Natl  Film Title                Weekend Gross
Rank  LDS/Mormon Filmmaker/Star   Total Gross Theaters Days
---  ----------------------------- -----------  -----  ----
15   S.W.A.T.                        1,236,611  1,278    45
     LDS character                 114,708,025

33   Le Divorce                        213,852    252    45
     Matthew Modine (actor)          8,767,532

41   The Book of Mormon Movie Vol. 1    92,634     38    10
     Gary Rogers (prod./dir./writer)   282,376
     Craig Clyde (screenplay)
     David Hales (co-producer, editor)
     Ira Baker (editor)
     Robert C. Bowden (composer)
     Actors: Bryce Chamberlain, Mark Gollaher
        Jan Broberg Felt, Cragun Foulger
        Jacque Gray, Kirby Heyborne, Michael Flynn

48   2 Fast 2 Furious                   52,465     82   108
     Paul Walker (lead actor)      127,083,765

66   Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure   13,939      7   955
     Scott Swofford (producer)      15,255,080
     Reed Smoot (cinematographer)
     Sam Cardon (composer)
     Stephen L. Johnson (editor)

68   Galapagos                           9,353      2  1424
     Reed Smoot (cinematographer)   14,086,383

78   Cremaster 3                         4,713      3   150
     Mathew Barney                     455,603
       (writer/producer/director/actor)

79   Wrong Turn                          4,273     13   115
     Eliza Dushku (lead actor)      15,417,771

88   China: The Panda Adventure          2,647      2   787
     Reed Smoot (cinematographer)    3,510,499

99   The R.M.                            1,307      2   234
     Kurt Hale (writer/director)     1,111,006
     John E. Moyer (writer)
     Dave Hunter (producer)
     Cody Hale (composer)
     Ryan Little (cinematographer)
     Actors: Kirby Heyborne, Will Swenson,
        Britani Bateman, Tracy Ann Evans
        Merrill Dodge, Michael Birkeland,
        Maren Ord, Leroy Te'o, Curt Dousett
        Wally Joyner, etc.

101  Ziggy Stardust & Spiders from Mars    913      1   439
     Mick Ronson (2nd billed actor)    162,548

In recent years Jump was best known for his long-standing role as the Maytag repairman in the TV commercial series about a repairman who is often bored because Maytag washers and dryers are so dependable... they never need repairs.

Jump's best known TV role was as station boss "Arthur Carlson" on the TV sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati." Jump reprised the role in the 2-season series "The New WKRP in Cincinnati."

Jump also played "Edward 'Ed' Malone" on "Growing Pains" (1986-1991); he played "Amos Ferguson" on the TV series "McDuff, the Talking Dog" (1976), and he played "Lucas Underwood" on "Sister Kate" (1989-1990).

Jump recently made a cameo appearance in the LDS-themed feature film "The Singles Ward." He was in the earlier temple film, playing an apostle. Jump was a voice actor for the Disney animated short film "The Small One," directed by LDS animation director Don Bluth and assistant directed by LDS animation director Richard Rich. "The Small One" is the story of the donkey that Marie rode into Bethlahem, and concludes with a scene showing Mary and Joseph on their way to the birth of the Christ child.

Jump also had guest appearances on a large number of network TV series, including: Alice; Amazing Stories; Baa Baa Black Sheep; Baywatch; The Bionic Woman; The Brady Bunch; Cade's County; Caroline in the City; City of Angels; Daniel Boone; Diff'rent Strokes; Empty Nest; Get Smart; The Golden Girls; Green Acres; The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries; Harry O; The Incredible Hulk; Kojak; The Love Boat; Married... with Children; The Mary Tyler Moore Show; Murder, She Wrote; Night Court; The Outsider; The Partridge Family; The Rockford Files; Seinfeld; Simon & Simon; Soap; Starsky and Hutch; The Streets of San Francisco; T.H.E. Cat; Who's the Boss?

MAJOR ROLES IN FILMS:
A Dog's Tale (1999; direct-to-video)
Bad Lie (1998)
Making the Grade (1984)
The Small One (1978; Disney animated short)

SMALLER ROLES IN FILMS:
The Singles Ward (2002) - "The Singles Ward" was the last theatrical release film in which Brother Jump appeared.
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
Honeymoon Academy (1990)
Moving (1988)
The Fury (1978)
House Calls (1978)
Trouble Man (1972)

SMALLER ROLES IN TV MOVIES:
Bitter Vengeance (1994)
Justin Case (1988)
Perry Mason: The Case of the Lost Love (1987)
On Fire (1987)
Gus Brown and Midnight Brewster (1985)
For Lovers Only (1982)
Midnight Offerings (1981)
Goldie and the Boxer (1979)
Ruby and Oswald (1977)
Sybil (1976)
Cop on the Beat (1975)
Starsky and Hutch (1975)
A Cry for Help
Rolling Man (1972)

"BOOK OF MORMON" PIC AT #6 NATIONWIDE, SETS RECORDS - This last weekend the gross receipts for "The Book of Mormon Movie, Vol. 1: The Journey" totaled $92,634. The film is currently playing in 38 theaters, meaning it averaged $2,438 per screen. Last weekend the film averaged $3,951 per screen when it was only playing in 29 theaters. That weekend, Daily Variety listed the movie at #6 in the nation for weekend gross per theater.

Although "The Book of Mormon Movie" did not set a record among LDS Cinema films for its opening weekend - that record still belongs to "The R.M." at $130,352 - or for the next seven days - "God's Army" holds that record, earning $186,358 during days 4 through 10 - after 10 days in theaters, "The Book of Mormon Movie" has grossed more than any previous LDS Cinema film at the same point in its run. So far, "The Book of Mormon Movie" has gross $282,376 in theaters. "God's Army", the next closest in terms of box office gross after 10 days, had grossed $274,942. In the process, "The Book of Mormon Movie" DID set a record for any LDS Cinema film's first week (from its opening on Friday through the following Thursday), grossing $189,742 during that time period. Weekly totals are perhaps even more important for LDS Cinema films than the traditionally important weekend totals, as members of the church have often chosen to use their Monday night family night activities as an opportunity to go see the latest LDS-themed flick. Monday does not typically count in the reported weekend totals.

MOVING UP THE CHARTS - The strong opening ten days of "The Book of Mormon Movie" puts Gary Rogers ahead of Latter-day Saint film director Sterling Van Wagenen (the founder of the Sundance Film Festival) in career total box office gross. In addition to the LDS-directed movies that Rogers' BoM passed in its opening weekend, this second week gross puts "The Book of Mormon Movie" ahead of Van Wagenen's Alan and Naomi (1992), and two Richard Rich feature films: "The Swan Princess 2" (1997) and "The Trumpet of the Swan" (2001).

On the LDS Cinema chart, "The Book of Mormon Movie" does not move out of the #7 spot it achieved in its opening weekend (ahead of "Out of Step" and "Handcart"). To get to Number 6, BoM will have to take in about $600,000, to pass "Jack Weyland's Charly" at $813,685.

"The Book of Mormon Movie, Vol. 1" also surpassed "SLCPunk!" on the Feature Films with LDS Main Characters box office chart. With another $138,773, "Book of Mormon" will pass "The Cremaster Cycle" (which is still in theaters).

SALT LAKE CITY WEEKLY: 1.5 STARS FOR "BOOK OF MORMON MOVIE" - http://www.slweekly.com/editorial/2003/clip_2003-09-18.cfm

TWIN FALLS, ID ARTICLE ABOUT BIGGEST INVESTOR IN ROGERS' BOOK OF MORMON MOVIE - http://www.magicvalley.com/weeklyfeatures/religion/index.asp?StoryID=2948&PubDate=2003-9-13

DESERET NEWS READER COMMENTS ABOUT ROGERS' BOOK OF MORMON MOVIE - Lots of strong opinions. No consensus. Here's where you can find these reader comments: http://deseretnews.com/movies/opinion/list/1,1273,370000391,00.html

More responses to the film:
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,515033042,00.html
http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/45579

"SAINTS AND SOLDIERS," "UNFOLDING" WIN BIG AT TEMECULA - The LDS-themed feature film "Saints and Soldiers" directed by Ryan Little and produced by Adam Abel won the Audience choice award for Best Feature Film at the prestigious Temecula Film Festival. "Saints and Soldiers" stars Latter-day Saint actors Corbin Allred, Larry Bagby Jr. and Kirby Heyborne.

"Unfolding," directed by Latter-day Saint filmmaker Christian Vuissa, won the award for Best Short Film. "Unfolding" stars Levi Larsen ("Pioneer Miracle") and features Utah broadcaster Phil Riesen, with a musical score by Thomas C. Baggaley. "Unfolding" has won too many other awards around the country at this point to recount here.

"Saints and Soldiers" is expected to be released in theaters in early 2004.

"Unfolding" is currently available for purchase only at LDS Video Store. A wider release on video and DVD to LDS bookstores nationwide is expected for October or November of this year.

More information: http://www.pe.com/localnews/southwest/stories/PE_NEWS_nsfest15.a14d3.html

"SAINTS AND SOLDIERS" WINS TOP AWARD ... AGAIN - "Saints and Soldiers" was awarded "Audience Choice, Best Picture" at the San Diego Film Festival last weekend. The LDS-themed feature film directed by Ryan Little has screened now in four film festivals. It has won the Best Picture or Audience Choice Best Picture award at ALL FOUR festivals.

"Saints and Soldiers" was directed by Canadian-born Latter-day Saint filmmaker Ryan Little, whose previous films include the critically acclaimed feature film "Out of Step" (2002) and such short films as "The Last Good War" and "Freedom on the Water" (both starring Lincoln Hoppe). Little was the cinematographer for the popular movies "The Singles Ward", "The R.M." and the upcoming comedy "The Home Teacher."

"Saints and Soldiers" was produced by Adam Abel, whose previous feature film credits include working as location manager for the LDS-themed feature films "Brigham City" (2001) and "The Singles Ward" (2002).

JOHNNY LINGO/BOOK OF MORMON RELEASES: WERE THEY TOO CLOSE TOGETHER? - "The Legend of Johnny Lingo" does not appear in this weekend's box office report. You'll be hard-pressed to find it in the theaters too, although as of Friday it was still listed in two or three theaters around Utah and some other communities around the nation. If this is truly the end of its theatrical run, it was an extremely short one, since the film was just released Labor Day weekend. The timing makes you wonder if somehow the release of "The Book of Mormon Movie" - which has drawn a lot of attention from LDS theatergoers - weakened its box office performance enough to knock "Johnny Lingo" out of the theaters prematurely. At least in Utah, you would figure that the two films are competing for a lot of the same audience. It's not that LDS theatergoers would not pay to see both films - at least we believe that they would. But some of those who had put off going to see "Johnny Lingo" for a couple of weeks might have found themselves drawn in by all the buzz to see what "The Book of Mormon Movie" was all about first, and then perhaps when theaters saw the drop in revenue for "Johnny Lingo" during the week, they decided to pull it. [Baggaley: I'd be interested to see some data about how often LDS filmgoers see a film during its opening week. I have hunch that many of them wait a few weeks before seeing any movie - but those that procrastinated may have missed their chance with "Johnny Lingo."]

There is another possibility - we'll call this the "Little Secrets" syndrome. A year ago, a wonderful film made in Utah with a largely Utah-based cast and a number of very talented members of the church involved in the production was given a limited released by TriStar Pictures (and by limited we mean by studio standards - it played in quite a few major cities across the United States). The timing was awful. The family-friendly feature was marketed largely to kids but it was released right around Labor Day Weekend - just when kids were going back to school and they weren't headed to the theaters. We imagine that in most families, during those first couple weeks of school, kids are trying to adjust to the new schedule and much of the focus is on making sure the homework gets done along with the myriad of things that go along with the beginning of the school year. Going to see a movie falls way down the list. Although "Little Secrets" was a wonderful film and received generally positive reviews, it did not do well at the box office, and within a few weeks, it was no longer to be found in theaters anywhere. Essentially what TriStar had done was to rush the film through the theaters so that they could get it onto DVD and video where they felt family-oriented films performed a lot better.

This might very well be what is happening with "The Legend of Johnny Lingo." It may have nothing to do with "The Book of Mormon Movie" after all. Much like "Little Secrets," a home video branch of a major studio has picked up "The Legend of Johnny Lingo" for video and DVD distribution - in this case MGM Home Entertainment. Both films were released just in time for school to start, and both are focusing on kids for their major marketing push - just take a look at the poster for "Johnny Lingo" and you'll see that's true. "The Legend of Johnny Lingo" opened in several communities, from Atlanta to Honolulu, where "The Book of Mormon Movie" is not playing. Yet in these communities, "The Legend of Johnny Lingo" is just as hard to find now as it is becoming in Utah. Perhaps this was all planned this way. If "Johnny Lingo" quickly pops up in video stores everywhere with plenty of time before Christmas, that will be a good clue that this was indeed the case. We'll just have to wait and see. But for now, if you've been wanting to see "The Legend of Johnny Lingo" while it's still in the theaters, you might want to hurry. If you blink, you may very well miss it.

BUZZ ON "DAY OF DEFENSE" - Some observations about the upcoming LDS-themed feature film "Day of Defense," which was directed by Adam Lawson based on a book by A. Melvin McDonald...

Aside from the home page, LDSFilm.com's "Day of Defense" webpage has has been the most visited webpage on the LDSFilm.com website over the last few days... more visited than the webpage for "The Book of Mormon Movie."

Even though the movie isn't even debuting in theaters for a few more weeks, we noticed a postcard with the movie poster hanging prominently on the cash register at the local LDS bookstore in Dallas. We assume other LDS bookstores have received these.

The store's owner saw the movie at the LDS Booksellers Convention in Utah a few weeks ago. He said it was "intense." He liked it a lot. He said it may not get a lot of play in theaters outside of Utah because it is very pro-LDS. (But that certainly won't hurt it in its video/DVD release in LDS bookstores.)

It should be no surprise that the movie is very pro-LDS. It is, after all, called "Day of DEFENSE." It is a big-screen adaptation of an openly apologetic book. ("apologetic" here means "defense of the faith," and isn't used in the sense of "apologizing").

We're thrilled to hear that this aim of the movie hasn't been overly watered down. And regardless of what local critics eventually say, there's certainly nothing wrong with a movie that promotes tolerance for a much-maligned religious minority and makes a clear case against intolerance. "Schindler's List" won the Oscar for "Best Picture," and we don't recall people complaining that it was too "pro-Jewish." (Not that Adam Lawson is necessarily the next Steven Spielberg.)

One interesting thing about "Day of Defense" is that it is the first LDS Cinema movie in which the main characters are NON-Latter-day Saints. (No, BoM doesn't count: its central characters are former day Saints). The two missionaries at the center of the controversy in "Day of Defense" are of course LDS, but they're not the main characters. The three main characters -- played by Andrew Lenz, Brooks Utley, and Michelle Wright -- are all non-LDS characters. (The actors are LDS, however.) These non-LDS characters ARE the protagonists of the movie, so it's not like "Day of Defense" is in any way against people of other faiths. This movie simply presents a reality-based situation in which prejudice against Latter-day Saints is clearly but honestly portrayed, in both open and subversive modes. The movie's main protagonist is the non-LDS attorney who defends the LDS missionaries... not unlike Atticus Finch, the white attorney who defends an African-American client in "To Kill a Mockingbird."

During the years just before World War II, Jews were absolutely the people who ran Hollywood. They founded the Hollywood film industry, at that time nearly all studio heads were Jewish. But when Hitler's mad oppression of Jews was creating havoc in Europe, not a single Jewish filmmaker touched the subject. None spoke out against the pogroms or the death camps, even though reliable news was starting to reach the U.S. about the existence of such things. Jewish filmmakers of the time sought to maximize the commercial appeal of their products, and they did not want to alienate European audiences or embroil their titles in controversy.

The first filmmaker to make a major anti-Hitler film was non-Jewish: Charlie Chaplin, with his movie "The Great Dictator," which Kathryn Bernheimer listed at #16 in her list of The 50 Greatest Jewish Movies: A Critic's Ranking of the Very Best. (http://www.adherents.com/movies/mov_judaism_top50.html). This, one of the greatest Jewish movies of all time, was directed by a non-Jew.

Now... IN NO WAY ARE WE COMPARING PREJUDICE AGAINST AND OPPRESSION OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS to the Holocaust. And WE ARE NOT COMPARING "DAY OF DEFENSE" to "Schindler's List" or "The Great Dictator." We haven't seen "Day of Defense" yet. For all we know, it might be a piece of garbage movie made by a no-talent director. Or it might be fantastic. How would we know?

All I'm saying is this... If any movie reviewer dismisses the movie simply because of its subject matter, or because it seems politically incorrect, or because it takes sides... or suggests that the movie is irredeemable simply because it exposes prejudice and defends this particular minority group... Then they're being an idiot and a bigot. There is nothing inherently wrong with this subject matter.

In no way do we think every LDS filmmaker needs to make films that "defend the faith" or expose intolerance towards their people. But such themes should not be excluded from consideration as possible serious subject matter ripe with artistic possibility. In fact, "God's Army" and "Brigham City" defended the faith and exposed intolerance toward Latter-day Saints, although these movies did so more subtly and less centrally than "Day of Defense." Those Dutcher films were praised by reviewers and received little or no serious criticism about the extent to which they were pro-LDS. Exactly where "Day of Defense" comes down in its presentation of these themes, and in its acceptance by audiences and critics, remains to be seen. We'll see when the movie debuts in theaters on October 10.

There is nothing artistically or inherently wrong with a movie that takes sides. ALL movies do this. All movies take the side of what is important to the filmmaker. All movie's promote the filmmakers' religious beliefs, whether or not the filmmaker classifies his most strongly-held beliefs under the arbitrary term "religion," or under some other term such as "values," "ideals," "exploration," "honesty," "ethnicity," "paycheck", "awards," etc. The only filmmaker who doesn't take sides is the camera operator who keeps events on C-SPAN in frame. Everybody else is making choices about what subject matter to explore, how to present that subject matter, how to edit, and millions of other decisions that promulgate his artistic (i.e., religious) vision.

"NOW PLAYING" SHOWTIMES PAGE; "SUDDENLY UNEXPECTED" COMING TO IOWA THEATER - Mark Potter's Houston-made LDS-themed independent film "Suddenly Unexpected" will be opening in Des Moines, Iowa at the Nova 10 Cinemas, 4353 Merle Hay Rd., Des Moines, Iowa starting on Thursday September 25, 2003 through Thursday October 2, 2003. Details about all LDS Cinema playing currently in theaters: http://www.ldsfilm.com/showtimes. Filmmakers, distributors or theater owners who would like the showtimes for their LDS-related films listed on this page are encouraged to send in their updates for the following weekend by noon each Wednesday.

BOOK OF MORMON MUSICAL TO PREMIERE AT JORDAN COMMONS/STARS BAGBY, GARDNER AND DODGE - The World Premiere of "I Will Go and Do" (first volume in Liken the Scriptures series) is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 27, at Jordan Commons in the Salt Lake City area. Watch the website for more information. (likenthescriptures.com)

Press release - Release Date for Episode I: "I Will Go and Do"

One South Studios is delighted to announce a release date for the first episode of "I Will Go and Do," a live action musical based on a Book of Mormon scripture story. The 43-minute musical will be released on DVD and video on 11.1.2003. It will be available online and wherever LDS products are sold.

The story finds a young Primary boy with an active imagination who responds to a loving teacher's challenge to "Liken the Scriptures" unto him. When he does, something amazing that not even his Primary teacher could predict happens.

"I Will Go and Do" features Joy Gardner ("Testaments"), Lawrence Bagby ("Hocus Pocus", "Saints and Soldiers"), Merrill Dodge ("The R.M.") and introducing Jared M. Young as Nephi.

[LDSFilm.com webmaster: Larry Bagby also had a very small part in "God's Army," and he had a major recurring role in the popular TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," neither of which utilized his rather prodigious musical talents. Gardner was the lead actress in "Testaments" and had a brief role in "The Singles Ward." Dodge played Kirby Heyborne's father in "The R.M." and plays Lehi in "Liken the Scriptures."]

Music from Episode I now online!

Be sure to check out the new look for our "Liken the Scriptures" website. It features three songs from the musical, the trailer, credits, release information and much more.

In a world where entertainment is increasingly on the decline, we are doing our best in "I Will Go and Do" to create a wonderful experience for the whole family that is both uplifting and entertaining. But we know that it will take many people spreading the word in order for it to succeed and more episodes to follow.

Thank you so much,

Dennis Agle
One South Studios

[END PRESS RELEASE]

[LDSFilm.com webmaster note: "Like the Scriptures, Vol. 1: I Will Go and Do" should not be confused with the recently released "The Book of Mormon Movie, Vol. 1: The Journey." Both cover roughly the same story in the Book of Mormon, but one is a musical and the other is not.

"Liken the Scriptures" should also not be confused with "Lycans: The CryptWars," which is also essentially the same story, but instead of Nephites and Lamanites, it uses werewolves and vampires.]

NEW IMDB.COM USER REVIEW OF "THE WORK AND THE STORY: "BRILLIANT!!" - See http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0339921/usercomments for a unique review of "The Work and the Story" - unique because its written by Nathan Jones himself. (Nathan is the director and lead actor of "The Work and the Story")

[LDSfilm.com webmaster note: Personally, we've got to wonder whether or not Nathan Jones has lived with the character he plays in the film a little too long. At times, it's hard for us to separate when it is Nathan talking and when it is "Peter". Read the review and see the film. You'll see what we mean.]

KIETH MERRILL ON GIBSON'S "THE PASSION" (MERIDIAN MAGAZINE) - Academy Award-winning Latter-day Saint film director Kieth Merrill discusses Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion." Merrill also mentions his own plans for making a movie about Jesus Christ. See http://www.meridianmagazine.com/arts/030918shared.html

ABBY SINGER: SET AT SUNDANCE, LDS LEAD CHARACTER, PLAYED BY LAPSED R.M. ACTOR - See article in the British newspaper The Observer: http://observer.guardian.co.uk/magazine/story/0,11913,1046269,00.html

LDS SMART FAMILY WORKS TO PRESERVE INTEGRITY AND ACCURACY OF THEIR STORY IN TV MOVIE - See http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,515033505,00.html

LDS MOVIE CREATORS DEFEND RELIGIOUS SONG REWRITES - See http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/45536

CHURCH-OWNED KSL CHOOSES NOT TO AIR MERITLESS, ETHICALLY BANKRUPT TV SHOW - See http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,515033143,00.html

LDS FILMMAKERS STRUGGLE TO FIND FINANCING - See http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/45537

DAILY UNIVERSE: DUTCHER TO MOVE FORWARD WITH "PROPHET" MOVIE DESPITE LACK OF FUNDING - See http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/45508

2 RICHARD PAUL EVANS MOVIES ON SALE - The eagerly-awaited 2-disc double feature DVD set featuring two movie adaptations of Richard Paul Evans novels goes on sale in video stores everywhere today. The set features the nationally broadcast movies "The Christmas Box and "Timepiece." Evans, the author of the two books these movies are adapted from, is one of the best-selling Latter-day Saint authors in history. His books are published in the national market and invariably hit the New York Times best seller list. LDS/Utah producers Allan Henderson and Chris Harding (of the Church-owned Bonneville Communications) are among the executive producers for the movies. Beth Polson was an executive producer for both. Polson is not a Latter-day Saint, but is the world's leading producer of TV movie adaptations of LDS-authored literature. "The Christmas Box" stars Richard Thomas ("John Boy" from "The Waltons"), Maureen O'Hara and Anette O'Toole. "Timepiece", the sequel to "The Christmas Box," stars James Earl Jones, Ellen Burstyn, Kevin Kilner, Naomi Watts, Jonathan Tabler, Mercedes Villamil and Richard Thomas. The main character in the two movies, played by Richard Thomas, is named "Richard Evans." Hmmm ... wonder where the author got that name?

DONORS/SUPPORTORS WELCOME FOR RICHARD DUTCHER'S "THE ELEVENTH HOUR LABORERS" - Supporters of the project are welcome to make a tax-free contribution to the "The Eleventh Hour Laborers", the non-profit documentary film currently being directed by Richard Dutcher. An honest account of the history of African-American Latter-day Saints -- going back to the time of Joseph Smith through to the present day -- this film is being made for the tremendous positive impact it can have in missionary work and member retention. Many Americans -- LDS and others, black and otherwise -- are unfamiliar with the extent of black membership in the Church, and the many ways that black Americans have been blessed by Church membership. The documentary recalls the struggles African-Americans have had with racism and slavery in this country, and points to the major changes that have taken place. Dutcher is currently interviewing prominent and lesser-known black Latter-day Saints around the country, and donations to this project will help bring the film to fruition. The documentary is produced by Rob Foster, the first black student body president at BYU and Wayne L. Lee (who is also a black Church member), the founder of the Gloria International Film Festival, which will soon be held for the 2nd time -- this time in West Valley City. This festival is the state's largest film festival for non-R-rated films.

"PIONEERS OF AFRICA" NOW ON SALE - [From press release] Pioneers of Africa: "An Inspiring Story of Those Who Paved the Way"

Based on the work of Dr. E. Dale LeBaron
Directed by Marcy Brown
Music by Sam Cardon ("Brigham City", "Mysteries of Egypt", "Someone Was Watching")

The same pioneer spirit that carried Brigham Young and his followers across the plains to Utah also found its way into other parts of the world, including Africa. The faith, dedication, and triumph of the early African pioneers over adversity are explored and celebrated in Pioneers of Africa.

Beginning in November of 1978, hundreds of West Africans dressed in white lined river banks and beaches in Nigeria and Ghana. They had come to be baptized as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many had been waiting, praying, hoping, and perservering for many years.

Pioneers of Africa tells the story of an inspiring chapter in Church history through the voices of those who lived it, blending the personal testimonies and experiences of the African Saints with interviews of Church leaders in Salt Lake who witnessed both the 1978 revelation on the priesthood and the explosiv growth of the Church in Africa.

Sister Brown's new documentary is now available on video at LDSVideo.com and at the local LDS bookstore closest to you.

ACTORS (W/IMPROV SKILL) NEEDED FOR NEW TUFTS FLICK - News from DarynTufts.com:

The BIG News

My Girlfriend's Boyfriend

The story of a girl who meets her one true love. Twice.

Written by Daryn Tufts, My Girlfriend's Boyfriend is a romantic comedy that is currently in preproduction. Directed by Charles Oliver and produced be Kent Findlay, the film is planned to be shot in Spring, 2004.

It's a hilarious and emotionally based romantic comedy that evolves to give audiences something they've never seen before.

Check back here for more details, including a movie poster that will be posted on this site very SOON!

New Mock-umentary

Daryn is currently writing and co-producing a mockumentary with Greg Kiefer of Cosmic Pictures to be shot this Christmas season (2003). As always, details are under wraps, but the film will have a strong improvisational base and will aim straight for the funny bone. If you're interested in auditioning for this film (especially if you have improvisational experience), send Daryn an email with some info on YOU.