GodFilms Produces Short Films for Christian Conversation

GodFilms Produces Short Films for Christian Conversation

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) has created a new evocative series of short films that encourages viewers to come to their own understanding of how God is at work in our lives.

"With GodFilms, GBOD is presenting a unique way for church groups and families to discover Jesus' teaching," said the Reverend Karen Greenwaldt, GBOD's top executive. "With GodFilms, we are reaching people through storytelling - as an alternative to experts explaining an issue. The viewers themselves become teachers as well as the learners. With each viewing comes a different experience because the group unwraps the meaning together with Biblical references and questions available from the discussion guide. The experts are not on the screen so much as they are sitting around the group."

Each 10-12 minute DVD comes with a 32-page guide with references and study suggestions, but there is freedom for the group to explore their own questions. In addition to the DVD, the short films are also available as digital download files at GodFilms.com. "We wanted to tell stories that people could watch, analyze and discuss," said Steve Horswill-Johnston, producer of GodFilms and executive director of communications and brand strategy for GBOD.

The former head of the denomination's television advertising effort, Horswill-Johnston wanted to create an alternative to "talking head" videos. Instead, he envisions a more organic experience where groups can unwrap Jesus' teaching in a new way.

"We use the medium for what it's best at - telling stories," Horswill-Johnston said.

The first series from GodFilms, called "Digital Diary," is now available. They are personal stories, often mysterious. One of these films tells the story of Robby, a high school senior who struggles to understand his relationship with his family and the world around him. The second follows Laura, a single mother of two, who spends so much time working that she loses touch with her priorities.

Tim Wells, a Hollywood producer and lay leader at Burbank United Methodist Church, wrote the films' screenplays.

GodFilms plans to release two more films in the "Digital Diary" series before moving on to other areas. Each "Digital Diary" is available as a DVD or downloadable file at GodFilms.com. The DVDs are available at Cokesbury Christian Stores, the Upper Room online bookstore (www.upperroom.org/bookstore) and soon at EcuFilm.com.

GBOD's mission is to support annual conference and local church leaders for their task of equipping world-changing disciples. An agency of The United Methodist Church, GBOD is located at 1908 Grand Ave. in Nashville, Tenn. Visit www.gbod.org for more information or call the Communications Office at (877) 899-2780, Ext. 1726.

Source: General Board of Discipleship

CONTACT: GBOD Communications Office, Steve Horswill-Johnston, Executive
Director, +1-615-340-1726 (O), +1-615-429-3431 (C),
shorwswill-johnston@gbod.org

Web Site: http://www.gbod.org/

-------
Profile: intent