11TH LDS FILM FESTIVAL 2012
JANUARY 25-28, 2012 | SCERA CENTER, OREM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

Tickets for all events are available beginning Monday, January 16, at 801-225-ARTS, online at scera.org or at the door. Click here for admissions information.

All events are open to the public and take place at the SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem (745 South State Street).

10:00 am | LDS Film Forum:
LDS Film Forum & Panel
Scera Room B1

Scriptural Poetics for Filmmakers

The LDS Film Forum discusses distinctive ways scripture narratives tell stories and how this can affect our scriptwriting and filmmaking. The forum includes film and script clips, a filmmaking website, quotes from an online paper, and applications to the Book of Mormon film Corianton: A Story of Unholy Love, the new biblical films shot by the Church on the sets in Goshen, and other biblical era and Book of Mormon era pieces in development.

Participants are James D'Arc, Dennis Packard, Preston Campbell, Jason McDonald, Jay Packard, and Guy Galli. Moderated by Katherine Morris.

Time:
Saturday, January 28, 10:00 am, Scera Room B1

10:00 am | Feature Film:
Unicorn City
Scera Showhouse II

Comedy, 96 minutes, color, 2011
Rating: PG
Official Website: Unicorn City
Director: Bryan Lefler; Writer: Adrian Lefler, Bryan Lefler; Producer: Adrian Lefler, Courtney Russell; Executive Producer: Ken Bretschneider, Tom Lefler; Director of Photography: Brandon Christensen; Production Designer: Whitney Donald; Original Score: Emily Hope Price; Editor: Bryan Lefler, Jared Cook.
Cast: Devin McGinn, Jaclyn Hales, Jon Gries, Matt Mattson, Steve Berg, Missy Hill, Clint Vanderlinden, and Kevin Weisman.

Synopsis:
Voss entices local gamers to create a utopia to impress a potential employer, but paradise is disrupted when his nemesis lays claim to the city and Voss’s true love. Unicorn City is a hilarious, epic tale for anyone who wants to become what they pretend to be.

Q&A with the filmmakers after the screening.

Screenings:
Friday, January 27, 7:30 pm, Scera Showhouse II
Saturday, January 28, 10:00 am, Scera Showhouse II

10:00 am | Feature Film:
Stand Strong
Scera Xango Grand Theatre

Drama, 91 minutes, color, 2010
Official Website: Stand Strong
Writer, Director: Amy Kenney; Producer: Shawn Kenney; Director of Photography: Roderick A. Santiano; Original Score: Russ Whitelock; Editor: John Lyde.
Cast: Chris Steele, Alison Trouse, Jon McKenzie, Shelby Smith, Sachary Platt, Aura Kenney, Nathan Dobbin, Charlotte Sheffield, Davynee Smith, Alex Gilson, Stacey Turner, Bryce Bishop, Dave Young, Tamara Resendes, Bryan Moss, Stephanie Goodman, Ricky Egan, David Peterson.

Synopsis:
Matt Webster measures his success by his possessions. Though he appears to have it all, pride of ownership does little to fill the void of a purposeless life. Broken relationships, isolation and pain for himself and his family, are the result of his pride and selfishness. Through a series of financial and family crises, Matt and his family are stripped of all they own and are humbled enough to learn what success is really all about.

Q&A with the filmmakers after the screening.

Screenings:
Thursday, January 26, 7:30 pm, Scera Showhouse II
Saturday, January 28, 10:00 am, Scera Xango Grand Theatre

12:00 pm | Presentation:
John Uibel, Scott Smiley
Scera Room B1

Under the direction of the First Presidency, the Media Services Department was recently given approval to re-create the most-requested scenes from the standard works, beginning with the New Testament. John and Scott have both been working on this project from the beginning, and last summer the first 46 vignettes taken from the New Testament were being filmed at a large Jerusalem film set constructed on Church-owned property in Goshen, Utah. An international cast hailing from across the United States and Europe was assembled, along with several hundred background players. John and Scott will offer unique insights into this ground-breaking project and show some of the footage from the production.

Time:
Saturday, January 28, 12:00 pm, Scera Room B1

12:00 pm | Feature Film:
The Last Eagle Scout
Scera Xango Grand Theatre

Drama/Comedy/Social Satire, 110 minutes, color, 2012
Official Website: The Last Eagle Scout
Director: Kels Goodman; Writer, Producer: Kels Goodman, Danna Tanner; Executive Producer: Kels Goodman; Director of Photography: Tahlee Booher; Production Designer: Clark Shafer; Original Score: J Bateman; Editor: Kels Goodman.
Cast: Nick Whitaker, Jaci Twiss, Andrew Cotrill, Dallin Boyce, Scott Christopher, Chris Laird, Michael Flynn.

Synopsis:
In the not-so-distant future, society has allowed political correctness to go beyond the point of the absurd. For years the Boy Scouts have been under the government microscope and finally have been mandated to close their doors for good. Boy Scout Cliff Elliot stirs the pot as he tries to cling to the last shreds of patriotism and earn his Eagle Scout Award. In this dramedy, watch as Cliff jumps through ridiculous hoops, avoids the bumbling antics of government cronies, and tries to escape murderous plots against him, as he sets out to accomplish what he sees as the ultimate honor—becoming the Last Eagle Scout.

Q&A with the filmmakers after the screening.

Screenings:
Friday, January 27, 7:00 pm, Scera Xango Grand Theatre
Saturday, January 28, 12:00 pm, Scera Xango Grand Theatre

12:15 pm | Feature Film:
Boy With Blue
Scera Showhouse II

Drama/Experimental, 93 minutes, color, 2012
Director: David Liddell Thorpe; Writer: Matthew Greene; Producer: David Liddell Thorpe, A Cory Anderson, Jared Cook, Amanda Cook; Executive Producer: David Liddell Thorpe, A Cory Anderson; Director of Photography: Derek Pueblo, Scott Winn; Production Designer: Amanda Cook, Tess Kelly; Editor: David Liddell Thorpe.
Cast: David H. Stevens, Kymberly Mellen, Ben Isaacs, Heidi Anderson.

Synopsis:
This powerful emotional drama was shot in just 24 hours. Four years after a horrific accident, Alex and Jackie Orton struggle to keep their worlds from falling apart. When an unwelcome visitor from the past reveals a secret they never imagined could possibly be, the couple's marriage and all that they thought they knew comes into question. Boy With Blue is the emotional journey of a couple coming to terms with a harrowing loss, and finding redemption through unimagined blessings.

Q&A with the filmmakers after the screening.

Screenings:
Thursday, January 26, 2:30 pm, Scera Xango Grand Theatre
Saturday, January 28, 12:15 pm, Scera Showhouse II

1:00 pm | Presentation:
David Hunter
Scera Room B1

David is the founder of Halestorm Entertainment and has produced several feature films, including The Singles Ward, The R.M., and Church Ball. Recently he produced A Christmas Wish, which aired on the Hallmark Channel and received two nominations for the 20th Movieguide Awards. He is also the executive producer of Nitro Circus: The Movie, which will be released later this year. David will talk about the business of producing and show clips from his most recent work.

Time:
Saturday, January 28, 1:00 pm, Scera Room B1

2:00 pm | Feature Film:
Corianton: A Story of Unholy Love
Scera Xango Grand Theatre

Drama, 107 minutes, black/white, 1931
Director: Wilfrid North; Screenplay: Wilfrid North; Producer: Lester Park; Director of Photography: George Peters, Walter Strenge; Production Designer: Joseph Physioc; Original Score: Edgar Stillman Kelley; Editor: Russell Shields.
Cast: Eric Alden, Theo Pennington, Alis Frost, Emil Yousoff, James Phillips, Charles Edwards, Reginald Barlow, Herschel Mayall, H.H. McCullum, Ignacio Martinnetti, Joseph Smiley.

Synopsis:
In this film adaptation of a novella by Brigham H. Roberts and the subsequent 1933 play based on incidents in the Book of Mormon, Corianton, son of Alma, serves a mission to the Zoramites, and is compromised by the harlot Zoan Ze Isobel. However, he repents of his fall to temptation and, in the film's climax, fights the Zoramites, who attack Zarahemla.

Introduction from and Q&A with BYU Motion Picture Archivist James D'Arc.

Screening:
Saturday, January 28, 2:00 pm, Scera Xango Grand Theatre

2:30 pm | Feature Film:
Two Brothers
Scera Showhouse II

Documentary, 80 minutes, color, 2011
Official Website: Two Brothers
Director: Rick Stevenson; Writer, Producer: Rick Stevenson, Kevin Klar.
Cast: Sam Nelson, Luke Nelson.

Synopsis:
At the turn of the century, award winning filmmaker Rick Stevenson decided to track the lives of 100 children for the next 5000 days. Two Brothers follows two of those children, Sam and Luke Nelson, in a surprisingly candid journey through time involving their adolescent struggles with brotherhood, depression, peer pressure, forgiveness and growth in their Mormon faith. As a Protestant Christian, Stevenson got a front seat view of this oft misunderstood religion. The result is a compelling, eye-opening account growing up in American today.

Q&A with the filmmakers after the screening.

Screenings:
Friday, January 27, 12:00 pm, Scera Xango Grand Theatre
Saturday, January 28, 2:30 pm, Scera Showhouse II

3:00 pm | Presentation:
Corbin Allred, Jasen Wade, David Nibley
Scera Room B1

Three of the best known and accomplished LDS actors, Corbin (Saints and Soldiers), Jasen (17 Miracles), and David (The Best Two Years) join forces in the soon to be released Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed. They will discuss how they prepare for a role and share valuable acting tips and tricks. 

Time:
Saturday, January 28, 3:00 pm, Scera Room B1

4:00 pm | Presentation:
T. C. Christensen, Jasen Wade
Scera Room B1

T. C. is the writer and director of the LDS blockbuster 17 Miracles and co-director of Emma Smith: My Story and Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration. T. C. is also a prolific cinematographer (The Work and the Glory, Forever Strong, The Testaments: Of One Fold and one Shepherd) and has received both the Pioneer Award and Visionary Award from the LDS Film Festival in 2009. T. C. will talk about the success of 17 Miracles and introduce his upcoming projects. He will be joined by 17 Miracles lead actor Jasen Wade.

Time:
Saturday, January 28, 4:00 pm, Scera Room B1

4:30 pm | Feature Film:
The Measure of a Man
Scera Xango Grand Theatre

Drama, 113 minutes, color, 2011
Production Company: The Measure of a Man
Director: Elizabeth Waite, Andrew Waite; Writer: Elizabeth Waite; Producer: Andrew Waite; Executive Producer: Gregory Waite, Kenneth Krauss; Director of Photography: Justin McAleece; Original Score: Briana Sorkin-Lee; Editor: Kim Freels.
Cast: Jarin Stevens, Jennica Schwartzman, Jules Hartley, Gabriel Myers.

Synopsis:
After tragic beginnings, Donald Bailey achieves the quintessential American Dream. Traversing the dust bowl from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression, his optimistic demeanor and strong drive help him achieve success. This is an inspirational true story of a man who left an indelible mark on his large posterity, singing his way through life and passing on for generations the true measure of a man.

Q&A with the filmmakers after the screening.

Screenings:
Thursday, January 26, 4:30 pm, Scera Xango Grand Theatre
Saturday, January 28, 4:30 pm, Scera Xango Grand Theatre

5:00 pm | Short Film Competition
Scera Showhouse II

A compilation of short films by LDS filmmakers:

My Hero, Comedy
Catcher Of The Silence, Documentary
Higher Streets, Drama
The Orchard, Drama
Obscura, Drama
Oh Puppy!, Comedy/Animation
The Great Kiss-off, Comedy
Time Withers, Experimental/Dance
Walk the Path of Faith, Experimental
Another Day, Drama
A Car Crash, Drama
Rocket Boy, Comedy/Fantasy
Click here for short film synopses.

6:55 pm | Live Music Event:
Jake Ballentine
Scera Xango Grand Theatre

Official Website: Jake Ballentine
Jake’s music is difficult to fit into any particular genre because his influences range from folk, rock, and country; to reggae, blues, and Jazz. He has been compared to Amos Lee, Jack Johnson, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Ben Harper, and Cat Stevens. Jake is best experienced Live. His interactive, entertaining, and engaging performances transcend generational tastes. Jake has the ability to connect with any audience of any age with his golden voice, creative twists on familiar covers, and instantly lovable originals. As a performer he strikes a fine balance of humor, insight, energy and personality.

Live Performance:
Saturday, January 28, 6:55 pm, Scera Xango Grand Theatre

7:00 pm | Feature Film:
Elizabeth's Gift
Scera Xango Grand Theatre

Drama, 85 minutes, color, 2012
Director: Rob Diamond; Writer: Rob Diamond, Kristina Rising, Troy Hinckley; Producer: Rob Diamond, Troy Hinckley, Nyk Fry; Executive Producer: Howard Hayes, Ed Fasy, Peggy Fasy, Steven Simmons; Director of Photography: Nyk Fry; Production Designer: Maynard Nohow; Original Score: Troy Hinckley; Editor: Nyk Fry.
Cast: Kari Hawker, Paul Hunt, Savanna Lewis, Brianna Pattison, Steven Simmons, Jason Manning, Ed Fasy.

Synopsis:
When a precious little girl dies tragically of a rare heart condition, her loving parents are left to pick up the pieces of their once perfect life. In a sequence of miracles, an angel guides their way to another little homeless girl on the streets and the fight to get her away from the clutches of the films villian, Paulie will prove to reunite a family once again and heal their broken hearts.

Q&A with the filmmakers after the screening.

Screening:
Saturday, January 28, 7:00 pm, Scera Xango Grand Theatre

7:25 pm | Live Music Event:
Micah Dahl Anderson
Scera Showhouse II

Official Website: Micah Dahl Anderson
Micah started writing music around the age of twelve and songs around the age of fourteen. His first band The Doors of Perception was formed in 1993 in Sparks NV. Since then he has not been without a band for longer than a year (even on his two year LDS mission where he started a band with other missionaries called Docs and Ties which rehearsed on P-days). In recent years, Micah has successfully written and performed music for film and television, including all original songs for The Letter Writer.

Live Performance:
Saturday, January 28, 7:25 pm, Scera Showhouse II

7:30 pm | Feature Film:
The Letter Writer
Scera Showhouse II

Drama, 86 minutes, color, 2011
Production Company: The Letter Writer
Writer, Director, Producer: Christian Vuissa; Executive Producer: Derek Marquis, Scott Swofford; Director of Photography: David Skousen; Production Designer: Bruce Wing; Art Director: Mark Mullins; Costume Designer: Jyllian Petrie; Original Score: James Schafer; Original Songs: Micah Dahl Andersen; Editor: Ludwig Einklang, John Lyde.
Cast: Aley Underwood, Bernie Diamond, Pam Eichner, Kylee Thurman, Stella McComas, Nicholas Neve, Curt Doussett.

Synopsis:
Maggy Fuller, a rebellious teenager, receives a life-affirming letter from an unknown source. When Maggy is able to track down the writer of the letter – an old man in a rest home she has never met – she decides to become a letter writer herself by being the old man’s apprentice.

Q&A with the filmmakers after the screening.

Screenings:
Thursday, January 26, 5:00 pm, Scera Showhouse II
Saturday, January 28, 7:30 pm, Scera Showhouse II

9:30 pm | Feature Film:
Redemption (aka For Robbing the Dead)
Scera Xango Grand Theatre

Drama, 105 minutes, color, 2011
Facebook Page: Redemption
Writer, Director: Tom Russell; Producer: Courtney Russell, James Alexander, Asia Stryker; Executive Producer: Russell Judd, Mark Eddy, Tom Lefler, Bill Nelson; Director of Photography: Derek Pueblo; Production Designer: Jennie K. Brown, Whitney Donald; Original Score: Spencer Russell; Editor: A. Todd Smith.
Cast: John Freeman, Margot Kidder, Barry Corbin, Rance Howard, Jon Gries, David H. Stevens, Larry Thomas, Edward Herrmann.

Synopsis:
How do you forgive the unforgivable? A true story of conflict and compassion, Redemption follows the story of Henry Heath, a lawman on the western frontier in 1862. After the grieving sheriff buries his only child, he learns that Jean Baptiste, an impoverished French immigrant, has been robbing the graves of the recently deceased. Torn between duty, outrage, and guilt about his own past, Heath becomes Baptiste’s only defense against the bloodthirsty contempt of the community and the brutal isolation of the inhospitable Antelope Island where Baptiste has been exiled. Through his reluctant service, Heath is forced to examine his own beliefs about mercy, justice, and redemption. Can Heath show compassion and forgiveness toward the man who seems the least deserving of Christian love?

Q&A with the filmmakers after the screening.

Screenings:
Wednesday, January 25, 7:00 pm, Scera Showhouse II
Saturday, January 28, 9:30 pm, Scera Xango Grand Theatre

9:30 pm | Presentation:
Award Ceremony
Scera Showhouse II

The LDS Film Festival awards a number of prizes and honorable mentions to honor and recognize filmmakers. The winners and honorable mentions of the short film competition and 24-hour filmmaking marathon will be announced at an informal come-together. Admission is free.

For the fifth time, we will also recognize two individuals with special honorary awards. The Pioneer Award honors a filmmaker who has prepared the way with his or her pioneering efforts in filmmaking. The Visionary Award is given to a filmmaker who has been a visionary influence for the LDS film community and whose work has been an inspiration to other filmmakers.

Click here for a list of awards and prizes.

Time:
Saturday, January 28, 9:30 pm, Scera Showhouse II