2009 Festival Selections
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LIKE DANDELION DUST (PG-13, MM)1 hr. 50 mins.
Coming soon to theaters.
Jack and Molly Campbell enjoyed an idyllic life with their adopted 6-year-old son, Joey. One phone call shatters their world when they learn Joey’s biological father has just been released from prison and discovered a loop hole in the adoption papers. He wants to start a new life by taking back his son. How far would you go to protect your family? Based on the book by Karen Kingsbury.
Winner: Grand Jury Best Feature (Las Vegas Int’l Film Festival), Best of the Fest (Palm Springs Int’l FF), Grand Jury Best Feature (Grand Rapids FF, Las Vegas Int’l Film FF, Sonoma Int’l FF), Audience Award Best Feature (Sonoma Int’l FF, Las Vegas Int’l FF, Vail FF, Sedona Int’l FF, Stony Brook FF) .
Coming soon to theaters.
Jack and Molly Campbell enjoyed an idyllic life with their adopted 6-year-old son, Joey. One phone call shatters their world when they learn Joey’s biological father has just been released from prison and discovered a loop hole in the adoption papers. He wants to start a new life by taking back his son. How far would you go to protect your family? Based on the book by Karen Kingsbury.
Winner: Grand Jury Best Feature (Las Vegas Int’l Film Festival), Best of the Fest (Palm Springs Int’l FF), Grand Jury Best Feature (Grand Rapids FF, Las Vegas Int’l Film FF, Sonoma Int’l FF), Audience Award Best Feature (Sonoma Int’l FF, Las Vegas Int’l FF, Vail FF, Sedona Int’l FF, Stony Brook FF) .
NO GREATER LOVE (PG, M) 1 hr. 50 mins.
Coming January 2010.
After the birth of her first child, Heather Baker (Danielle Bisutti) fell into a deep depression. Hopelessly lost, she does the unthinkable, and abandons her husband and infant son. Jeff Baker (Anthony Tyler Quinn) is forced to raise Ethan as a single father. Ten years after his wife’s disappearance, Jeff is befriended by Dave Torre (Jay Underwood), who invites Ethan to attend a summer camp at his church. Jeff is overwhelmed when he discovers that serving at the camp ... is Heather. No Greater Love is a heartwarming romantic journey of forgiveness, reconciliation, and second chances.
Coming January 2010.
After the birth of her first child, Heather Baker (Danielle Bisutti) fell into a deep depression. Hopelessly lost, she does the unthinkable, and abandons her husband and infant son. Jeff Baker (Anthony Tyler Quinn) is forced to raise Ethan as a single father. Ten years after his wife’s disappearance, Jeff is befriended by Dave Torre (Jay Underwood), who invites Ethan to attend a summer camp at his church. Jeff is overwhelmed when he discovers that serving at the camp ... is Heather. No Greater Love is a heartwarming romantic journey of forgiveness, reconciliation, and second chances.
SARAH'S CHOICE (PG, M) 1 hr. 40 mins.
Coming November 17, 2009.
Sarah Collins is a young woman on the rise. As a junior account executive at a major ad agency, Sarah is poised to get it all: executive promotion, salary increase, new car, fabulous apartment and first-class travel. There’s only one thing that’s going to keep her from getting it...
Starring Rebecca St. James, Sarah’s Choice is a powerful, uplifting film that shows us that God can redeem even the most difficult circumstances, if we let him.
Coming November 17, 2009.
Sarah Collins is a young woman on the rise. As a junior account executive at a major ad agency, Sarah is poised to get it all: executive promotion, salary increase, new car, fabulous apartment and first-class travel. There’s only one thing that’s going to keep her from getting it...
Starring Rebecca St. James, Sarah’s Choice is a powerful, uplifting film that shows us that God can redeem even the most difficult circumstances, if we let him.
TO SAVE A LIFE (PG-13, MM) 2 hrs. 5 mins.
Coming to theaters January 2010.
For Jake Taylor, life is good. He has friends, fame, a basketball scholarship, a future and the hottest girl in the school. Enter Roger Dawson, Jake’s childhood best friend before Jake’s popularity goes into high gear. Miserable and mad over being on the outside of Jake’s, or anybody’s inner circle, he walks onto campus with a gun in his pocket and pain in his heart, and makes a tragic move.
Jake is devastated and something in him changes. One question plagues him the most... Could I have saved him?
Coming to theaters January 2010.
For Jake Taylor, life is good. He has friends, fame, a basketball scholarship, a future and the hottest girl in the school. Enter Roger Dawson, Jake’s childhood best friend before Jake’s popularity goes into high gear. Miserable and mad over being on the outside of Jake’s, or anybody’s inner circle, he walks onto campus with a gun in his pocket and pain in his heart, and makes a tragic move.
Jake is devastated and something in him changes. One question plagues him the most... Could I have saved him?
WHAT IF... (Not yet rated) 2 hrs. (expected)
Fifteen years ago, Ben Walker made a decision to leave the love of his life Wendy, and ultimately his faith, in order to pursue riches and success in the business world. Now on the verge of marriage to an equally materialistic fiance, he is visited by an angelic mechanic who tells him that he needs to see what his life would have been like had he followed God’s calling. Starring Kevin Sorbo (”Hercules”), Kristy Swanson (Buff y, the Vampire Slayer), Debby Ryan (Disney's ”Suite Life On Deck”), and John Ratzenberger (”Cheers”).
EXCLUSIVE TEST SCREENING: Be the first to see an exclusive early preview of the film before it is released in 2010. Attendees will be given a chance to provide feedback.
Fifteen years ago, Ben Walker made a decision to leave the love of his life Wendy, and ultimately his faith, in order to pursue riches and success in the business world. Now on the verge of marriage to an equally materialistic fiance, he is visited by an angelic mechanic who tells him that he needs to see what his life would have been like had he followed God’s calling. Starring Kevin Sorbo (”Hercules”), Kristy Swanson (Buff y, the Vampire Slayer), Debby Ryan (Disney's ”Suite Life On Deck”), and John Ratzenberger (”Cheers”).
EXCLUSIVE TEST SCREENING: Be the first to see an exclusive early preview of the film before it is released in 2010. Attendees will be given a chance to provide feedback.
WITH OPEN EYES (PG-13,MM) 1 hr. 50 mins
With Open Eyes is a feature length documentary that follows five Americans on an extraordinary journey throughout Sudan as they meet the people who have been most affected by two decades of ethnic cleansing and genocide.
Throughout their journey, they witness the devastation of war, and experience the pain the Sudanese people are facing. The film raises awareness of the atrocities occurring in Sudan, and shows that any individual can make a difference.
With Open Eyes is a feature length documentary that follows five Americans on an extraordinary journey throughout Sudan as they meet the people who have been most affected by two decades of ethnic cleansing and genocide.
Throughout their journey, they witness the devastation of war, and experience the pain the Sudanese people are facing. The film raises awareness of the atrocities occurring in Sudan, and shows that any individual can make a difference.
IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE (PG, M) 1 hr. 35 mins.
Detective David Ramsey hits a horrible crossroad when he discovers his wife and friends have suddenly disappeared from his yacht at sea. As David begins to unravel the mystery, he is shocked to awake and discover it was just a nightmare, or was it? Caught in a recurring turmoil of foreseen tragedy, David unravels the evidence surrounding Biblical prophecies of an impending apocalypse.
Detective David Ramsey hits a horrible crossroad when he discovers his wife and friends have suddenly disappeared from his yacht at sea. As David begins to unravel the mystery, he is shocked to awake and discover it was just a nightmare, or was it? Caught in a recurring turmoil of foreseen tragedy, David unravels the evidence surrounding Biblical prophecies of an impending apocalypse.
FAITH HAPPENS (PG-13, MM) 2 hrs.
Nine-year old Amy, who, in her own words ‘has been grown up a long time’, begins to wonder why things happen and whether God is really looking after us. She will soon discover that miracles do happen, even when God is not always easy to understand.
“Faith Happens” is a carefully woven tapestry of how God interacts in people’s lives, intersecting at the point of faith. It is a hard-hitting drama that is rich with the ‘stuff of life’, and takes the viewer on a personal journey from the heart to the soul.
Nine-year old Amy, who, in her own words ‘has been grown up a long time’, begins to wonder why things happen and whether God is really looking after us. She will soon discover that miracles do happen, even when God is not always easy to understand.
“Faith Happens” is a carefully woven tapestry of how God interacts in people’s lives, intersecting at the point of faith. It is a hard-hitting drama that is rich with the ‘stuff of life’, and takes the viewer on a personal journey from the heart to the soul.
THE HEART OF TEXAS (PG, M) 1 hr. 10 mins.
When tragedy pierces the heart of a small community on the quiet Texas plains, its townspeople witness what can happen when grace and forgiveness triumph over anguish and outrage. Against the clamorous traffic of our crowded lives, a story of such tender mercy can seem more of a work of fiction or a wishful tale...yet every moment of this unbelievable story is true.
“So seldom do you find a story that is so heartbreaking, and yet so uplifting. The Heart of Texas is an astonishing film that everyone should see.” -Josh D. McDowell
“An unforgettable story of forgiveness.” -Michael Landon, Jr.
When tragedy pierces the heart of a small community on the quiet Texas plains, its townspeople witness what can happen when grace and forgiveness triumph over anguish and outrage. Against the clamorous traffic of our crowded lives, a story of such tender mercy can seem more of a work of fiction or a wishful tale...yet every moment of this unbelievable story is true.
“So seldom do you find a story that is so heartbreaking, and yet so uplifting. The Heart of Texas is an astonishing film that everyone should see.” -Josh D. McDowell
“An unforgettable story of forgiveness.” -Michael Landon, Jr.
SET APART (PG, N) 1 hr. 45 mins.
Four troubled inner-city kids reach a crossroad in their young lives when they are invited by a local pastor to spend the summer out West. As they hit the road for the wide-open expanses of the mountains, little do these kids realize that a summer of adventure, challenge, and big dreams will change their outlook on life.
Four troubled inner-city kids reach a crossroad in their young lives when they are invited by a local pastor to spend the summer out West. As they hit the road for the wide-open expanses of the mountains, little do these kids realize that a summer of adventure, challenge, and big dreams will change their outlook on life.
THE RIVER WITHIN (PG, M) 1 hr. 50 mins.
“What am I doing here?” is a question that has haunted Jason ever since he heard his dad utter it prior to his death.
Now fresh out of law school, Jason returns to the small Southern town he grew up in, and will soon discover that each of our lives has a purpose, whether we know it or not.
“What am I doing here?” is a question that has haunted Jason ever since he heard his dad utter it prior to his death.
Now fresh out of law school, Jason returns to the small Southern town he grew up in, and will soon discover that each of our lives has a purpose, whether we know it or not.
FAITH LIKE POTATOES (PG, M) 2 hrs. 5 mins.
The seed for a great miracle lies not in difficulty, but impossibility.
“Faith Like Potatoes” is the inspiring true story of Angus Buchan, a rugged South African farmer, whose manic quest for material success is slowly transformed into a wild love for God and people, as he wrestles with faith, hope, natural disasters and personal loss.
The seed for a great miracle lies not in difficulty, but impossibility.
“Faith Like Potatoes” is the inspiring true story of Angus Buchan, a rugged South African farmer, whose manic quest for material success is slowly transformed into a wild love for God and people, as he wrestles with faith, hope, natural disasters and personal loss.
GIFTED HANDS (NR, M) 1 hr. 40 mins.
Oscar® winner Cuba Gooding Jr. stars in this true story about a renowned brain surgeon who overcame obstacles to change the course of medicine forever. Young Ben Carson didn’t have much of a chance. Growing up in a broken home amongst poverty and prejudice, his grades suffered and his temper flared. And yet, his mother never lost her faith in him. Insisting he follow the opportunities she never had, she helped to grow his imagination, intelligence and, most importantly, his belief in himself. That faith would be his gift - the thing that would drive him to follow his dream of becoming one of the world’s leading neurosurgeons.
Oscar® winner Cuba Gooding Jr. stars in this true story about a renowned brain surgeon who overcame obstacles to change the course of medicine forever. Young Ben Carson didn’t have much of a chance. Growing up in a broken home amongst poverty and prejudice, his grades suffered and his temper flared. And yet, his mother never lost her faith in him. Insisting he follow the opportunities she never had, she helped to grow his imagination, intelligence and, most importantly, his belief in himself. That faith would be his gift - the thing that would drive him to follow his dream of becoming one of the world’s leading neurosurgeons.
MANDIE AND THE SECRET TUNNEL (PG, O) 1 hr. 50 mins.
In 1899, Mandie’s life changes when her Cherokee friends help her escape to a mansion that holds the secrets of her past and the key to her future! “MANDIE and the SECRET TUNNEL,” is the first feature-length movie based on the MANDIE books by Lois Leppard.
“An awesome adventure that everyone in the family should see,” raves The Dove Foundation.
In 1899, Mandie’s life changes when her Cherokee friends help her escape to a mansion that holds the secrets of her past and the key to her future! “MANDIE and the SECRET TUNNEL,” is the first feature-length movie based on the MANDIE books by Lois Leppard.
“An awesome adventure that everyone in the family should see,” raves The Dove Foundation.
SAVING GOD (PG-13, MM) 1 hr. 50 mins.
After serving 15 years for manslaughter, reformed pastor Armstrong Cane (Ving Rhames, Mission Impossible, Con Air) is determined to make amends with the neighborhood he abandoned. Returning to his late father's church, he reaches out to Norris (Dwain Murphy, How She Move), a teen on a path to self-destruction. While trying to help Norris, Armstrong must deal with his past history of violence and make sure he doesn’t fall again. Can people really change or does the past overcome one’s fight to conquer evil?
After serving 15 years for manslaughter, reformed pastor Armstrong Cane (Ving Rhames, Mission Impossible, Con Air) is determined to make amends with the neighborhood he abandoned. Returning to his late father's church, he reaches out to Norris (Dwain Murphy, How She Move), a teen on a path to self-destruction. While trying to help Norris, Armstrong must deal with his past history of violence and make sure he doesn’t fall again. Can people really change or does the past overcome one’s fight to conquer evil?
The Cross (PG, M) 1 hr. 40 mins.
How do you live a life of purpose and destiny? One step at a time.
“The Cross” is an inspiring documentary about a man who carried the Gospel and a cross to every nation on earth. Audiences will laugh and cry as they experience Arthur Blessit’s 40-year journey through war zones, firing squads, deadly jungles, city streets and poor villages.
How do you live a life of purpose and destiny? One step at a time.
“The Cross” is an inspiring documentary about a man who carried the Gospel and a cross to every nation on earth. Audiences will laugh and cry as they experience Arthur Blessit’s 40-year journey through war zones, firing squads, deadly jungles, city streets and poor villages.
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER (PG-13, MM) 1 hr. 40 mins.
As Phil Walden wanders the streets of his deserted hometown, the memories of a fateful childhood summer return. The summer he grew up. The summer that turned this once idyllic paradise upside down. The summer the stranger came to town....
“One of the best cutting edge movies to probe the human condition,” says MovieGuide.
As Phil Walden wanders the streets of his deserted hometown, the memories of a fateful childhood summer return. The summer he grew up. The summer that turned this once idyllic paradise upside down. The summer the stranger came to town....
“One of the best cutting edge movies to probe the human condition,” says MovieGuide.
THE LOST AND FOUND FAMILY (PG, M) 1 hr. 40 mins.
Five guarded and confused foster children. Two loving, but weary, foster parents. One former socialite. Put them all under one dilapidated roof and you get eight unique individuals in a house. Or maybe it becomes the family they’ve all been longing for.... The Lost and Found Family reminds us that God brings out the best in us when we show His love and compassion to those in need.
Featuring Lucas Till (Hannah Montana: The Movie)
Five guarded and confused foster children. Two loving, but weary, foster parents. One former socialite. Put them all under one dilapidated roof and you get eight unique individuals in a house. Or maybe it becomes the family they’ve all been longing for.... The Lost and Found Family reminds us that God brings out the best in us when we show His love and compassion to those in need.
Featuring Lucas Till (Hannah Montana: The Movie)
FIREPROOF (PG, M) 2 hrs. 5 mins.
See it on the big screen again!
Lt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. Inside burning buildings, it's his natural instinct. In the cooling embers of his marriage, it's another story. After a decade of marriage, Caleb and Catherine Holt have drifted so far apart that they are ready to move on without each other....
Is there any hope, or is this another marriage destined to go up in smoke?
See it on the big screen again!
Lt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. Inside burning buildings, it's his natural instinct. In the cooling embers of his marriage, it's another story. After a decade of marriage, Caleb and Catherine Holt have drifted so far apart that they are ready to move on without each other....
Is there any hope, or is this another marriage destined to go up in smoke?
HOLYMAN UNDERCOVER (PG, M) 1 hr. 40 mins.
Meet Roy Weichbrodt as he says farewell to the farm and hello to Hollywood. Roy heads to Los Angeles to be a missionary, and instead finds fame and fortune playing Satan on a top-rated television show. There, Roy meets the girl of his dreams. As Roy pursues her love, his dream quickly vanishes when scheming networks, a powerful producer and a temperamental co-star turn his life into the world's worst reality show.
Featuring an uplifting, inspirational message and an all-star cast.
Meet Roy Weichbrodt as he says farewell to the farm and hello to Hollywood. Roy heads to Los Angeles to be a missionary, and instead finds fame and fortune playing Satan on a top-rated television show. There, Roy meets the girl of his dreams. As Roy pursues her love, his dream quickly vanishes when scheming networks, a powerful producer and a temperamental co-star turn his life into the world's worst reality show.
Featuring an uplifting, inspirational message and an all-star cast.
THE MEASURE OF A MAN (PG, N) 40 mins.
We live in a culture that bombards us with differing opinions on what defines true worth. In this provocative documentary, director Stephanie Carrillo, searches for the answer to the question: “What is the measure of a man?” As she attempts to discover the truth, her journey takes her to Nick Vujicic, whose very life may be the answer she is looking for.
We live in a culture that bombards us with differing opinions on what defines true worth. In this provocative documentary, director Stephanie Carrillo, searches for the answer to the question: “What is the measure of a man?” As she attempts to discover the truth, her journey takes her to Nick Vujicic, whose very life may be the answer she is looking for.
HEARING EVERETT (PG, N) 1 hr. 15 mins.
Thirty-eight years ago, Ed Everett went to Mexico to help the poor. What began as a simple trip became a path to destiny as the young father of six seized a unique opportunity, one for which he was unusually suited. Hearing Everett is a story of faith, love, and adventure, of one man’s legacy and its lasting effect on thousands.
Thirty-eight years ago, Ed Everett went to Mexico to help the poor. What began as a simple trip became a path to destiny as the young father of six seized a unique opportunity, one for which he was unusually suited. Hearing Everett is a story of faith, love, and adventure, of one man’s legacy and its lasting effect on thousands.
SUNSET (PG, M) 1 hr. 40 mins.
Josie’s creative motivation is challenged as she struggles to balance her artistic aspirations with taking care of her aging grandfather, Nathan, in the early stages of Alzheimer's.
Local director Ryen Thomas will be in attendance.
Josie’s creative motivation is challenged as she struggles to balance her artistic aspirations with taking care of her aging grandfather, Nathan, in the early stages of Alzheimer's.
Local director Ryen Thomas will be in attendance.
THE LION OF JUDAH (PG, O) 1 hr. 35 mins.
Coming to theaters soon!
The Lion of Judah is a laugh-filled, heart-warming story seen through the eyes of a zany cast of stable animals. Take an eye-opening adventure with a lovable pig (Horace), a faint-hearted horse (Monty), a finicky rat (Slink), a rambling rooster (Drake), a motherly cow (Esmay), a downtrodden donkey (Jack) and a heroic lamb (Judah) and you’ve got a classic in the making. Upon learning that Judah has been trapped, the stablemates leave their cozy barn and embark on a hilariously funny series of adventures to find and free their friend.
Coming to theaters soon!
The Lion of Judah is a laugh-filled, heart-warming story seen through the eyes of a zany cast of stable animals. Take an eye-opening adventure with a lovable pig (Horace), a faint-hearted horse (Monty), a finicky rat (Slink), a rambling rooster (Drake), a motherly cow (Esmay), a downtrodden donkey (Jack) and a heroic lamb (Judah) and you’ve got a classic in the making. Upon learning that Judah has been trapped, the stablemates leave their cozy barn and embark on a hilariously funny series of adventures to find and free their friend.
VEGGIE TALES: SAINT NICHOLAS (NR - appropriate for all ages) 1 hr.
Laura Carrot’s stocking might be empty this year because her dad is in danger of losing his job. While Larry thinks a letter to the North Pole should fix the problem, Bob knows what will really help and tells the story of a little boy named Nicholas who made a discovery in Bethlehem that changed Christmas forever. Join the Veggies as they discover the true joy of giving to others – at Christmas time and throughout the year!
Laura Carrot’s stocking might be empty this year because her dad is in danger of losing his job. While Larry thinks a letter to the North Pole should fix the problem, Bob knows what will really help and tells the story of a little boy named Nicholas who made a discovery in Bethlehem that changed Christmas forever. Join the Veggies as they discover the true joy of giving to others – at Christmas time and throughout the year!
VEGGIE TALES: MINNESOTA CUKE AND THE SEARCH FOR NOAH'S UMBRELLA
(NR - appropriate for all ages) 1 hr.
Larry the Cucumber is Minnesota Cuke, a children’s museum curator and part-time detective hired to find the famous Noah’s Ark. But his search gets complicated when he learns of Noah’s mysterious and powerful umbrella ... and a clever villain who wants it for his own selfish gain!
(NR - appropriate for all ages) 1 hr.
Larry the Cucumber is Minnesota Cuke, a children’s museum curator and part-time detective hired to find the famous Noah’s Ark. But his search gets complicated when he learns of Noah’s mysterious and powerful umbrella ... and a clever villain who wants it for his own selfish gain!
VEGGIE TALES: ABE AND THE AMAZING PROMISE (NR-appropriate for all ages) 1 hr.
Junior Asparagus is anxious for the new show production to be finished. Bob the Tomato responds to a fan's letter about "waiting" by directing a Bible-times interview with Abraham, Sarah and their promised son. Bob & Junior's patience is tested by splitting camels, a confused nurse, an easily distracted film crew, and a host of other laughable filming disasters!
Junior Asparagus is anxious for the new show production to be finished. Bob the Tomato responds to a fan's letter about "waiting" by directing a Bible-times interview with Abraham, Sarah and their promised son. Bob & Junior's patience is tested by splitting camels, a confused nurse, an easily distracted film crew, and a host of other laughable filming disasters!
CONTENT GUIDE
The Projecting Hope Film Festival endeavors to showcase films that inspire, uplift, and encourage. Sometimes these films deal with complex and mature issues, and are not suitable for all audiences. To better inform our patrons, we will use the following guide to indicate films with adult themes and content.
(A) - Appropriate for all ages.
(O) - Older children and up. Some scenes may be scary for younger kids.
(N) - Nothing objectionable, but not of interest for children.
(M) - Deals with some Mature Themes. Inappropriate for children.
(MM) - Strong Mature Themes. May contain mild language, violence and thematic elements that are intended for mature teens and adults only. Viewer discretion advised.
The Projecting Hope Film Festival endeavors to showcase films that inspire, uplift, and encourage. Sometimes these films deal with complex and mature issues, and are not suitable for all audiences. To better inform our patrons, we will use the following guide to indicate films with adult themes and content.
(A) - Appropriate for all ages.
(O) - Older children and up. Some scenes may be scary for younger kids.
(N) - Nothing objectionable, but not of interest for children.
(M) - Deals with some Mature Themes. Inappropriate for children.
(MM) - Strong Mature Themes. May contain mild language, violence and thematic elements that are intended for mature teens and adults only. Viewer discretion advised.
