacific Film Archive Pirate Program, 10/18/06, PFA Theater, Berkeley, CA; Australian Internation FF, 10/21-30/06 at Hoyts, Melbourne Australia; Florida Pirate Festival in Clearwater, FL, November 17-19 at Coachman Park. See it February 28, 2007, at Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden, Utah. As of June 9, 2008, word is that Pirates will finally come out this fall. There are rumors of a limited Utah theatrical release, but the DVD, which will be distributed by the Weinstein Company, comes out in September.
  
  
• The Princess and the Pea: animation; directed by Mark Swan; produced by Forrest S. Baker III and Don Judd; music: Alan Williams; budget: $10 million; completed, distribution by Feature Films for Families. It has been released in foreign markets. Excerpts of the film are on YouTube The Princess and the Pea.
  
  
• Take: LDS cinematographer Tristan Whitman just finished shooting "Take" which had its world premier at the Tribeca Film Festival the first week of May 2007. Logline: The lives of two strangers—a struggling mother (Minnie Driver) and a gambling addict (Jeremy Renner)—converge in unspeakable tragedy. Years later, they must come to terms with themselves and one another. As two pivotal days, one past and one present, unfold in a non-linear mosaic, "Take" offers a powerful reflection on redemption and forgiveness. Written and Directed by Charles Oliver, who is also LDS. Featured at the LDS Film Festival January 18, 2008 at the Scera Theater in Orem. Opens in Utah September 12, 2008.
  
  
• Together Again For the First Time: Based on a play by Reed McColm,"Together Again For the First Time" is a comedy/drama about a family gathering at Christmas time. This is the first time since their marriage that, Max, Audrey, and all of their children have been together in one place. But as everybody arrives on Christmas Eve, things become increasingly complicated. Not only is there a visit of a fiancé, a surprise TV show taping, and a neighborhood open house, but there are also secrets that threaten the entire family. The screenplay is by Reed McColm and Jeff Parkin. Parkin is also directing. The cast includes: Julia Duffy, David Ogden Stiers, Joey Lawrence, and Kirby Heyborne. James Huntsman is the producer, along with Reed McColm and Jeff Parkin. Cinematography is by Brandon Christensen, and Film Editing by Duane Andersen and Jeff Parkin. AN ASGAARD ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION shot June 26, 2006--July 22, 2006, in the Provo area. THEATRICAL RELEASE DATE FALL 2007.
  
  
• Tracker: Currently in post-production (as of 12/20/2005) is a new film entitled "Tracker" written by Brittany Wiscombe and Steven Lee; directed by Brian Brough, and produced by Brian Brough, Brittany Wiscombe, and Steven Lee. The film stars newcombers Noah Sunday, Chris Coppel, and Anne Mangum as well as Chris Kendrick ("Benji Unleashed") and Lillith Fields ("Day of Defense", "Urban Legends: Blood Mary"). The film is an action/adventure feature centered around a growing hobby called Geocaching. (Geocaching is a treasure hunting game where you use a GPS to hide and seek objects with other participants.) This film is a high-paced thriller that takes the characters on a complex hunt. Filming was all over the state of Utah, including the Salt Flats, Goblin Valley, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Provo River. Production finished in October 2005. "Tracker" debuted at the 2007 LDS Film Festival.
  
  
• Una Vida Mejor: Una Vida Mejor (A Better Life) is an ensemble drama that examines, from varying points of view, some of the issues surrounding illegal immigration. The film follows three families, each participating in the American experience, and each searching for their own version of the American dream. Two of the families have crossed the Mexican border illegally to enter the United States in search of a better life. What ensues is a gritty tale of injustice that leaves the viewer questioning the definitions of "victim" and "criminal." Andrew James wrote, directed, filmed, and edited this, his first feature-length film. Mike Reynolds is the producer and composer, and Jolyn Schleiffarth is the Executive Producer. UVM played at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose, California and won the Special Jury Award the first week in March 2008.
  
  
• Vampire Chicks with Chainsaws: Imagine a horror film with no swearing, sex, or nudity. Vampire Chicks fills that bill. However, it is NOT for kids. It is a horror film with chainsaws, vampires, and aliens, so it does contain some violence. This feature length film stars Adam Abram (“The Collectors”), Sarah Bell (“Familiar Spirits”), RaeAnn Christensen (“Take a Chance”), Oleysa Rulin (“Mobsters and Mormons”), Jamie Rosquist, and Jenna Linsonbee. Directed by Carlos Don Diego. All the myths about vampires are just that. Crosses, holy water, garlic—they do absolutely nothing! The only thing that can kill a vampire has been injected into Quinn, a rough and rugged hillbilly with a chip on his shoulder. Now he is wanted by both vampires and those who want to destroy them. Quinn’s only hope of survival is Karel, a renegade vampire warrior who does the unthinkable--she falls in love with him. Watch the trailer and learn more at www.vampirechickswithchainsaws.com.
  
  
• The Way to Dance: Genre: Dance/Drama. From the creators of "Powerless" comes "The Way to Dance," an unforgettable dance drama about finding the strength to believe in yourself, no matter what life has dealt you. Kate was a dancer, and a good one. The future was hers: the excitement, the competitions, the awards. At just 16 she had it all, but then the accident happened. Not only was she scarred for life, but her injuries took away her voice. Now a reclusive mute, she lives a secluded life hidden from the world, but when she meets Danny in an Internet chatroom, he is determined to break her out of her shell. Smooth talking and not afraid to bend a few rules, Danny makes it his personal mission to get Kate back on the stage. However, as their friendship grows, Kate begins to suspect that Danny is not everything he claims to be. Directed by Matt Daniels, the film is currently in post-production after completing principle photography in August 2007. It will be released in late 2008.
  
  See also: Other Upcoming Films Not Yet in Production

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  Ranked by Box Office Ticket Sales $ Top Latter-day Saint Film Directors * (who are currently directing) 1. Kieth Merrill 2. Don Bluth 3. Richard Rich 4. Bruce Neibaur 5. Jared Hess 6. Neil LaBute 7. Perry Andelin Blake 8. Mitch Davis 9. Richard Dutcher 10. Russ Holt 11. Kurt Hale 12. Steven Ramirez 13. Gary Rogers 14. Ryan Little 15. Scott S. Anderson 16. Adam Thomas Anderegg 17. Blair Treu 18. Andrew Black 19. Sterling Van Wagenen 20. Christian Vuissa 21. John E. Moyer 22. Will Swenson 23. Kels Goodman 24. Eric Hendershot 25. Nathan Smith Jones * Based on total career North American box office gross. Detailed box office data for these directors can be found here.

  Ranked by Critical Response Latter-day Saint Feature Film Directors (who are currently working) 1. Sterling Van Wagenen 2. Neil LaBute 3. Scott S. Anderson 4. Jared Hess 5. Richard Dutcher 6. Ryan Little 7. Andrew Black 8. Blair Treu 9. Don Bluth 10. Russ Holt 11. Bruce Neibaur 12. Kels Goodman 13. Kurt Hale 14. Scott Swofford 15. Rick Schroder 16. Richard Rich 17. Nathan Smith Jones 18. Mitch Davis 19. Adam Thomas Anderegg 20. Christian Vuissa 21. Steven Ramirez 22. Gary Rogers 23. Adam Lawson 24. Perry Andelin Blake * Based on average of RottenTomatoes.com ranking combined with average review grade for theatrically released films. The RottenTomatoes.com score is the percentage of reviews that were mainly positive, out of the total number of reviews. The average review grade is an average of number, letter, and star grades, standardized to the same scale. Full data set can be found here. Because his films are older or played in a limited number of theaters, there are insufficient reviews for ranking Academy Award-winner Kieth Merrill.

  
  
  

  Best Independent LDS Videos

  Best Latter-day Saint-themed Independent Direct-to-Video Narrative Films 1. Roots & Wings (2002), dir. Christian Vuissa 2. Only Once (1998), dir. Rocco DeVilliers 3. A Pioneer Miracle (2003), dir. T.C. Christensen 4. Fourth Witness: The Mary Whitmer Story (1996), dir. Spencer Filichia 5. Christmas Mission (1998), dir. Michael L. Schaertl 6. Saturday's Warrior (1989), dir. Bob Williams 7. Dear John (2004), dir. John Lyde 8. Eliza and I (1997), dir. Richard Dutcher 9. A Truce with Death (1993), dir. Bill Shira Note that only films with Latter-day Saint characters are included on this list. Gospel-themed films, including stories from the Bible, as well as documentaries were not considered for this list. Church-produced films and feature films which had a traditional theatrical release were not considered.

  
  
  
  

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  Notes about Filmography Pages

  Abbreviations Used in Filmography Listings on this Website:
  Films listed with the word "TV" or the name of a TV/cable station, and/or listed in this color are made-for-television (or cable TV) movies or specials.
  s = short films
  V = direct-to-video
  d = documentary
  mini = TV miniseries
  mv = music video
  cv = corporate video
  sv = short video
  dv = documentary video
  IMAX = IMAX movie

  Nearly without exception, all IMAX films listed here are documentaries. Most PBS productions listed here are documentaries, so they may not be also noted with a "d".
  
  
  Additional Notes about LDS Filmography Pages
  * Names with asterisk: Published biographical sketch doesn't mention religious affilation, but person is from and/or lives in an area of Utah (or Cardston, Rexburg, etc.) in which at least 70% of the population are Latter-day Saints. Aside from those asterisk-marked filmmakers (who may or may not be LDS), all of the filmmakers and actors named on the LDS filmography pages are Latter-day Saints. With a few exceptions, all are active/practicing church members (or were while they were alive). Films have NOT been listed on these pages based on any determination of church activity, but non-practicing LDS filmmakers rarely discuss their church membership in media interviews. Hence, we are unaware of them and unable to add their films to these lists.

  ¹ Superscript 1: Latter-day Saints that are not active churchgoers, or inviduals who were previously churchgoing Latter-day Saints but no longer are. With deceased individuals (e.g. Hal Ashby), refers to individuals who were Latter-day Saints, but were not active Churchgoers during the bulk of their career and when they died.

  Note: Most films created by Latter-day Saint filmmakers are not made primarily for LDS audiences, even if they incorporate Latter-day Saint Christian values. This website is NOT any sort of "suggested viewing list." There are some great films listed here. But many of these films simply represent the work of working actors or filmmakers. Also, there are over 3,000 films listed on these pages; it would be senseless to try to see them all.

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  Mormon films/ LDS films/ Mormon Cinema/ LDS filmmakers /Mormon movies/ films by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints web page created 22 Aug. 2000. This page was last modified 23 September 2005.

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