Veil Of Tears

Narrated by Natalie Grant, Veil of Tears tells the untold story of millions of women in India who are culturally oppressed simply because they are women. Their value is only in their ability to produce sons and to provide for the needs of their men. Once her husband dies (which is ALWAYS the fault of the wife), the widow has no value. This film was shot on-location across various regions of India spanning from the majesty of the Taj Mahal to remote tribal villages to some of the worst slums imaginable.

This documentary, produced and directed by Kenny and Kyle Saylors, gives a glimpse of the heart-breaking tragedy that these women face, but also shows the resilience and ability to survive the persecution, rejection, and poverty they face daily.
The film brings an overall view of darker side of life, but also shares the stories of a few women to personalize the anguish they face. But, there is Hope and the film leads to ways that millions of women are now receiving hope through the efforts of Dr. KP Yohannan and Gospel For Asia. Their Bridge of Hope program cares for tens of thousands of children, helping them break out of the generational curses of poverty and hopelessness. Women minister to women to teach them a skill to be used to support themselves and their families, and to teach them their value to Jesus Christ. 

The film starts out with a colorful, fairy tale type story about the Taj Mahal and the love and honor Shah Jahan had for his 3rd wife, Mumtaz Mahal. But the storybook quickly changes to the stark reality of the plight of many Indian women today. Instead of being cherished by their husbands, we learn of the despair. The Saylor Brothers skillfully pull you into the the stories of these women.

The cinematography is outstanding, and I love the way the story moves from various regions of India, clearly demonstrating that this dehumanizing of females is not merely a few isolated instances. The viewer is moved by the despair these women and their children face daily, but we are led to the hope that can be found. Follow-ups on some of the stories that were so heart-wrenching are now colorful and joyous as these women have learned that they are loved and that there are people who are willing to help. The colorful saris and beautiful smiles the women are wearing by the end as they work and worship together is a joy to behold.

Erica Lane's music was another favorite part, and the songs stayed with me long after the credits had ended. You will also want to check out the Special Features section to find out more behind-the-scenes stuff and a couple of more stories. Obviously, this is not a film made to entertain, but it is one you will want to share with others. Perhaps you will be led to find a way to help other women and children realize the hope these women now have.
Proceeds of this film will be donated toward continued efforts to change lives on a social, educational, health and spiritual level. Take a moment to learn more about the mission of GFA and how you can be a part of our movement to rescue generations of women from persecution and rejection and into the hope of Jesus Christ.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this DVD from EDIFY/MEDIA as part of the movie's promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Veil of Tears website
Gospel For Asia website
Veil of Tears FB page

Erica Lane - "For Those Who Love Him" music video

GIVEAWAY!! Edify Media is prepared to give 1 of my readers a copy of Veil of Tears. International Widows Day is June 23, so in honor of these women, the winner will be selected at 7pm (CDT) that day.  Just leave a comment on the blog to be entered.  (Also, keep in mind that I have to approve comments. Just leave one...I will post it ASAP!!) *US and Canada only.

Break Away

Break Away ( Baroudeur in South Africa) is a new film coming out from the producers of Faith Like Potatoes. Former rugby player/celebrity Francois (Frans Cronje) is a hard working husband and dad that gets laid off from his job. Despite nights of working on proposals and meetings with potential clients, there are no job offers. When his car quits he is forced to use an old bicycle in order to provide for his family by making deliveries. A group of pro-cyclists who pass him every day brings out his competitive spirit, so with the help of his “black sheep” brother (Etienne Janse van Renburg, and a bicycle shop owner (Morne Theunissen), and a curious sports reporter, Francois makes some life-changing discoveries about his life, career and faith in God. 

View the Break Away trailer.

Written and directed by Cronje and Theunissen, this is one of those films that can make a powerful impact. There were a couple of things that did bother me with the dvd, though. First was my initial difficulty in understanding some of the accents, so I really wish closed captioning had been an option. I did adapt, and it got easier, but it was still a stumbling block. The second was some sound issues. There was one spot in particular where the sound of people walking overpowered the voices, so the film definitely needed some ADR work.
 
However, this is also one of the more powerful films I have seen about relying on God through the tough times. Using the parable of the loaves and the fishes, there is a message to give God all you have and see what He does with it. In one scene, his wife (Leone Pienaar) tells him that he is to follow God, and she and the children would follow him. While he did go through moments of despair, Francois takes what is available for him to use---including his talents---and simply gives his best and relies on God to see him through. This is an excellent testimony on trusting God to provide for your needs and adapting to His plan, no matter how it looks to others.
 
The soundtrack was better than average for me. There were a couple of songs I wasn't fond of, but I loved the majority of the music--there is a version of "How Great Thou Art" that is outstanding! I was also impressed with the partnership the film has with Jacob's Well. This is a ministry that aims to build up a growing network of churches, organizations, businesses and individuals working together to help people in their communities who have lost regular income or do not have a self-sustainable income. 

I received this movie free from Word Films as part of their Blogger Review Program, via Blogger Gateway. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Be sure to check out this and other films on Word Films on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Frans Cronje also has a new website, FransCronje.tv. Make sure you check out Lifestyle Revolution, his online television program.