Signs of the Time

Greg Short at the Grand Rapids venue.

I have recently returned from promoting our film at the Grand Rapids Film Festival in, you guessed it, Grand Rapids, Michigan. This was a first year festival so there are some kinks to work out, but overall it was a good experience. One of the things that I enjoy the most about going to film festivals is meeting the other filmmakers. It is always amazing to me how no matter what your budget is or your notoriety, everyone follows a similar path and has similar obstacles to overcome. It’s very reassuring to know that you are not alone in your trials and tribulations.

So how were the movies? I enjoy seeing the never-ending stories that there are to be told. I was happy that our film was chosen to play here because this festival focused on the films that promote positive messages and that are family-oriented. Because of this many of the films featured were faith-based. A couple in particular stood out. Click Clack Jack is a short film that is intended for children. It reminded me a lot of an ABC Afterschool Special that I used to watch all the time when I was a kid. Good production value, good moral to the story. We had some interesting conversations with executive producer, Keith Thomas, about his path to becoming a filmmaker from production through distribution. I wish him the best of luck. A film called As We Forgive left the most impression on my heart. It is a documentary about two Rwandan women coming face-to-face with the men who slaughtered their families during the 1994 genocide. This film will make you question your own ability to forgive and show how forgiveness can breath life back into people and their communities. Powerful stuff.

Our film had a decent attendance considering it was playing against the headliner film Like Dandelion Dust. Unfortunately, we didn’t get any audience feedback since apparently all the volunteers handing out the ballots appeared to be at the premiere event. Oh well. I guess now it is our turn to forgive.