The 2015 Christian Worldview Film Festival is a week I will never forget. Not only did I learn a lot in regards to filmmaking, but I made new friends, connected with old friends, cried and laughed as I watched films made by fellow filmmakers, and really grew spiritually.
I appreciated how Philip Telfer (the CWVFF director) and all the speakers not only were passionate about sharing their knowledge but also in directing the focus towards Christ and glorifying God. Their humble attitudes showed through in all they did.
The filmmakers guild was March 10-12th and included many amazing teachers such as John Fornof, George Escobar, Andrew Garcia, Rebekah Cook, John-Clay Burnett, Brett Varvel, Joel Jost, Jurgen Beck and many more!
In fact, every hour of workshops there were so many good choices it was hard to know where to go. I liked the fact that having so many workshops made each one a bit smaller and more personal so we could get involved and ask questions.
The workshops ranged in topic from composing music, to acting, to color grading, to being able to have hands-on experience with a grip truck, etc. . . . there was always an option for everyone!
The worship in the mornings and the general sessions were a great blessing to me personally and I know to many others as well.
On Thursday afternoon it transitioned over into the festival. I didn’t get to see all the films I wanted to over the next couple days, but I really enjoyed the ones I did see including Polycarp, Princess Cut, Wanted, Roses, Where Was God, all the promotional films, and a few others.
Throughout the guild and festival Andrew and I enjoyed having a booth for the MWCFA and making many great connections. The networking lunches and going out to eat in the evening with friends was awesome fellowship!
Saturday evening was the official CWVFF award ceremonies. I had enjoyed hearing Johnson Strings and The Bontrager Family the previous two evenings, and it was a treat to hear the Josties Saturday night.
After the music and opening comments, a different sponsor announced each category. When they’d announced the 6 finalists for the promotional category (including our film) I was excited but not expecting to win since there were so many great films entered this year.
They announced the runner-up, and then it was quite suspenseful as we waited for the winner to be announced. Finally they revealed that the promotional film we had worked on with all of our wonderful staff and students won first place! Praise the Lord!
Our director Andrew Bartlett gave a short speech and we got a group photo (which we don’t have yet). After the awards ceremony had finished, the evening was bittersweet as we visited with friends and said our goodbyes. What an unforgettable night!
During the week, Andrew and I enjoyed being able to connect with several of our online academy teachers, and also John-Clay Burnett of our on-set academy and two students from last year’s academy.
We look forward to posting some of the interviews we got with a few of the online teachers in the near future. For now, here are some photos for you to enjoy!
Lord willing I am already planning to attend next year and can’t wait!
For those of you who attended this year, what did you come away with?
