The Debate Over Christian Movie Makers

A question that came up in our conversation was one that I have heard from several different people, as I am both a filmmaker and a professing Christian: are you a Christian filmmaker, or are you a Christian who makes films?

This question brings up an interesting state of thought. Is there really a distinction? Can you be one or the other, or is it all the same?

When I set out to make my most recent film, Find Me, I didn’t want it to be a "Christian Film." I wanted it to be a good film that people would be drawn to because it was entertaining and had a great story. As an individual who professes faith in God, I wanted to have a message within the film that would cause the viewer to take a look at his/her life and ask what they believe and why they believe it.

This poses another question. As a Christian, is it ok to make a film that is nothing more than entertainment – a film that has no message or theme?

For me, knowing the power that visual media has on people and our culture, I would have a hard time making a film without a message or a purpose. I believe that when someone sits down to watch one of my movies, they are giving me an opportunity that I might not have in a face to face conversation. They are sitting in front of that movie for an hour and a half and basically letting me tell them whatever I want.

When you are talking with someone and they don’t like what you are saying, they will most likely shut you down or end the conversation. With a movie, for some reason, they will take it in. They might not agree with the message, but they will usually sit through the entire movie and then leave with something to think about.

Back to the original question - am I a Christian filmmaker or a Christian who makes films? When I was writing Find Me, I wanted to cause the viewer to see several different religious views through the different characters. The lead – Paul – has had an experience with God, but is not sure what it is all about. His friend Jess has a Catholic background and is familiar with tradition, but really knows nothing of God or the person of Jesus. The Senator and his family are very aware of who they are in Christ and have a strong relationship with their Creator. The kidnapper is angry and blames God for all of his problems.

Through the course of the movie, you see how the different characters react to the clues left behind by the kidnapper. He uses scripture to lead them to the location of the kidnapped Senator’s son. My goal was to show viewers the different ways people see God and religion. I was hoping they would see themselves in one of the characters, identifying with one of them, and that this would cause them to take a look at their life and beliefs.

As I said earlier, when I started out, I did not want Find Me to be a "Christian Film." I was afraid that if it was seen in that light, people would not give it a chance and would write it off as a cheaply made film or something they might not want to see because of the message.

When I wrote the script, I was very careful to not become too preachy or cliché. I wanted to keep the "cheese" factor at a minimum. I was careful not to use Christian-ese terms or language. I feel bad saying this, but the fact is that the majority of Christian films are so focused on the message that the story and acting lack.

Once the rough cut of Find Me was completed and I watched it all the way through for the first time, I was amazed at how strong the message was in the film. When you read the script you pick up on it, but when you watch the film it is right there staring you in the eye.

At first I did not like it. I re-cut it to take it back a couple of notches, but in reality there was nothing I could do; this film has a Christian message. Don’t get me wrong. My intent was always to have an underlying Christian message, but – in the end – the final product had a lot stronger Christian theme than I expected.

Am I a Christian filmmaker, or a Christian who makes films?

I would have to say that I am both. I wrote Find Me’s story and what came out of my heart was a strong Christian message. As much as I wanted to tone it down, it didn’t matter. What was in my heart came out on the page, and then onto the screen. Whether I like it or not, I am a Christian who makes Christian films. And I am ok with that. I don't think I could make a film without a redemptive message, or one that didn't point people to an answer for life in God.

I do think it is possible to make a film that is engaging, has a very low cheese factor, and delivers a strong Christian message. That is my main goal and my life’s purpose.

Are You Christian Filmmaker or a Christian Who Makes Films?

Tracy Trost has done his philosophizing, but what about you? Which category do you fit in and why?

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