Films by Latter-day Saint Filmmakers
Films about Latter-day Saints
LDS Film.com LDSFilm.com

Other Upcoming Films, made by Latter-day Saints

• The Adventures of Food Boy: Director: Dane Cannon; Writer: Marc Mangum; Producer: Marc Mangum, Sam Mangum, Melissa Brady; Executive Producer: Marc Mangum; Director of Photography: Ryan Cannon; Production Designer: Justin Partridge; Original Score: Bill Wandel; Editor: Sam Mangum. Cast: Lucas Grabeel, Brittany Curran, Kunal Sharma, Jeff Braine, Noah Bastian, McCall Clark, Ryne Sanborn, Curt Dousett, Michael Buster, Joyce Cohen, Anne Sward, Chris Miller, David Morgan, Craig Everett, Sila Agavale, Paul Etuk. Synopsis: Ezra (Lucas Grabeel/High School Musical 1, 2 & 3) discovers he has a unique ability to make food appear in his hands. Ezra quickly uses his new super powers to impress his friends and to become popular around school for the first time in his life. His life gets turned upside down when he can’t control his gift and turns his high school into a major food fight zone. While coping with his disintegrating life, Ezra must decide whether he will give up the food gift forever or if he will embrace his new identity and become Food Boy. Shown at the LDS Film Festival January 24, 2009, at the Scera Center.
  
  
• Believe: formerly titled "The Impossible Dream;" written and directed by Loki Mulholland; filmed in Salt Lake County and Utah County; made in cooporation with Kaleidoscope Pictures ("Jack Weyland's Charly"); producers: Russ Kendall (1st assistant director/UPM for "Charly") and Micah Merrill; cinematography by Ryan Little (The Singles Ward; The R.M.; The Home Teachers; Saints and Soldiers); Production Designer Anne Black; Editor Ethan Vincent; Composer Aaron Merrill. Cast includes: Larry Bagby, Lincoln Hoppe, Steve Anderson, Ann Bosler, Brian Clark, Britani Bateman, Danor Gerald, Jeff Olson, Craig Clyde, Jodi Russell, Vanessa DeHart, Jansen Davis, Lori Rees, Maclain Nelson, and Curt Dousett. Special Guests: Graham Russell (lead singer of Air Supply) and Troy Dunn. The film follows Adam Pendon, a struggling laid-off steel mill worker, who unwittingly rises to fame and fortune in the ranks of multi-level giant, Believe Industries. Through Adam, enter the mysterious and hilarious world of MLMs and the people who inhabit them. "Believe" is the ultimate multi-level marketing mocumentary. Release Date: April 20, 2007.
  
  
• Blank Slate: New TNT movie airs on TNT network on Sept 9, 2008, entitled BLANK SLATE. It was produced by Electric Entertainment (who produced Independence Day, The Patriot, 8-Legged Freaks, and Fly Boys. The executive producer is Dean Devlin (writer/producer of Independence Day/Patriot/etc). The film was shot in Utah. The plot is about an amnesiac who is sentenced to Death Row for a murder she can't remember committing. She is given a second chance at freedom by the FBI while being recruited as part of the secret experimental unit of the FBI's unsolved crimes division. Part of the experiment is that she is implanted with the final memories of murder victims. While she pursues the leads of other peoples' memories, she is haunted by the distant echoes of her own life... a life she can't remember. LDS crew are as follows: Steven A Lee - Producer; Joe Pia - Co-Producer; Ryan Little, Cinematographer; John Lyde - Cameraman; Brian Sullivan - Cameraman; Debbie Farrer - Set Decorator; Barbara Ward - Set Decorator.
  
  
• Broken Hill: The producers of successful cult film Napoleon Dynamite hope to repeat its success with their new South Australian movie "Broken Hill." The family drama, described as Billy Elliot in the Outback, was shot around Adelaide over a seven-week period. The movie follows a talented, teenage composer living in outback Australia who dreams of getting into the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Director Dagen Merrill; Producer Chris Wyatt; Starring Alexa Vega from the "Spy Kids" films and Oscar winner Timothy Hutton. Release in Australia August 15, 2009 and in selected theaters in the US September 11, 2009.
  
  
• Christmas Angel: Candlelight Media Group, distributor of "Emma Smith: My Story," began production this past January on a new holiday movie, "Christmas Angel." The film stars Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe Award winner Bruce Davison ("X-Men" and "Runaway Jury"), KC Clyde ("The Best Two Years") and Kari Hawker ("The Dance"). "Christmas Angel" tells the story of Ashley (Hawker), a lonely single woman whose best friends are her dog, Dash, and Nick (Davison), an elderly neighbor. Nick has a secret: he's filthy rich. Except he doesn't use his money on himself--instead, he uses it to help those in his community that are less fortunate. Every Christmas he acts as a "Secret Santa," committing random and premeditated acts of kindness, and this year he has enlisted Ashley to help him. A well-meaning reporter with somewhat shady ethics named Will (Clyde) catches wind of the "Secret Santa," and has now set his sights on Ashley to spill the beans about Nick's covert gift-giving operations. The film is directed by Brian Brough, who has directed the LDS films "Beauty & the Beast," "Rescued," and "Turn Around." While "Christmas Angel" is his first non-LDS directorial effort, he knows not to stray too far from his core demographic. "Although it's not an overtly Mormon movie," says Brough, "there are themes of charity and following Christ that members of the Church will definitely recognize and relate to. It's highly accessible to people of all faiths and beliefs." Co-writer/producer Brittany Wiscombe was thrilled to get a Hollywood actor like Davison in a substantial role. "We wanted to find the right person to play Nick, and we were very fortunate to get someone like Bruce," she said. "He raised the bar for us in terms of our production going from 'small production' to something that can reach broader audiences." "Christmas Angel" recently finished shooting and is currently in post-production as of February 4, 2009. Candlelight Media anticipates a DVD release in late 2009.
  
  
• A Christmas Tail: To be released at Christmas 2009 as a DVD by Halestorm. Plot Summary: Christmas Magic and the amazing power of a boy’s wish put young Tim Webster “Clayton Taylor” in the dog house for Christmas. It seems that anything is possible once the Professor “Gordon Jump” arrives in town with his colorful and ragged band of rail-riding wayfarers. When the professor tells Tim about the legendary supernova that is due to appear right before Christmas time, Tim messes up his Christmas wish to find himself with a fur coat and wagging tale. This exciting and hilarious story of Christmas magic is destined to be a holiday treasure and year round classic for the whole family to enjoy.
  
  
• Coyote: "Coyote" is directed and co-written by Brian Peterson; with Chris Wyatt as Producer. The story concerns two friends who find out that their Mexican pal has been deported. They decide to smuggle him back across the border. Surprised at how easy it was, they see it as a business opportunity and open a "kinder, gentler" human trafficking company. It's fun and profitable for a while as they gain allies across the border and are able to beat the Minutemen at their own game, but when the real coyotes discover what they're up to, they don't look kindly to being cut out of a piece of the action. The film finds a balance between a comic satire on the state of the immigration debate and a classic thriller of bad guys versus good guys with tragic flaws. "Coyote" is entered in the L.A. Film Festival in June 2008.
  
  
• Dragon Hunter: Writer, Director: Steve Shimek; Producer: Jake Sorensen, Timothy Gutierrez; Executive Producer: Maclain Nelson, Jason Faller; Director of Photography: Cole Webley; Production Designer: Tatiana Taylor; Original Score: Tom Shimek; Editor: Kristi Shimek; 1st Assistant Director: Michelle Mikami; Visual Effects: Rob Field, Matt Hoffman, Mikhail E. Merkurieff; Unit Production Manager: Katy Baldwin. Cast: Maclain Nelson, Erik Denton, Kelly Stables, Orlando Seale, Isaac C. Singleton Jr., Slate Holmgren, Jake Suazo, Adam Johnson, Jason Purdie, David Morgan, Newell Alexander, Reese Purser, Brad Johnson, Brian King, Derrik Shakespear, Trevor Winn. Synopsis: Orphaned as a baby when his parents were killed in a vicious orc attack, Kendrick of Elwood was raised by his elder brother, Darius. Though only nine at the time, Darius devoted his life to Kendrick's care and to purging orcs from their land. As Darius grew into a great warrior, he sheltered Kendrick from all possible harm. Now, after years of absence, a new danger emerges, more lethal than the threat of orcs or men. Reports of dragon attacks spread like wildfire through the panicked land. In memory of his mother's prophesies of a mighty Dragon Hunter in their bloodline, Darius leads Kendrick on a perilous journey to the castle of Ocard - the Dragon Hunter training grounds. Will dragons completely decimate the countryside? Only the Dragon Hunter will decide!
  
  
• The Eleventh Hour: An action thriller starring Matthew Reese ("Beauty and the Beast"), Jennifer Klekas ("White on Rice"), K. Danor Gerald ("High School Musical 2"), Sarah Bell ("Vampire Chicks with Chainsaws),Adam Abram ("The Collectors"), Joel Bishop, David Nibley, Won Choi, Scott Chun, and Nathan White. Synopsis: After years as a prisoner of war, Michael Adams, a former Navy SEAL, is trying to live a normal life. However, his life is turned upside-down when his estranged wife has a bomb implanted into her skull to assure Michael will assassinate U.S. Senator Mason Chambers. Now Michael has less than 12 hours to kill Chambers, or the bomb will detonate. The movie is action-packed with incredible fight sequences. John Lyde wrote, directed, produced, and was the editor. Premieres at the LDS Film Festival January 18, 2008 at the Scera Theater in Orem. DVD released September 30, 2008.
  
  
• Everybody Wants to Be Italian: Screenplay and Direction by Jason Todd Ipson. Producers Jaime Burke and James Huntsman. The cast includes Jay Jablonski, Cerina Vincent, John Kapelos, John Enos III, Marisa Petroro. Synopsis: Jake's spent the past eight years focusing on one thing: winning back his ex-girlfriend. Problem is, she's happily married and has three kids. Fed up with his refusal to move on, his buddies set him up on a blind date with an Italian woman. Knowing that an Italian from Boston's North End will never date a non-Italian, they set about teaching Jake how to fake it. SHOT ON LOCATION IN BOSTON AND LOS ANGELES; AN ASGAARD ENTERTAINMENT PRODCUTION; THEATRICAL RELEASE DATE September 5, 2008.
  
  
• Expiration Date: Black comedy with no LDS ties except that Rick Stevenson has an LDS wife. This film was shown at the LDS Film Festival January 23, 2009 at the Scera Center. It has won prizes in over 40 film festivals--with the LDS Film Festival as number 84. Clean, wholesome and funny made the editor include it here. It can be purchased on DVD from Amazon.com. Director: Rick Stevenson; Writer: Hamish Gunn, Rick Stevenson; Producer: John Forsen, Rick Stevenson; Executive Producer: David Fulton, Patrice Auld; Director of Photography: Bruce Worrall; Production Designer: Charlie Armstrong; Editor: Mark Fulton; Composer: BC Smith. Cast: Robert Guthrie, Sascha Knopf, Dee Wallace, David Keith Synopsis: Charlie Silvercloud III has a problem. His father and grandfather were both killed by milk trucks on their 25th birthdays, and Charlie is about to turn 25. He has accepted his fate and is going about shopping for caskets and returning his library books when he meets a girl who won't let him die in peace.
  
  
• The Final Cut: Kurt Hale's latest film is a Cloverfield-type thriller that may film the summer of 2008.
  
  
• Fire Creek: The first theatrical movie-release owned by BYU, Fire Creek follows a U.S. Army soldier, Jason Malek, who was wounded in Arghanistan and is now struggling with his faith. The movie was produced in-house, using university students from various departments as the crew, actors, and even its target audience. Shot in Utah in 2006, it has taken three years to get it ready for theatrical release. The film has a PG rating for "thematic content, brief language and smoking. Plans are for Campus Studios to do at least one or two movies a year. Limited theatrical release in Utah May 8, 2009.
  
  
• The Flyboys: Dark Coast Pictures Production: The Flyboys: fast-paced adventure film featuring young protagonists -- sort of a cross between "Stand By Me" and "North By Northwest" - a coming-of-age action film; shot in 35mm; produced and directed by Rocco DeVilliers ("Pure Race", "Only Once"); Lisle Moore composed the music and Lisle H. Moore, Jr. was the Executive Producer; co-producer Dan Urness; written by Jason DeVilliers and Rocco Devilliers, with additional writing by Richard Dutcher; stars Tom Sizemore ("Saving Private Ryan"), Stephen Baldwin ("The Usual Suspects"), Jesse James ("As Good As It Gets"), Reiley McClendon ("Pearl Harbor") and Harrison Young ("Saving Private Ryan"); filmed in St. George, Utah. The film has won over fifty major awards at film festivals all across the country. Updates on the film’s release are posted on the movie’s Web site, The Flyboys Premiere was August 14, 2008, in St George where it all began. Opens in Northern Utah September 12, 2008. The film will not be available on home video until sometime next year.
  
  
• Forever Strong: Champions of Highland: Producer Adam Abel and Director Ryan Little have teamed up again (“Saints and Soldiers”) to produce an inspirational drama about Larry Gelwix (coach of Salt Lake City’s Highland rugby team who has won 16 National Championships) and a Seattle-area youth who transferred reluctantly to Highland in 1994 from a rival team—only to face his former teammates later in the championship game. Screenwriter Dave Pliler built his fictionalized movie around real events. Little states they have taken creative license here and there, but it's a true story. The plot involves Rick, a troubled teen who is sentenced to a juvenile detention center in Utah, where he meets a counselor (Sean Astin from “The Lord of the Rings”) who gets him a tryout with the Highland team. Under the tutelage of Gelwix (Gary Cole--Will Farrell’s dad in “Tallageda Nights”) Rick turns his life around in time to face his old team, which is coached by his disapproving father. Gelwix is a consultant on the film and has supplied more than a dozen of his players as extras. Little says, “This movie is about Gelwix’s philosophy of teaching boys to be champions--not just in rugby--but in life.” Other actors in cast include: Sean Faris as Rick Penning (“Yours, Mine and Ours,” “Sleepover”); Neal McDonough as Coach Penning ("Flags of Our Fathers," "Minority Report," "Band of Brothers"); Max Kasch as Griggs ("Greatest Game Ever Played," "Holes"); Nathan West as Q ("Miracle," "Bring it On"); Arielle Kebbel as Emily ("Grudge 2," "Be Cool"); and Larry Bagby. Crew members include: Director of Photography, T.C. Christensen; Line Producer, Steven A. Lee; Editor, John Lyde; Production Designer, Geary Sivertsen; Costume Designer, Anna K. FindlayPremiers at LDS Film Festival, January 16, 2008. Theatrical release September 26, 2008.
  
  
• Friends for Life: -- Flynn-Daines Productions, LLC has just completed Friends for Life, the third feature film they have made in Utah over the last 18 months. It is one of twenty feature films they are slated to make over the next five years in association with Grizzly Adams Productions. Friends for Life was filmed entirely in Utah using Utah cast and crew. Michael Flynn and McKay Daines are the producers. Michael Flynn also plays Jim Crawford a a retired lawyer who, after losing his wife, finds four wolf cubs who have been orphaned. He raises them to maturity – with the help of an angel – and at the same time confronts and defeats the plans of an unscrupulous land developer who wants to ruin the quaint mountain town that Jim calls home. Jimmy Chunga (Forever Strong, Heber Holiday) plays Ralph the archangel. Also starring in the film are Connie Young (Singles Second Ward), Tayva Patch (Return with Honor. Brigham City) and David Nibley (The Best Two Years, High School Musical). Michael Spence directed and Ron Hill was the Director of Photography as he was on the Flynn-Daines Productions of Heber Holiday and The Dance. Mark Nelson edited the film as he did Heber Holiday and Merrill Jenson (Out of Step,The Testaments, Legacy) is composing the soundtrack. The wolves and grizzly bear were trained for by the world famous Utah trainers Doug and Lynne Seus (Dr. Dolittle 2, The Bear, Evan Almighty) The film will be released on DVD for Thanksgiving 2007 nationwide and internationally by Grizzly Adams Productions.
  
  
• Gentlemen Broncos: Director/writer Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre) and wife Jerusha Hess writer have a new comedy about a teenager who attends a fantasy writers' convention where he discovers his idea has been stolen by an established novelist. As of June 2008, Production has wrapped.
  
  
• Hold the Door: Drama written by Mark E. Johnson who is also the director. Producer Curtis Brien; Director of Photography Chad Davidson; Production Designer Tamar Gadish. Cast includes:Manuel Guzman, Omar Huamanchumo, Ella Valentino, John Rafael Peralta, and Oscar Moncada. "Hold the Door is the story of an unlikely friendship between the simple, naive Eugene and the brutal Hector, which is jeopardized when a relationship develops between Eugene and Hector's girlfriend, Monica. Eugene's candor and forgiveness earn Monica's trust, but lead to resentment from Hector. Even as they exchange crosses as a token of friendship, their awkward relationship stands in the way of Hector's passion for Monica, which turns violent when he learns of their attraction. Featured at the 2008 LDS Film Festival January 17, 2008, at the Scera Theater in Orem.
  
  
• HoottieBoombaLottie: A romantic comedy written and directed by "Fire Creek" star Seth Packard is, as of May 7, 2009, nearing release from Campus Studios at BYU Provo.
  
  
• A House Divided: (Previously titled Mount of Olives) Director Mitch Davis ( “Other Side of Heaven”) shot this “Romeo and Juliet” style film on location in Israel about a young Jewish man who visits Israel for the funeral of his father. While there he falls in love with a mysteriouis Palestinian woman who pulls him into a world of dangerous intrigue. Produced by Jim Abrams, Aldric Porter, and Davis, the movie stars F. Murray Abraham, Tovah Feldshuh, Eion Bailey, and French actress, Linda Hardy. Post-production has just been completed on the film. Release date unknown.
  
  
• House of Fears: House Of Fears is a feature length thriller/adventure produced and written by Steven A Lee and John Lyde. The film's story centers around six high school friends that sneak into a haunted house the night before it opens for Halloween, only to find that their evening of fun has turned into their worst nightmare. The film was filmed at the Rocky Point Haunted House in Salt Lake City. The film stars Corrie English (Unrest, Runaway Jury), Sandra McCoy (Cry Wolf, Cinderella Story), Michael J Pagan (Fallen, Gridiron Gang, Forever Strong), Corey Sevier (Decoys), Alice Greczyn (Dukes of Hazzard, Shrooms), and Eliot Benjamin (Forever Strong). As of October 15, 2007, it is in post-production.
  
  
• Intellectual Property: directed by Nicholas Peterson ("MuM", "Cookies for Harry"); director of photography: Nic Sadler; screenplay by Peterson and Hansen Smith; drama/thriller; An inventor (Christopher Masterson, who stars as Francis in the TV series "Malcolm in the Middle") must protect his inventions from becoming casualties of the Cold War. "Intellectual Propert" had its Utah premiere at the LDS Film Festival January 20, 2007.
  
  
• The Jerk Theory: Light hearted comedy with a good message written and directed by Scott S. Anderson (The Best Two Years); co-writer and co-producer Abraham Taylor. Other producers include: Brandon Petersen, Jonathan Rudd, and Ryan Rudd. Starring Josh Henderson, Jenna Dewqn, Lauren Storm, and Tom Arnold, with Danny Bonaduce playing himself. Adam (Josh Henderson) is the typical nice guy. He does everything for his girlfriend Cynthia, but she doesn't appreciate it, and she kicks him to the curb for the school jerk, Marc Dixon. Lesser men would give in to their pain and self-pity, but not Adam. He decides that since girls don't want the nice guy, he'll be the jerk. It works like a charm with all sorts of girls, but Molly (Jenna Dewan) is done dating jerks, and she dumps the very tool that sold Adam's girl the year before. Release is scheduled for 2009.
  
  
• Justin Time: Director: Rob Diamond; Writer: Troy Hinckley, Rob Diamond; Producer: Troy Hinckley; Executive Producer: Troy Hinckley, Ryan Andersen, Kyle Bennett; Director of Photography: Jacob Brumfield; Production Designer: Thayne Wheeler; Original Score: Sam Cardon; Editor: John Lyde, Troy Hinckley; 1st AC : Scott Winn; Key Grip: Chad Busath; Location Sound : Richard Mallard lll. Cast: Chris Laird, Michael Flynn, Shareece Pfeiffer, Alyx Gaudio, Danny Trejo, Brian Wimmer, Mike Hildebrandt, Matthew Reese, Michael Christian, Roger Benally, Taylor Cummins, Dave Martinez, Alex Egbert, J. Omar Hansen, Bronzell Miller. Synopsis: Justin Time is an action-adventure film that is targeted to young adults. It is a story of a Native American boy, Justin, who was orphaned at a young age and is left a magical amulet. He soon discovers its special power, the ability to stop time, but he is blissfully unaware that others are looking for his amulet as well. They will do anything to obtain it. One of those is a beautiful girl, Angelic, and her father Michael, who is hiding a dark secret. Justin must get the pieces of the magic disc and amulet, before Michael has the chance to reunite them. Along the way Justin will meet new friends and learns what it means to become a man. Shown at the LDS Film Festival January 24, 2009.
  
  
• Killer At Large: Shinebox Media Productions. Obesity Documentary--about the rising global epidemic of obesity, from former Brigham Young University student,Steven Greenstreet and award-winning director of “This Divided State.” Executive Producers are Shawn Talbott and Timo Lahtinen. Co-producer Patrick Waldrop, and Produced by Elias Pate and Bryan Young. “The issue of obesity is absolutely staggering,” said Young. “When you think of the sheer numbers of it, more than 65% of all Americans are overweight or obese, and being overweight or obese causes problems that decrease our length and quality of life significantly. And we’re finding that there are more causes to the problem than simply the notion that Americans are eating more and exercising less.” The film features interviews and footage of numerous public figures discussing both the politics, causes and effects of obesity including former President Bill Clinton, consumer advocate Ralph Nader, filmmaker Neil LaBute, Senator Tom Harkin, Senator Sam Brownback, Governor Mike Huckabee, and a number of bestselling authors. "Killer At Large" has been submitted to a number of notable film festivals including Sundance and Slamdance. Plans are to release to theaters in 2008. For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Killer At Large
  
  
• The Letter Writer: As of 5/10/2006, Christian Vuissa’s short film "The Letter Writer" just won 2nd Place at the Spiritual Cinema Festival-at-Sea. The film also won the Gold Award at the Worldfest in Houston. “The Letter Writer” is an official selection at the following upcoming film festivals: Eugene Film Festival, Eugene, Oregon, May 12-14; Mendocino Film Festival, Mendocino, California, May 18-21; Damah Film Festival, Culver City, California, May 19-21; DeadCenter Film Festival, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, June 7-11; and ReelHeart International Film Festival, Toronto, Canada, June 26-30. Starring Bernie Diamond; Score by Robert Allen Elliott; Editing by Ludwig Einklang; Cinematography by Dave Skousen; Production Design by William C. Rowan, Jr.; Written, Directed, and Produced by Christian Vuissa; Mirror Films. Synopsis: Sam writes a warm and compassionate letter with the fervor of a true master craftsman. "The Letter Writer" captures the beauty of selfless service and love. More festivals to be announced soon.
  
  
• Minor Details: A new film by John Lyde has completed filming in American Fork, Utah, about four teenage girls who join forces to solve a mystery at the prestigious Danforth Academy. It's a teen movie, sort of like Nancy Drew, with lots of fun characters and a great story to entertain all ages. Sally Meyer and Annie Edwards are the screenwriters. It is being produced by John Lyde, Salley Meyer, Annie Edwards, and Leah Faber. The website and trailer can be seen at www.MinorDetailsthe Movie.com or IMDB Minor Details. The LDS cast includes: Kelsey Edwards as Abby, Caitlin E.J. Meyer as Paige, Dani Chuchran as Clair, Lauren Faber as Taylor, Jennette McCurdy (star of Nickelodean series iCarly. www.iCarly.com) Emma Duke as Emily, and Brady Edwards as Brad. Others of the lead cast are Savannah Jayde Gipson as Riley, Andrew Cottrill as Sean, and Elijah Thomas as Ethan. Shown at LDS Film Festival January 23, 2009. World premiere at Scera Center February 5, 2009, 7:30 p.m.
  
  
• mr. dungbeetle A comedy/drama written and directed by Tom Russell is in post production as of January 2006. Jeff Parkin is the producer and Travis Cline the director of photography. Synopsis: Five mental patients escape a mental institution and their psychiatrist goes in search of them. Shot in Utah; "Dungbeetle" debuted at the LDS Film Festival 2007.
  
  
• My Girlfriend's Boyfriend: a romantic comedy with a twist; My Girlfriend's Boyfriend is a classic love story that turns the idea of "the classic love story" upside down. It opens on a climax and climaxes on a dramatic twist. Utilizing some of the conventions of good romantic comedy, it blends warmth, heart, and sincerity with fresh, stylized storytelling to achieve something completely unique. The film opens with Ethan, a likeable young man in the doldrums of having yet another novel rejected by a publisher. Tempted to discard his dream of becoming a writer, Ethan is saved by a chance meeting with an intelligent and sassy young woman named Miley, who inspires him to once again lift his pen and thrust ink to the page. In return, Miley, who has struggled with a past illness, is looking for a little inspiration of her own. Ethan and Miley meet at the best possible time -- except for the fact that it also happens to be the worst possible time. Moments after meeting Ethan, Miley meets Troy, a handsome, confident, and successful advertising executive. Simply put: Troy is everything Ethan is not. Miley enjoys the originality and simplicity of her dates with Ethan and relishes in the elegant and romantic (and very expensive) dates she has with Troy. The movie follows the two evolving relationships, giving the audience a hip twist on the kind of moments they’ve come to expect from romantic comedies. But then the story takes a turn. Both Ethan and Troy are clearly smitten, and Miley begins to feel conflicted. She can’t bear to tell Ethan about her double life and her life-threatening illness. Thinking she is sparing Ethan the heartache of ending up with a cancer victim, Miley accepts Troy’s offer to move to another state and marry him. Ethan is devastated. In final, desperate move to win back the girl of his dreams, he decides to act. What he and Miley discover about love is what the audience ultimately discovers about the film itself -- namely, that everything is not always what it seems. The story of a girl who meets her one true love--twice! Currently in production as of June 20, 2009; written and directed by Daryn Tufts ("The Singles Ward", "American Mormon"); produced by Rick McFarland; Munn Powell Director of Photography; Lauren Bass Casting Director, and Joseph Pia Business and Legal.
  
  
• Once Upon a Summer: Once Upon a Summer was written and directed by Rob Diamond and stars Heather Beers. DVD release date is September 29, 2009, through Candlelight Media. There will be a small theatrical release.
  
  
• Pirates of the Great Salt Lake: Blue Shift Entertainment; Kirby Heyborne stars in this feature-length comedy produced by Nathan Phillips and Christian Vuissa, who is also the production manager. Director Eric Nelson also co-wrote the script with Phillips. Heyborne plays Kirk, a twenty-something misfit who has long fancied himself as a modern-day buccaneer. Along with his sidekick Flint (Trenton James “Blind Guy”), Kirk buys some pirate gear and a little boat and sets out for adventure on the Great Salt Lake. When the pair run across an old treasure map, they must battle a wicked rival to claim the prize---which may or may not be cursed. “Pirates” also stars Larry Bagby (Saints and Soldiers) and Emily Kennard (Napoleon Dynamite’s Trish). Filming started August 2005 at Provo, Orem, Springville, the Great Salt Lake via Antelope Island, and a cave in Fillmore. (It’s not a pirate movie without a cave!) Shooting wrapped in early September 2005. Showing at the Spud Fest Family Film Festival (Take 1) April 20, 2006, in Rexburg, April 21, 2006, in Pocatello, and April 22, 2006, in Idaho Falls. Pirates of the Great Salt Lake. Film festivals entered include: Toofy FF, 9/30/06, 9 p.m. at Boulder Theater, Boulder CO; Idaho Inter.FF, 9/29/06, Egyptian Theater, Boise, ID; 9/30/06, at The Flicks in Boise, ID; UC Berkeley Pacific Film Archive Pirate Program, 10/18/06, PFA Theater, Berkeley, CA; Australian Internation FF, 10/21-30/06 at Hoyts, Melbourne Australia; Florida Pirate Festival in Clearwater, FL, November 17-19 at Coachman Park. See it February 28, 2007, at Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden, Utah. As of June 9, 2008, word is that Pirates will finally come out this fall. There are rumors of a limited Utah theatrical release, but the DVD, which will be distributed by the Weinstein Company, comes out in September.
  
  
• The Princess and the Pea: animation; directed by Mark Swan; produced by Forrest S. Baker III and Don Judd; music: Alan Williams; budget: $10 million; completed, distribution by Feature Films for Families. It has been released in foreign markets. Excerpts of the film are on YouTube The Princess and the Pea.
  
  
• Propensity: Propensity, a supernatural thriller, was written and directed by Rob Diamond. It stars legendary character actor, Danny Trejo.
  
  
• Repo: Ben Gurley's latest movie will be out in 2009. Ben wrote, directed, and plays the part of Leon. Plot details will follow.
  
  
• Scout Camp: Writer, Director: Garrett Batty; Producer: Drew Gilliland, Garrett Batty, Kirby Heyborne; Executive Producer: Drew Gilliland, Garrett Batty; Director of Photography: Jeff Lambright; Production Designer: Whitney Donald; Original Score: Micah Dahl Anderson, Alex Boyé; Editor: Mat Gerow, Connor O'Malley; UPM, 1st AD: Drew Champion; 2nd AD: Jake Van Wagoner; Associate Producer: Robert Starling. Cast: Kirby Heyborne, Shawn Carter, Tanner Mudrow, Nate Harper, Charlie Fratto, Taylor Moulton, Elijah Thomas, Parker Hadley, Curt Doussett, Starlee Holman, and Trent Krumenacher. Synopsis: When the Fire Dragon Patrol heads to Scout Camp, they are prepared for the best week of their lives. But when the 'Spirit Stick' of Camp Rakhouta unexpectedly disappears, the entire tradition and legacy of the prestigious camp is threatened. Now the Fire Dragons, and their intrepid leader, must do whatever it takes to find the stick and restore all order to the camp, no matter the cost. "Scout Camp" is a coming-of-age comedy starring Shawn Carter (High School Musical 3) and Kirby Heyborne (Saints and Soldiers).
  
  
• Shooting Star: (Formerly named Heber Holiday) The partying lifestyle of high maintenance LA actress, Sierra, has spun out of control, and her notorious on-set temper tantrums jeopardize her career. After an intervention led by her tough director Mac, she is whisked away to a clinic in the gorgeous Wasatch Mountains of Utah, far from the urban jungle where her every whim is catered to. Here Sierra learns some of life's most important lessons and simple pleasures. Written by McKay and Cameron Daines and directed by McKay Daines; editor John Lyde. The cast includes Torrey DeVitto as Sierra, K.C. Clyde as Tyler, Michael Flynn as Mac, Jimmy Chunga as Hound, Erin Chambers as Jodi, and Thurl Bailey as Mutumbo. Heber Holiday is repped by Quantum Releasing and is currently playing , or has been sold, in Germany, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Former Yugoslavia, and the Middle East. Peace Arch Entertainment secured the Canadian and North American rights and those theatrical, TV and cable, and DVD release dates will be forthcoming on Heber Holiday.
  
  
• The Sinking of Santa Isabel: Director: Jacob Hamblin, Michael Hamblin; Cast: Maclain Nelson. Synopsis: The Sinking of Santa Isabel is a charming look into the life of a man attempting to recapture his childhood. Webster, 27, unemployed and recently jilted, is determined to start over. He returns home to finish a goal he made when he was twelve - live inside of a tree house, twenty-three hours a day for ninety-two days - the length of a summer. The Sinking of Santa Isabel is a sincere and damaged comedy that irresponsibly tackles issues of death, betrayal, forgiveness, and friendship - leaving us to understand that it's not always how you live but where you live that matters most. Premiere at LDS Film Festival at the Scera Center, January 23, 2009.
  
  
• Take: LDS cinematographer Tristan Whitman just finished shooting "Take" which had its world premier at the Tribeca Film Festival the first week of May 2007. Logline: The lives of two strangers—a struggling mother (Minnie Driver) and a gambling addict (Jeremy Renner)—converge in unspeakable tragedy. Years later, they must come to terms with themselves and one another. As two pivotal days, one past and one present, unfold in a non-linear mosaic, "Take" offers a powerful reflection on redemption and forgiveness. Written and Directed by Charles Oliver, who is also LDS. Featured at the LDS Film Festival January 18, 2008 at the Scera Theater in Orem. Opens in Utah September 12, 2008.
  
  
• Together Again For the First Time: Based on a play by Reed McColm,"Together Again For the First Time" is a comedy/drama about a family gathering at Christmas time. This is the first time since their marriage that, Max, Audrey, and all of their children have been together in one place. But as everybody arrives on Christmas Eve, things become increasingly complicated. Not only is there a visit of a fiancé, a surprise TV show taping, and a neighborhood open house, but there are also secrets that threaten the entire family. The screenplay is by Reed McColm and Jeff Parkin. Parkin is also directing. The cast includes: Julia Duffy, David Ogden Stiers, Joey Lawrence, and Kirby Heyborne. James Huntsman is the producer, along with Reed McColm and Jeff Parkin. Cinematography is by Brandon Christensen, and Film Editing by Duane Andersen and Jeff Parkin. AN ASGAARD ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION shot June 26, 2006--July 22, 2006, in the Provo area. THEATRICAL RELEASE DATE FALL 2007.
  
  
• Tracker: Currently in post-production (as of 12/20/2005) is a new film entitled "Tracker" written by Brittany Wiscombe and Steven Lee; directed by Brian Brough, and produced by Brian Brough, Brittany Wiscombe, and Steven Lee. The film stars newcombers Noah Sunday, Chris Coppel, and Anne Mangum as well as Chris Kendrick ("Benji Unleashed") and Lillith Fields ("Day of Defense", "Urban Legends: Blood Mary"). The film is an action/adventure feature centered around a growing hobby called Geocaching. (Geocaching is a treasure hunting game where you use a GPS to hide and seek objects with other participants.) This film is a high-paced thriller that takes the characters on a complex hunt. Filming was all over the state of Utah, including the Salt Flats, Goblin Valley, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Provo River. Production finished in October 2005. "Tracker" debuted at the 2007 LDS Film Festival.
  
  
• Una Vida Mejor: Una Vida Mejor (A Better Life) is an ensemble drama that examines, from varying points of view, some of the issues surrounding illegal immigration. The film follows three families, each participating in the American experience, and each searching for their own version of the American dream. Two of the families have crossed the Mexican border illegally to enter the United States in search of a better life. What ensues is a gritty tale of injustice that leaves the viewer questioning the definitions of "victim" and "criminal." Andrew James wrote, directed, filmed, and edited this, his first feature-length film. Mike Reynolds is the producer and composer, and Jolyn Schleiffarth is the Executive Producer. UVM played at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose, California and won the Special Jury Award the first week in March 2008.
  
  
• The Way to Dance: Genre: Dance/Drama. From the creators of "Powerless" comes "The Way to Dance," an unforgettable dance drama about finding the strength to believe in yourself, no matter what life has dealt you. Kate was a dancer, and a good one. The future was hers: the excitement, the competitions, the awards. At just 16 she had it all, but then the accident happened. Not only was she scarred for life, but her injuries took away her voice. Now a reclusive mute, she lives a secluded life hidden from the world, but when she meets Danny in an Internet chatroom, he is determined to break her out of her shell. Smooth talking and not afraid to bend a few rules, Danny makes it his personal mission to get Kate back on the stage. However, as their friendship grows, Kate begins to suspect that Danny is not everything he claims to be. Directed by Matt Daniels, the film is currently in post-production after completing principle photography in August 2007. It will be released in late 2008.
  
  
• Wild Stallion: Wild Stallion stars: Robert Wagner, Fred Ward, Connie Sellecca, Paul Sorvino and Miranda Cosgrove. You might recall Miranda, she is the Star of iCarly and is very hot right now. She has a recording contract with Sony and is doing a film with Paramount. There were those who thought the rare and beautiful wild stallion might have been sired by a famous race horse lost years earlier when a locomotive derailed in the Nevada mountains. Others whispered that it was a ghost horse stealing mares away in the night. But most didn’t believe in the stallion at all. To them it was just a myth. No more. A figment of over-stimulated western imaginations. But for Hannah Mills (MIRANDA COSGROVE) and C.J. Adams (DANIELLE CHUCHRAN) the ‘myth’ would become as real as the wild mountain range the wraith stallion called home.
  
  "Wild Stallion" is a modern day adventure about two girls whose love for all wild creatures is tested just as their budding friendship will be. Hannah and her father Frank (FRED WARD) arrive at “Mustang Matty Steadman’s” (CONNIE SELLECCA) Bear Mountain Ranch, a spread which runs parallel to the Utah Nevada border.
  
  Hannah, we learn, has come west from Cleveland to photograph the famous wild horses found on Matty’s ranch. C.J. is from the neighboring ranch. Although C.J. is put off by Mattie’s request to ‘babysit’ Hannah - as she calls it - she reluctantly agrees to show her around. Turns out to be one of the best decisions of her young life as the two girls become instant friends.
  
  We discover, through the girls, the wild horses are disappearing from the range at an alarming rate. A wealthy mysterious stranger, Novak (ROBERT WAGNER), appears to be the instigator of a sinister plot to steal all the mountain mustangs. But while taking photographs of the wild herd one afternoon, the two girls - quite by accident - happen upon the mysterious "Wild Stallion!” He does exist! The girls rush home to tell Matty and her ranch hands the Brody brothers, Dallas (K.C. CLYDE) and Ty (GIB GERARD), about their discovery. Matty cautions all of them not to tell anyone about the black stallion because unscrupulous ‘mustangers’ would want the rare stallion and would stop at nothing to get him. Halestorm has secured and will be releasing Wild Stallion October 6, 2009.
  
  
• You're So Cupid: Film written by Sally Meyer is in auditions as of May 22, 2009, and produced by Brian Brough of Candlelight Media. John Lyde will direct.
  
  See also: Other Upcoming Films Not Yet in Production

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  Ranked by Box Office Ticket Sales $ Top Latter-day Saint Film Directors * (who are currently directing) 1. Kieth Merrill 2. Don Bluth 3. Richard Rich 4. Bruce Neibaur 5. Jared Hess 6. Neil LaBute 7. Perry Andelin Blake 8. Mitch Davis 9. Richard Dutcher 10. Russ Holt 11. Kurt Hale 12. Steven Ramirez 13. Gary Rogers 14. Ryan Little 15. Scott S. Anderson 16. Adam Thomas Anderegg 17. Blair Treu 18. Andrew Black 19. Sterling Van Wagenen 20. Christian Vuissa 21. John E. Moyer 22. Will Swenson 23. Kels Goodman 24. Eric Hendershot 25. Nathan Smith Jones * Based on total career North American box office gross. Detailed box office data for these directors can be found here.

  Ranked by Critical Response Latter-day Saint Feature Film Directors (who are currently working) 1. Sterling Van Wagenen 2. Neil LaBute 3. Scott S. Anderson 4. Jared Hess 5. Richard Dutcher 6. Ryan Little 7. Andrew Black 8. Blair Treu 9. Don Bluth 10. Russ Holt 11. Bruce Neibaur 12. Kels Goodman 13. Kurt Hale 14. Scott Swofford 15. Rick Schroder 16. Richard Rich 17. Nathan Smith Jones 18. Mitch Davis 19. Adam Thomas Anderegg 20. Christian Vuissa 21. Steven Ramirez 22. Gary Rogers 23. Adam Lawson 24. Perry Andelin Blake * Based on average of RottenTomatoes.com ranking combined with average review grade for theatrically released films. The RottenTomatoes.com score is the percentage of reviews that were mainly positive, out of the total number of reviews. The average review grade is an average of number, letter, and star grades, standardized to the same scale. Full data set can be found here. Because his films are older or played in a limited number of theaters, there are insufficient reviews for ranking Academy Award-winner Kieth Merrill.

  
  
  

  Best Independent LDS Videos

  Best Latter-day Saint-themed Independent Direct-to-Video Narrative Films 1. Roots & Wings (2002), dir. Christian Vuissa 2. Only Once (1998), dir. Rocco DeVilliers 3. A Pioneer Miracle (2003), dir. T.C. Christensen 4. Fourth Witness: The Mary Whitmer Story (1996), dir. Spencer Filichia 5. Christmas Mission (1998), dir. Michael L. Schaertl 6. Saturday's Warrior (1989), dir. Bob Williams 7. Dear John (2004), dir. John Lyde 8. Eliza and I (1997), dir. Richard Dutcher 9. A Truce with Death (1993), dir. Bill Shira Note that only films with Latter-day Saint characters are included on this list. Gospel-themed films, including stories from the Bible, as well as documentaries were not considered for this list. Church-produced films and feature films which had a traditional theatrical release were not considered.

  
  
  
  

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  Notes about Filmography Pages

  Abbreviations Used in Filmography Listings on this Website:
  Films listed with the word "TV" or the name of a TV/cable station, and/or listed in this color are made-for-television (or cable TV) movies or specials.
  s = short films
  V = direct-to-video
  d = documentary
  mini = TV miniseries
  mv = music video
  cv = corporate video
  sv = short video
  dv = documentary video
  IMAX = IMAX movie

  Nearly without exception, all IMAX films listed here are documentaries. Most PBS productions listed here are documentaries, so they may not be also noted with a "d".
  
  
  Additional Notes about LDS Filmography Pages
  * Names with asterisk: Published biographical sketch doesn't mention religious affilation, but person is from and/or lives in an area of Utah (or Cardston, Rexburg, etc.) in which at least 70% of the population are Latter-day Saints. Aside from those asterisk-marked filmmakers (who may or may not be LDS), all of the filmmakers and actors named on the LDS filmography pages are Latter-day Saints. With a few exceptions, all are active/practicing church members (or were while they were alive). Films have NOT been listed on these pages based on any determination of church activity, but non-practicing LDS filmmakers rarely discuss their church membership in media interviews. Hence, we are unaware of them and unable to add their films to these lists.

  ¹ Superscript 1: Latter-day Saints that are not active churchgoers, or inviduals who were previously churchgoing Latter-day Saints but no longer are. With deceased individuals (e.g. Hal Ashby), refers to individuals who were Latter-day Saints, but were not active Churchgoers during the bulk of their career and when they died.

  Note: Most films created by Latter-day Saint filmmakers are not made primarily for LDS audiences, even if they incorporate Latter-day Saint Christian values. This website is NOT any sort of "suggested viewing list." There are some great films listed here. But many of these films simply represent the work of working actors or filmmakers. Also, there are over 3,000 films listed on these pages; it would be senseless to try to see them all.

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  Mormon films/ LDS films/ Mormon Cinema/ LDS filmmakers /Mormon movies/ films by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints web page created 22 Aug. 2000. This page was last modified 25 June 2009.