Church People DVD

 CHURCH PEOPLE is a Christian comedy about the megachurch megaproduction sub-culture and getting back to the simplicity of the Gospel. The film has a powerful message about rediscovering your passion for Christ. Starring Christian comedian Thor Ramsey, Erin Cahill, Michael Monks, Stephen Baldwin, Donald Faison, and Joey Fatone (NSYNC), this is the first feature film directed by Christopher Shawn Shaw. The DVD has just been released! Buy yours at https://churchpeoplefilm.com/#buy
 

MY REVIEW: Church People is one of my favorite films! Not only does it have many hilarious moments, but it also has a significant message that resounds with me. I don't often cry in movies, but this one deeply touched me. It brings the viewer back to the heart of worship and the true meaning in the message of the Cross.

When Church People was released in 2021, one of the major concerns and questions I saw was, "Does this movie mock Christians and megachurches?" Absolutely not!! It does address the "rock star" celebrity that sometimes takes over, but it does so with love and a huge dose of humor. And reminds us that the simple message of the gospel has an eternal impact on the lives of others... even without smoke machines, swag, stunts, and superstar leaders.

I love all of the actors involved, the writing is fantastic, wonderful soundtrack, and the director is amazing! (Trivia: Director Christopher Shawn Shaw makes a cameo as a stagehand.) Scroll down to read a synopsis of "Church People."

Giveaway: One DVD copy of Church People! You can enter by commenting #ChurchPeopleMovie on the blog or another Social Media Platform post with my review.
(Note: This giveaway is limited to US winners only.) The DEADLINE to enter is February, 18, 2022.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

SYNOPSIS: Guy has been on a tour to promote his new book, but begins, encouraged by his money-focused agent, to embrace the gimmicks over the gospel to bring in the crowds. Burned out, he returns back to his church and his duties as the Youth Pastor.

But, Pastor Skip Finney, the tie-dye wearing lead pastor who loves bringing in crowds by coming up with new stunts and ideas, has gone too far with his newest crowd-baiting scheme for Good Friday.

Blaise, a zealous new Believer in Youth Group, is determined to be a part of Pastor Skip's dangerous and blasphemous scheme much to Guy's dismay. Then there's the unexpected love interest in the Senior Pastor’s daughter and being a new father to his grown daughter. You've also got Joey Fatone as the Worship Leader AND rival for the affections of Carla, Stephen Baldwin as the ultimate church greeter, plus William Baldwin and Chynna Phillips as clueless parents.

Guy ultimately rediscovers and puts on a powerful presentation of why we all need to put our hope in Jesus and not in ourselves.

You will want to own a copy of this film. Click HERE to buy.

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Church People

Weary from the showiness and materialism that has

overtaken his ministry efforts, Guy (Thor Ramsey) goes on a journey to get back in touch with the heart of ministry and be a real role model to his youth group kids. He makes the difficult decision to cut short his speaking tour managed by his money-focused agent (Donald Faison) after realizing that his reputation has become more fame based than Gospel-driven.

But when Guy attempts to return to regular youth ministry, he is thrust into the throes of dissuading the youth group from performing a strange and potentially blasphemous stunt for the upcoming Easter service, starring a young, zealous new Believer, Blaise. In attempting to manage his youth group while navigating an unexpected love interest in the Senior Pastor’s daughter (Erin Cahill) and being a new father to his grown daughter, Guy ultimately rediscovers and puts on a powerful presentation of why we all need to put our hope in Jesus and not in ourselves.

MY REVIEW: Church People is a film I have been looking forward to and it lived up to my hopes. A laugh-out-loud comedy that touches on some absurdities but also highlights the heart of the message of following Jesus. While most of the action and humor of the film are exaggerations, there is a problem in some ministries with "rock star" personalities who can develop a cult-like following, losing focus on the simple message of salvation. Thor Ramsey is wonderful as the Youth Pastor who sincerely wants to teach about Christ, but finds himself getting caught up in his own popularity.

Pastor Skip Finney (Michael Monks) is the tie-dye wearing lead pastor who loves the crowds and coming up with new stunts and ideas to fill every seat in his huge church. When he goes too far with a Good Friday/Easter production idea, it's up to Guy Sides (Ramsey) to try to bring Pastor Skip and his encouragers back to the heart of worship and the true meaning of the message of the cross. Toss in a romantic interest with the pastor's daughter, a rival (Joey Fatone), a zealous new Believer, and the unexpected reunion with his long-lost daughter... and chaos ensues.

You've also got Stephen Baldwin as the ultimate church greeter, plus William Baldwin and Chynna Phillips as clueless parents. Director Christopher Shawn Shaw pulls all of the characters together into a fun tale I enjoyed watching. As with all good satire, there is some truth mixed in with the exaggerations, and a lesson to be learned. Church People has also been selected as 1 of 5 films nominated for a "K-LOVE Fan Award" for Best Film and Television Impact.

Virtual Screening thru May 31, 2021

Host a Church Screening thru June 30, 2021

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The Least of These

As the social fabric of life in rural India disintegrates in the late 1990s, journalist Manav Banerjee (Sharman Joshi) moves with his pregnant wife to the town of Orissa in hope of a better life and the promise of a lucrative career. When speculation mounts that local Australian missionary Graham Staines (Stephen Baldwin) is illegally proselytizing leprosy patients, Manav agrees to investigate undercover for the newspaper. What he finds is a series of revelations that are difficult to fathom and even harder to explain, and Manav is forced to make a choice between his own ambition and the truth. In the end, his actions spark a tragic event that is felt around the world.

Based on a true story and shot on location in India, Staines beautifully illustrates the power of love, hope and forgiveness to overcome hate. Aneesh Daniel directs the film, featuring Stephen Baldwin, Shari Rigby, and Bollywood star Sharman Joshi.

My Review: "The Least of These: The Graham Staines Story" uses a (fictional) journalist to unfold the story of what is happening in India in the late 1990s as the backdrop leading up to the ultimate death of Graham Staines and his two sons. It's a very good storytelling device that introduces us to all of the characters and gives a connection with each. Filmed in India, the scenes present both the beautiful and bleakness of India, but my deepest recollection is the stunning beauty shown. The story does tell us about Graham Staines, but he is seen as part of God's plan rather than this being a biography of his entire life. He is clearly portrayed as a man of courage and humor while being determined to fulfill God's purpose in his life through his love for God, his family, and the people of India, especially the lepers.

Many of the actors were unknown to me, but all impressed me with their talent. I loved Sharman Joshi as the ambitious journalist who is sincere in seeking the truth, yet open to seeing the truth as it unfolds throughout his investigation. Stephen Baldwin was excellent as Staines. His accent bothered me a bit, but considering Staines had lived in India for over 30 years, it made sense that the accent would not be as strong. Shari Rigby was perfect was the quiet yet strong wife of Graham. The actual Gladys Staines both forgave the people who murdered her sons and husband and remained in India with daughter Esther until 2004.

The original soundtrack of the film was outstanding and included award-winning musical artists such as Michael W. Smith, Nicole C Mullen and Toby Mac.
TheLeastOfThese.movie
Graham and Gladys Staines - Missionaries to Orrisa  

See "The Heart of the Movie" for more background info on the making of the film:

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Faith in Film Networking and Panel Discussion

The Christian Media Association will be hosting a Faith in Film Panel Discussion and Networking Event as part of their national media convention scheduled for October 17-18, 2014 at the Irving Bible Church. Friday night’s Faith in Film event is scheduled for 7:30pm to 9:00pm and is open to the public for $20 per person. (The event is included in a full registration for conference attendees.)

 CMA Dallas chapter leader, Benjamin Dane, will be the MC for the evening of discussion about the cutting edge topic of faith in film. “This year saw more diverse faith based theatrical releases and TV than ever before,” says Dane. “There seems to be a growing interest in knowing how to tap into this market. We hope to challenge Christian filmmakers to crash through boundaries with creative and inspired projects.” 

Professional panelists include: Michael Cain (President M3 Films, Director/Producer); Curtis Wallace (Lawyer, Author and Producer, formerly with TD JaKes Enterprises); Danny Carrales (DRC Films); Chad Gundersen (Gundersen Entertainment); and Benjamin Dane (Actor/Producer Pathlight Entertainment).
These panelists will also be presenting workshops during the conference. A total of 25 speakers will present 50 workshops on a wide range of topics, include radio, television, graphics, public speaking, acting, PR and marketing, leadership, writing, and more. The entire convention, including workshops, exhibits, panels and receptions is $129 per person. 
 
There is also a Hispanic track which includes a Hispanic Media Reception on Friday evening hosted by Comunicadores USA. The reception and workshops in this track will be presented in Spanish.
The event wraps on Saturday night with a keynote by Actor Stephen Baldwin which is also open to the public with tickets available individually. Each evening event is open to the public, and tickets for each event can be purchased separately.
To learn more about the convention or to register, go to: http://www.christianmediaconference.com.