| Latter-day Saints among the “Biggest Losers” in the Country
If there is anything Americans love more than weight-loss, it's reality TV. Four Latter-day Saints have been in the final ring on “The Biggest Loser.”
By Mariah Proctor
Whitney Award Finalists Announced
The Whitney Awards committee today announced the finalists for the 2008 Whitney Awards, a program which honors the best novels by Latter-day Saint writers.
Church Videos for Blogs and Websites
The Church has established three official Church channels on YouTube to help share gospel messages.
By Larry Richman
Go See Jjana's “Funeral Potatoes” in Washington DC
Readers who live in the Washington, D.C. area should make reservations now to see Jjana Valentiner in “Funeral Potatoes,” her one-woman show about life in a Mormon family.
Theater Review By Lincoln Oliphant
An “LDS Artist” or an “Artist who is LDS”?
New Janice Kapp Perry Documentary Motivates Key Question
A new documentary about Janice Kapp Perry motivates LDS artists to examine their motives.
By Greg Hansen
2009 LDS Film Festival Begins Wednesday
"Sundance for the Sunday School Crowd" was the way a Deseret News article described the first LDS Film Festival in 2001. From 750 attendees that first year, to over six thousand in 2008, the LDSFF has grown in popularity, quality, and size.
By Kjirstin Youngberg
“The Restoration through a Nauvoo Artist's Eyes”
Ever since Michael Bedard joined the Church 33 years ago, he has desired to put his brushes to work painting the Book of Mormon and the Restoration. He and his family has moved to Nauvoo and his dreams are becoming a reality. Come and see.
By Rosemary G. Palmer
“Extraordinary Latter-day Saint Featured in BYU Documentary”
A page-turning true account of an extraordinary Latter-day Saint in an unimaginable situation is now a new BYU-TV documentary to be broadcast on January 12th and 19th. Come and read all about it.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
For the past twelve days, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square have been sharing clips from their 2007 Christmas Concert performance of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” with subscribers to the Choir's weekly newsletter. On this, the twelfth day, we wanted to extend access to this delightful set of clips to Meridian's Readers.
By Robb Cundick
A Woman's Heart - New Music Celebrating the Seasons of a Woman's Life
With intimate stories and insights into writing tender songs, Janice leads us through the process of producing the work of a lifetime. You will be moved by this piece.
By Janice Kapp Perry
In The Name of Love—The Christian Rock Movement
Is there faith-based and inspiring music in the rock and roll world? Let's take a look.
By Kelly L. Martinez
Just Released on DVD: The Errand of Angels
Errand is a mature Mormon movie. Viewers who have served LDS missions will likely recognize many of their own experiences on the screen. Moreover, this is not an “inside joke” film that only LDS audiences will understand. Rather, it is about people and relationships.
Reviewed by Dennis R. Cutchins
TWILIGHT Appeals to a Limited, But Faithful, Demographic
Unlike Harry Potter , with its grand themes and rich characters, what you see on the surface of Twilight is exactly what you get.
By Jonathan Decker
Tales of Foreign Lands
Here are some wonderful selections to look at for your book clubs, including The Alchemist; The Samurai's Garden; The Kite Runner; and Cry,The Beloved Country. Even if you have read one or some of them before, don't miss reading about and considering these great books.
By Darla Gaylor
‘Bolt' Electrifies
In a world where it is getting harder to find a wholesome movie that all ages can enjoy, ‘Bolt', Disney's new animated feature is a charming, smart, funny romp that is sheer refreshment and will keep both children and adults glued to their seats.
By Maurine Proctor
What the Critics are Saying about Twilight
Latter-day Saint Stephenie Meyer's blockbuster book series hits the silver screen today as Twilight opens across the country to untold thousands of fans. Come and read what the critics are saying.
David Archuleta's Album Debuts
As David Archuleta's album battles it out for the top rankings on Billboard's charts, the battle before the album was even released was arguably far more brutal.
By Aaron Edson
Pearl Award Nominations for Best Faith-Centered Music
Finalists for this year's Pearl Awards have been named by the Faith-Centered Music Association.
Good Things Come in Small Packages
I am astounded by authors who are skilled enough to develop characters and stories that can affect our thinking or alter a society in 225 pages or less. The idea this month is to provide you some great choices that are brief, for those “palette-cleansing” months after a heavy read, but still highly dissectible for book club discussions.
By Darla Gaylor
The Best of Mormon Cinema
Mormon cinema features examples of the good, the bad, and the well-intentioned. Here our movie reviewer summarizes some of the best ever produced.
By Jonathan Decker
One Hundred New Hymns!
When Janice Kapp Perry's husband told her he had the impression she should write one hundred new hymns, she was astonished.
By Janice Kapp Perry
Gladys Knight's Choir Pulls in Big Crowd in St. Louis
Recently the St. Louis North stake hosted Gladys Knight and the Saint's Unified Voices Choir and the results were a packed audience and many referral cards.
By Dana King
Religion at the Movies
Some films excel in both spiritual and artistic quality. Here's a list worth watching.
By Jonathan Decker
Forever Strong
This Movie Will Change Your Life!
LDS writer and executive producer, David Pliler and Brad Pelo, talk about their new movie, Forever Strong, which opens tonight, nationwide.
By David Pliler and Brad Pelo
Books for Book Clubs
Reading Lolita in Tehran : A Memoir in Books
Finding Joy in Your Insignificance
A small group of select women gather secretly each Thursday morning at the Tehran apartment of an influential former college professor. Here, they shed their oppressive robes and veils in order to immerse themselves in the exploration of the forbidden—Western literature.
By Darla Gaylor
When Hollywood Gets It Right
Too often when we make our media choices, we focus only on what is absent—making sure the film doesn't offend us. Just as important is to focus on what is present.
By Jonathan Decker
Berlin to air on BYU Television
Believe it or not, air is very much alive, and represents a much needed "food" source, for which no digestion is required.
The Errand of Angels Soars
“Bottom line? This movie about sister missionaries was fabulous – absolutely believable and authentically touching, with spiritual moments that did not feel manipulated or overdone. I kept laughing and thinking to myself, “That is exactly what it was like!”
By Catherine K. Arveseth
Brian Regan: The Great Hope for Clean Comedy
Audiences across the nation are discovering, in increasing numbers, the appeal of extraordinary funnyman Brian Regan.
By Jonathan Decker
The Dark Knight is a Powerful Morality Tale
The Dark Knight is a dark film, but it is also a fantastically moral film, with positive messages about our nature , argues a Meridian reader who disagreed with our review this week.
By Jonathan Decker
“Dark Knight” of Hollywood 's Soul GrassTopsUSA Exclusive Commentary
"The Dark Night," sequel to "Batman Begins," is the most disturbing movie I've seen in ages -- and, believe me, I see a lot of movies: the good, the bad and the hideous. It's sickeningly sadistic and nihilistic to the point of howling-at-the-moon madness. In other words, it's pure Hollywood.
By Don Feder
WALL-E — Thoroughly Implausible Fun
WALL-E may be just as stupid as other science fiction movies, but that doesn't stop it from being thoroughly delightful.
By Orson Scott Card
Get Smart Exceeds Expectations
Comedy is the hardest kind of film to make. Romantic comedy is the hardest kind of comedy. Get Smart succeeds on both levels.
By Orson Scott Card
He Inviteth All to Come
New Film on Extending the Priesthood to Worthy Men of Every Race
With today's cover, we are starting a new feature on Meridian, inviting our readers to see some of the film clips on YouTube about the Church.
By Maurine Proctor
“Saturday's Warrior” Celebrates 35th Birthday with New Sequel
How do you fit “Saturday's Warrior” and its sequel into the same evening? “With a lot of imaginative writing, a great director, and wonderful actors,” says Doug Stewart, producer and author of the upcoming 35th Anniversary production of “Saturday's Warrior” and “The White Star.”
By
Joshua Stavros
Indiana Jones Doesn't Disappoint
Forget what the critics have to say. Despite its flaws, the new Indiana Jones installment is a great family movie.
By Orson Scott Card
David Archuleta Makes his Mark on American Idol
In a high energy, glitzy finale to the 7th season of “American Idol,” the youngest of the finalists with the most powerful voice — David Archuleta — walked away with the silver.
By Maurine Proctor
Returning to Narnia — Prince Caspian Hits the Theaters
For those who can’t go to Narnia often enough, the the coming to the screen of the second film from his Chronicles of Narnia is much anticipated — not only for its sheer fun, but much more for its spiritual dimension.
By Maurine Proctor
2008 CAMIE Awards
The stars were out as the 2008 CAMIE (Character and Morality In Entertainment) awards were presented in Hollywood on May 3.
By Levor Oldham
New Online DVD Rental Store Features LDS Movies
A new online DVD rental company has opened its doors, and unlike Netflix or Blockbuster this site is specific for the LDS market.
Is the Gospel Vision of the Arts No Longer Valid?
President Spencer W. Kimball had a gospel vision of the arts. Some 31 years later, is that vision coming to pass?
By Greg Hansen
Del
Parson: Painting the Savior’s Love
This is the magic of Del Parson. You
can’t help but walk away with a smile on your face after spending
a little time with him or with his artwork.
By Steevun Lemon
Bringing
Art to the Saints
Upon the Latter-day Saints’ settling
in the uninhabited valley of modern-day Salt Lake City in the late
1840’s, there was an almost tangible need for artistic expression
and instruction. Within a few decades, this need was met by the
arrival of George M. Ottinger, a pioneer not only in a physical
sense, but a pioneer of unconquerable spirit, of will and heart,
infused with a passion for his first love — art.
By Paige Crosland, BYU
Meridian Correspondent
LDS
Artist Finds Beauty in Shades of Gray
An artist teaches
life lessons through the use of color in her paintings.
By Elizabeth Christensen
First Annual Whitney Awards Highlights Books, Authors
Whitney Awards were presented to seven “Best of Category” authors along with three Lifetime Achievement honorees at a gala ceremony Saturday evening. The awards ceremony capped off the LDStorymakers conference held at the Cottontree Inn in Sandy, Utah.
By Jennie Hansen
2008 CAMIE to Celebrate Uplifting Films
Ten wholesome motion pictures will be honored in Hollywood on May 3, and you can get free tickets if you act quickly.
By Annie Wong
Screenplay by LDS Authors Wins First Prize
Screenwriter Jeanne McKinney lives in California, while author Anne Bradshaw is a thousand miles away in Utah. Together they created a screenplay-by-email that beat competitors from 17 countries around the world for Sci-Fi/Fantasy entries in Hollywood's 13th Annual International Family Film Festival.
By Kjirstin Youngberg
Two
Latter-day Saints Shine on “American Idol”
Six months ago nobody had heard of
David Archuleta or Brooke White, but now, thanks to their soaring
on "American Idol", the television show that seeks to
find the country’s new vocal superstars, they have become
household names with their own fans, websites, blogs and pictures
splashed across the Internet.
By Maurine Proctor
2007
Whitney Award Winners To Be Announced March 22
The winners
of the 2007 Whitney Awards will be announced during the final evening
of the LDStorymakers annual Writers Conference, March 22, 2008.
Special Lifetime Achievement Awards will also be presented that
night to three persons whose bodies of works and tireless efforts
have made a significant impact on the field of LDS popular fiction.
Rexburg
Temple Windows Reflect Rural Roots
An LDS artist strives to ensure that
glass designs for the Rexburg Idaho Temple reflect the local history
and setting. The wheat motif was created by a high school senior.
By Laurie Williams Sowby
LDS
Film Festival Wraps for Another Year
The 7th LDS Film Festival 2008 ended with
a strong finish on Saturday, when more than 2,500 people attended
the screenings and presentations at the Scera Center for the Arts
in Orem, Utah.
Whitney Award Finalists Announced
The Whitney Award nominating committee has announced the finalists in a much-anticipated new program to honor the best of 2007 fiction by Latter-day Saint writers.
By Robison Wells
From a Napkin Drawing to DVD History
A child's drawing on a restaurant napkin first became a children's book first became a book, and then was produced as a song. Now The Twelve Dogs of Christmas has made DVD history, when sales topped 500,000 — unheard of for a movie that was made without studio backing.
By Bettyanne Bruin
Peddling War Movies and Stalking Santa
Here's a thought. What if Hollywood made a movie in which the people fighting the war thought that the U.S. was the good guys, that fighting Osama's terrorists in Iraq was way better than fighting them in Manhattan, and that the men and women who volunteer for service in our military are devoted servants of our country?
By Orson Scott Card
Stalking Santa DVD Offers Amusing Family Entertainment
A pseudo-documentary about the existence of Santa Claus, now on DVD from Utah-based Excel Entertainment, provides G-rated fare that your family will watch as perennial holiday favorite.
A review by Kjirstin Youngberg
Passage
to Zarahemla
Tops List of Current Releases
People who believed
that LDS cinema was dead didn't count on the new movie, Passage
to Zarahemla. The action-adventure drama is one of the biggest
movies on Utah screens this week.
Heimerdinger’s
First Passion was Filmmaking
Filmmaker Chris Heimerdinger spent more than
25 years cooling his heels by writing novels until there were enough
investors who were willing to take a chance on the Latter-day Saint
film industry.
By Bettyanne Bruin
Return
with Honor — A Missionary Homecoming
This award-winning new film shows
the conflict that can arise when a newly returned missionary comes
home to the expectations of others who want him to be the person
he was before his life-changing experience.
Story and photos by Kjirstin Youngberg
Pearl
Awards Recognize Outstanding Music and Music Makers
Vocalist Jenny Jordan Frogley was named
New Recording Artist of the Year and walked away with a handful
of additional awards Friday evening (Sept. 26), as the Faith-Centered
Music Association presented its tenth annual awards to people who
are making a difference in the LDS music market.
By Laurie Williams Sowby
Lacey
Schwimmer, After the “Dance”
Lacey Schwimmer is soaring after her
experience on the summer television hit, "So You Think You
Can Dance." Meridian Magazine caught up with her on the nationwide
dance tour.
By Rebecca Birkin
Newly
Released Musical Inspires Rexburg to Sing with Joy
“One Truth — He
Lives” is the first musical to open at the Westwood/Romance
theatre in nearly two decades. It is an energetic and varied musical
that celebrates the immense love that Heavenly Father has for each
of His daughters.
The
Life and Lore of J. Golden Kimball — Mormon Folk Hero
With his gaunt figure, magpie voice,
and fiery vigor, Elder Kimball embodied the down-to-earth humor
he so often provided his people. Here is a glimpse of the man, including
some J. Golden Kimball stories you have never heard before.
By Eric A. Eliason
2007 Pearl Award Nominees
The nominees for the 2007 Pearl Awards, recognizing artistic and professional excellence in the faith centered music industry, have been announced.
“White
Star” Shines as New LDS Musical
A new musical combines the talents
of Doug Stewart and Janice Kapp Perry in an entertaining production
that demonstrates love and caring on both sides of the veil.
By Laurie Williams Sowby
Audience
Alliance Snags Legendary Ad Exec
A man who has been described as "a
legend in the business of creating emotion" has signed on to
become the coordinating producer for all Audience Alliance film
projects.
By Bettyanne Bruin
LDS
Actor’s Latest Role is as a Missionary in Nauvoo
After playing countless roles in commercials,
television, live theater and on the big screen for more than fifty-five
years, veteran actor Bryce Chamberlain now stars in his favorite
role so far
— and this role has
nothing to do with the acting industry.
By Bettyanne Bruin
Minerva
Teichert’s “Pageants in Paint” on View at BYU
MOA
“Minerva
Teichert: Pageants in Paint,” a new exhibition at the Brigham
Young University Museum of Art, will examine how the American mural
and pageantry movements influenced Teichert’s artistic production
through 47 of her large-scale narrative murals. Some of the works
in the exhibition come from private collections and have not been
seen publicly for many years.
Cameras
Roll on HaleStorm’s Singles 2nd Ward
Cameras
have been rolling on HaleStorm Entertainment’s Singles
2nd Ward, the follow-up to 2002’s hugely-successful film
about dating in a Utah LDS singles ward.
Order
of the Phoenix is the Best Harry of All
There are people who are going to say
that this is the weakest of the Harry Potter movies. There are reasons
for this, but those people will be wrong. Here is the most comprehensive
review you'll read of this complex and fascinating tale.
By Orson Scott Card
BBC
Production of North and South better than Pride and
Prejudice
Move over, Pride and Prejudice.
This BBC gem is a saga that is for men as well as for women, and
it tells a powerful story of the industrial revolution in Victorian
England.
By G.G. Vandagriff
Young
LDS Actors Thrive at Shakespearean Festival
The play may be thing for young LDS
cast members of the Utah Shakespearean Festival's 2007 summer season,
but friends with similar values and the opportunity to work in an
uplifting environment make the thing even better.
By Laurie Williams Sowby
Ratatouille
Serves Up a Deliciously Good Time
Who would have guessed that a movie
about rats in the kitchen of an expensive restaurant could be at
all appetizing for anyone to watch?
By Orson Scott Card
Nancy
Drew — Two Movies for the Price
of One
If only they hadn't used the name "Nancy
Drew," the movie Nancy Drew would have qualified as
a pretty good pre-teen flick.
By Orson Scott Card
An
Experience Shared with Brian Kershisnik’s “Nativity”
The painting is enormous
—
bigger than any
single wall, ceiling-to-floor, in my whole house or the houses of
any of my neighbors. But the physical size is only incidental to
the enormity of this grand work of art.
By
Sam Payne
September
Dawn Gets No Rise
New film is "shameless, anti-Mormon
propaganda" according to critic.
Summer
Naomi Smart Shines on the Screen
You don't have to step outside your
house to catch a performance by a prolific young actress with a
seasonal name. You may be hearing her voice constantly on your television,
thanks to your children, and don't even know it.
By Bettyanne Bruin
Uplifting
Films Get 2007 CAMIE Awards
Ten outstanding motion pictures have
been recognized with CAMIE awards at the 2007 CAMIE ceremony
awards at the prestigious Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre in North
Hollywood. This year five films created for the theater and five
created for especially for television were recognized with CAMIES.
Telling "Our Story" to All the World
The world believes the creative process
is largely based on the unconscious mind and some mystical interaction
of subconscious forces about which very little is known or understood.
Latter-day Saints know from whence those "forces" truly
come. You must never forget that you have been blessed with these
gifts. They come from God. And with those talents and this awareness
come an enormous responsibility that is not without consequences.
By Kieth Merrill
I
Am Not Enough
How would you feel if you were called
to play the role of Jesus in a film? How could you portray the Savior
of the world? How would you act? How would you speak? How would
you prepare?
By RoMay J. Allen
Pearls
in Babylon
All pearls have modest beginnings. As they
are created, layer by layer, from the inside out, so is man changed
from the natural man to the spiritual man from the inside out —
starting with a change of heart, as King Benjamin tells us.
By G.G. Vandagriff
Helen
Whitney: Missing the Mark
The PBS documentary on The Mormons
may have perpetuated prejudices instead of bringing clarity.
By Maurine Proctor
What
We Say, Not What They Say
Letters continue to pour into Meridian
about the two-part, four-hour documentary The Mormons on
PBS.
PBS
Documentary on The Mormons is Disappointing
Readers Respond
Meridian readers
watched the PBS documentary and were certainly not afraid to give
commentary on the show. Come and see what's being said.
BYU’s
Young Ambassadors Share Morality and Virtue
As BYU's thirty Young Ambassadors travel the
world, they take a message of morality and virtue along with their
repertoire of dances and Broadway tunes.
By Stephanie Fischer and Rachel Bennett, BYU Correspondents
Painting
on a Bigger Scale
Inspired by the admonition that we should
"liken the scriptures to ourselves," an Oregon physician peoples
his Book of Mormon paintings with characters who are portrayed
by his own family members.
By Steven Lloyd Neal
The Most Important Movie You'll See This Year
Amazing Grace is not going to be the best movie you see this year, but it will teach you things that are important for you and your family to remember.
By Orson Scott Card
What
You Dream, We Create
From sitting in the back of his parents'
car at drive in movie theatres, Stephen Sobisky has become a player
in the field of motion picture special effects.
By Bettyanne Bruin
Mormon
Arts Foundation Retreat Inspires and Delivers Results
The 2007 Mormon Arts Foundation Biannual
Retreat delivered the goods again this year —
both intellectually and tangibly.
By Greg Hansen
The
Man Behind the Lens
With such beautiful works as Joseph Smith the Prophet of the
Restoration, The Work and the Glory 1 and Testaments,
to his credit, T.C. Christensen is one of the most, if not
the most, popular LDS cinematographers in the LDS film genre. What's
more, his name is fast spreading beyond the LDS film industry as
well.
By Bettyanne Bruin
"Let Them at Least Have Heard of Brave Knights and Heroic Courage"
We
are what we read. We are shaped and influenced by the books
that we have read. They prepare us for more than interesting
conversations —
they actually prepare us to face real crises that we encounter in
life. Few people would dispute this simple statement, so let's ask
a simple related question: What are we reading today?
By Micheal Flaherty,
President, Walden Media
If
You Could Choose, What Movies Would You Make?
It’s time to do something more
than wish there were more great movies that supported, not assaulted,
our values.
By Kieth Merrill
Filmmakers
to Share Experiences of Making Elvis Presley Bio-Movie at LDS Film
Festival
Tears of
a King, a bio-pic of Elvis Presley that explores Elvis' spiritual
search, will be discussed as part of the LDS Film Festival in Orem,
Utah, this Friday.
Gladys
Knight Tells Floridians, “This is the Light”
A series of concerts given by Gladys
Knight and her choir in southern Florida this month has resulted
in 425 solid referrals and at least one request for immediate baptism.
By Geoffrey Biddulph
Museum
Entertains Everyone but Grumps
This Ben Stiller comedy is entertaining for
the whole duration. In fact, not just kids but grownups laughed
out loud.
By Orson Scott Card
Ambushed
at the Movies
Part IV in the Series
Special effects may be getting bigger, but
virtues and values in most movies have gone missing altogether.
We need to do something about it.
By Kieth Merrill
Miracles
at the Museum of Art
“Choreography
beyond the veil” brings cherished works to the Museum of Art
at BYU. If you are looking for a special holiday activity, this
is the perfect way to usher in the sacred season of Christmas.
By Marilyn Green Faulkner
Joseph
Smith DVD: Powerful Witness of the Restoration
December is a wonderful month for celebrating
the birth of Jesus Christ and the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
To enhance your celebration of the Prophet's birth, we have a suggestion.
by Scot Facer Proctor
Stellar
Television for Families this Week
Whether it's
penguins or a Christmas heartwarmer you want, this week is a good
one for family television.
The
Nativity Story on the Big Screen
How
do you convert the most beloved story of all time into a movie?
Very carefully.
By Maurine Proctor
Eric Herman
and the Invisible Band Combine Shel Silverstein and the Beatles
The time has come to I catch up with a rising
star of children's music before he zooms too far out of sight.
By Kent Olmstead
Everybody
Lies About Everything
Hollywood
is corrupt. There are no family values in most of today's movies.
But this doesn't have to be the case. Read here for a powerful preview
of how things can be.
By
Kieth Merrill
Searching
for God on the Silver Screen
Part II in a series
“Let us agree to disagree” is a marvelous way
for people to remain connected — and respected — even when their
ideas and philosophies are vastly different. My truth is
grounded in God, and all that implies. McKee’s truth is grounded
in secular ideologies and all that they imply. You can be sure that
there are more McKees than Merrills in Hollywood.
By Kieth Merrill
Sheet
Music Secrets:
How to Find Good Stuff for your Ward Music Program
Ideas from the sheet music sleuth of the century
about how to find inexpensive music for worship in your ward.
by Greg Hansen
They
Came without Eyes
Battleground
for Values in the War on Culture
Movies are a
crucial battleground in the raging war on culture. The enemy does
not want to kill the audience; they want to take us captive.
By Kieth Merrill
Fiddles,
Family, & Favorite Hymns:
FiddleSticks
& Lisa Arrington present “Farewell to Nauvoo”
When the Davis family band FiddleSticks knew
their fiddler (daughter Katie) would answer a mission call to South
Africa in the spring of 2006, they expected there would be some
unfinished business to complete. What they didn't know was that
they would end up completing two albums, including their newest
CD, Farewell to Nauvoo.
By Kent Olmstead
Liken
Serves
a Lion’s Bellyful of Entertainment
Complete with a lovable
den of lions, the ever-faithful Daniel, and anxiety-prone king,
this film is sure to find its way into the hearts of viewers everywhere.
By Erin Schofield and JeeHie Sung, BYU Meridian Correspondents
Around
the Dancing World in Ninety Minutes
The costumes were vibrant, the choreography
was astonishing, and the variety of the music and styles was electrifying.
Brigham Young University's world-renowned Department of Dance presented
World of Dance, showcasing the diversity of its five dance teams.
By Adam Gassin, Meridian
correspondent
Mormons
have Major Impact on Animation History
No matter how old or how young you are, if
you are a fan of animated movies you are probably a fan of LDS animators
— even if you don't know it yet.
By Bettyanne Bruin
Akeelah
and the Bee —
A Story of Transformation
This wonderful story is like a sports story,
but with a twist. First, it's not about sports. Second, winning
isn't the important thing.
By Orson Scott Card
“One
Clear Voice” Speaks Something to Everyone
When the Sounds of Zion recording label decided
to put four of their favorite LDS female voices together to make
the group One Clear Voice, they had a hunch it would be a good thing.
They just didn't know how good.
By Erika Dahl Price
Invincible
— A Formula that Works
Sports movies. You know the formula. They
don't have a chance! Wait, some new person gets involved! He doesn't
have a chance! Wait, he does great and everything turns around and
everybody is happy! This movie is a formula movie, but it works.
See it anyway.
By Orson Scott Card
Sam Payne
— Building the Kingdom through Music
Sam Payne uses music to"figure things
out between God and me." He shares his music with others because,
"The way I've always seen it, you do what God gives you to
do."
By John Newman
How
to Eat Fried Worms
is a Surprising Delight
The gross stuff is there to delight
kids and make them say “Eeeeeewww.” There’s plenty of humor to
amuse adults. But in the midst of all this there is a smart and
satisfying story about how you go about breaking up a bully-dominated
gang and ending a social war.
By Orson Scott Card
World
Trade Center Simply
Has to be Seen
What happened to Oliver Stone? Why did he
suddenly stop propagandizing for the anti-American Left and tell
a simple, honest story that might actually cause people to remember
that America is full of good and decent people, and that our country
might be worth sacrificing to defend?
By Orson Scott Card
An
Outsider's View of the Pearl Awards
This small scale LDS version of the
Grammys — complete with some tuxes and evening gowns — offered a
"rockin' good time" as well as a few spiritual moments
that would never have been found in a Hollywood awards ceremony.
By Jane Brady
Can
LDS Film Director Mitch Davis Help Mitt Romney Get in the White
House?
Yesterday we
ran a cover story about Mitch Davis's new movie he shot in Israel.
Today we continue our questions to Mitch about his passion to use
the media to help get Mitt Romney into the White House in 2008.
Come on, could a Mormon really become President of the United States?
LDS Director
of The Other Side of Heaven Shoots a New Film on the Other
Side of the Planet
Mitch Davis
has gone from Raratonga with the successful film The Other Side
of Heaven to the Sea of Galilee and the land of Israel to shoot
the story of an American Jewish man who visits Israel for the funeral
of his father, who has been killed in a bus bombing. This man, who
has essentially abandoned the religion of his father, is forced
to come to terms with that when he arrives in the Holy Land. Then
he meets and falls in love with a Palestinian woman, and things
get very complicated. Come and join us in this exclusive interview.
Monster
House a
Winner for Older Children
Although it may be too frightening for younger
children, the superb animation and plot twists in Monster House
will entertain their older siblings —
and their parents.
By Orson Scott Card
Boston
Area Artists Sought for Faith-Based Exhibition
BOSTON, Massachusetts — The
Bunker Hill Community College in Boston has issued a call for slide
submissions from artists to be considered for an interfaith and
intercultural exhibit exploring faith-based and spiritual dimensions
in art.
Ron
Larter: Drawing from Life
Nature artist Ron Larter finds "pure
joy" in reproducing God's works onto paper and canvas.
By Kathy Green
Pirates
Leaves
Audience on the Plank
Even without an ending, this is the best action
movie so far this summer. So forget that it doesn't have an ending
and go see Pirates anyway. You'll have a swashbuckling
good time.
By Orson Scott Card
Just
My Luck
Launches a New Doris Day
The innocence in Just My Luck is
accompanied by a genuine depiction of love. We can see two good
people coming to need and depend on each other. How often does a
movie do that?
By Orson Scott Card
Over
the Hedge
Delivers
Here's a cool story about an outsider who
joins a group of friends in order to exploit them, but ends up caring
about them and being loyal to them. You don't have to have children
with you to have a great time.
By Orson Scott Card
Faith
Centered Music Association Announces 2006 Pearl Award Nominees
The Faith Centered Music Association (FCMA)
is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2006 Pearl Awards, recognizing
artistic and professional excellence in the faith centered music
industry.
Joseph Brickey — Art that Connects the Senses and the Spirit
As a child he drew pictures of toys he couldn't
afford to buy. Now he draws sacred scenes, making his visions accessible
to all.
By Jen Swindle
Faith
Centered Music Workshop Welcomes All Comers
Attention all
up-and-coming and would-be singers, songwriters, producers and musicians!
Here's a workshop for you.
Making
Movies That Matter: The Church Audio/Visual Department
Observations from an Extra
In Hollywood, a filmmaker lives and dies by
his credits. To be making films for the Church, one must be willing
to be completely dedicated, creative, a master of the craft and
anonymous.
by Greg Hansen
Shaggy
Dogs
The Shaggy Dog is really two movies. One is
a genuinely funny story of a busy, neglectful father. The other
is lame, tedious and sometimes offensive.
By Orson Scott Card
Greg
Olsen - Painting from the Heart
By Steevun Lemon
"Angels
Unaware" Tells Story of Joan of Arc March 8-25
Brigham Young University's Department
of Theatre and Media Arts will present the world premiere of "Angels
Unaware: A Story of Joan of Arc," March 8-25 at 7:30 p.m. in
the Margetts Theatre.
Loose
Suits
The film has its flaws. Still,
if you can get past these flaws, it provides a couple hours of light
entertainment. If you have a couple of hours and just want to escape
from everyday cares for a while, you could do worse than seeing
Suits on the Loose.
By Thomas Baggaley
Is There
a Zion Art?
The 2006 Mormon Arts Festival Winter Retreat
Stewart said that the closer we come
to knowing the living God and being like him, the greater our appreciation
for, and need for beauty in our surroundings.
By Greg Hansen
Gladys
Knight and the Saints Unified Voices Win Grammy
One Voice, the debut album from Gladys
Knight and the Saints Unified Voices, won the Grammy for Best Gospel
Choir Album this afternoon at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards.
2006
LDS Film Festival a Huge Success
Packed audiences
show that LDS Film is catching on.
AML Conference
Highlights Past and Present in Mormon Literature, Film and Studies
The Association for Mormon Letter (AML) will hold
its annual meeting and conference February 25.
Nanny
McPhee
— A Must-See for Everyone
Don’t even think about
not going to see Nanny McPhee. If you’ve been good, then
this movie will be your reward. And if you’ve been naughty — well,
you need Nanny McPhee more than anybody.
By Orson Scott Card
Coming on
TV
Check here for
this week's quality TV picks.
Filmmakers
Work with Mr. Mac to Donate Suits to Third World Countries
Suits
on the Loose filmmakers
HaleStorm Entertainment and New Harmony Pictures are conducting
a "Suit Drive" to collect suits and other clothing for
missionaries from third-world Countries.
Now
in Theaters
Look for these
quality family movies, now playing in theaters across America.
Coming on
TV
Check here for
this week's quality TV picks.
Reader
Recommendation: PBS Series: The War That Made America
From a Latter-day Saint perspective, we
can see from this presentation how a young and ambitious George
Washington (a personal hero of mine) was molded, humbled and hammered
into the leader that the Lord needed to establish a nation.
By Charles H. Marvil
Mormondom's
Best Independent Voice Fighting to Be Heard
Richard Dutcher has been given a rare
second chance in re-releasing his latest movie: States of Grace.
If you didn’t get the chance to see it the first round, here’s
your chance. Presently screening at the Utah venues of Lehi, Provo,
and Salt Lake City, States of Grace will expand into markets
including Las Vegas, Phoenix, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles,
and even Canada over the coming weeks.
By Kay Thomas
Glory
Road
Director Jim Gartner
Jim Gartner was a perfect choice to direct
a movie based on heart —
and the spontaneous applause that has broken out in some theaters
at the end of the movie indicates people have been touched.
By Maurine Jensen Proctor
Glory
Road
— A Sports Story with a Twist
For kids who never lived in such a time, this
movie can be an eye-opener. People really acted like that? Yes,
Virginia, and this was after things started getting better for blacks —
you
know, the post-lynching, post-segregation, pre-affirmative-action
era.
By Orson Scott Card
Juan
Rulfo Photography Exhibition Explores Landscape and People of Mexico
The Brigham Young
University Museum of Art will show a selection of Rulfo’s photographs
in an exhibition titled “Photographing Silence: Juan Rulfo’s Mexico.”
The 62 black and white silver gelatin prints in this exhibition
will be on view beginning January 20.
2006 CAMIE Awards a Big Hollywood Success
Hollywood, California —
March of the Penguins and The Chronicles of Narnia were among ten
films announced as the 2006 CAMIE award winners at a Hollywood gala
held at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre Saturday night.
Become
an Award-Winning Filmmaker in 24 Hours
The LDS Film
Festival is launching its fourth annual 24-Hour Filmmaking Marathon
on Friday, January 13. If you have always wanted to be a famous
filmmaker but don't have the attention span for long projects, here
is your chance!
Mr.
Krueger’s Christmas —
Part of A Wonderful Life
Jimmy Stewart's
role as Mr. Krueger will forever affect the Mormon Church, but it
is clear that the Church affected him as well.
By
Kieth Merrill
Grammy
Nomination Gratifies "One Voice" Choir
The recent Grammy nomination for One
Voice, the debut album from Gladys Knight and the Saints Unified
Voices, has been a source of gratification for choir organizer and
lead singer Gladys Knight.
By
Cheryl Stewart Osborn
Movie
Trailer for Joseph Smith DVD Now Available
The anticipation is running high
for the thousands who have pre-ordered the new Witness of the
Light DVD on the life and times of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
We're excited to show you a short, three-minute movie trailer that
has been produced from Witness. Come and take a look.
Yours,
Mine and Ours — A Pleasant Family Diversion
You don't go to a movie like this to see great
art. You're happy if you pass a couple of hours pleasantly in the
company of the people you brought with you.
By Orson Scott Card
Movies on
TV
If you're looking for wholesome fare
on television, here are some suggestions for this week.
Our Threefold
Obligation Toward… the Media?
The media are associated so much with
all that is wrong in modern society that the term “good media”
might strike many as an oxymoron. I believe, however, that there
is much within the entertainment media that is uplifting and good.
The trick, of course, is finding it.
By Dennis Agle Jr.
Gladys
Knight and the Saints Unified Voices Nominated for Grammy
One Voice,
the debut album from Gladys Knight and the Saints Unified Voices,
was announced over the weekend as a nominee for Best Gospel Album
in the 48th Annual Grammy Awards.
Kieth
Merrill Asks Scot Proctor Some Questions about Photography
After Kieth Merrill watched the new DVD Scot
Proctor produced on the Prophet Joseph, Kieth asked Scot a number
of questions about photography. He convinced Scot that a number
of you Meridian readers would be interested in his answers. Here's
a fun read and it applies to everyone.
Kieth
Merrill Reviews Scot Proctor's Witness of the Light. A Powerful
Personal Tribute to the Prophet Joseph Smith
Scot brought the passions of his youth, the
photographic journey of a lifetime and his remarkable knowledge
of Joseph together in a powerful new DVD called Witness of the Light.
In writing, producing and directing Legacy for the Church, I thought
I came to know and understand Joseph Smith, the man, the prophet,
his life and times. When I watched Witness of the Light I was dazzled
by how much I have never known. What a thrill it was!
By Kieth Merrill
"Meridian
Movies" Produces Its First on Joseph Smith
For the past five years I’ve been thinking
about what I might do to really celebrate the 200th anniversary
of the Prophet Joseph’s birth — and truly honor him.
At one point I had a five-page list of things that I wanted to do,
all of which were quite major items. Out of everything on the list,
I just chose one. I made a movie about Joseph.
By Scot Facer Proctor
Segullah: Peculiar Treasure; Priceless Opportunity
This new literary journal fosters creativity, connection
among LDS women
By Carol Kostakos Petranek
Halestorm Entertainment Releases Unique, Creative Show for Children
The ponies and characters
of Howdy Town teach their young audience about a specific
moral lesson or social skill through educational scenarios and lively
music.
Four Personal
Recommendations from the Arts Menu
Autumn 2005 has been a rich season
for arts. Four gems stand out from the rest.
By Ron Simpson
New
York Critics Punch a Hole in The Ark ― Miracle
Needed
The New York critics have ravaged The
Ark in cynical reviews that were more about its family and
religious values than its theatrical excellence. But audiences have
loved it. This is a cyber cry for help.
By Michael McLean
States of
Grace (God’s Army 2): In the True Spirit of Christmas
It would be a great shame if States of
Grace got lost in the rush of the season. It is the best and
most faith-affirming Christmas movie you could attend.
Reviewed by Margaret Blair Young
The Twelve
Dogs of Christmas Written
and Directed by Kieth Merrill
A film reviewer says, "The end was met
with spontaneous cheers and applause from the captivated attendees,
myself included."
By Maurine Proctor
Inspirational Music Show Builds
Texas Missionary Efforts
The woman in charge of the auditorium
reported, “When all those young men came up on stage singing,
I felt something I’ve never felt before!”
By Greg Hansen
Work
and the Glory: American Zion Shows Joseph as Prophet and Man
Director Sterling VanWagenen creates
for audiences a Joseph Smith who is both human and in communication
with the divine.
By Rebecca Walker Clarke
Has
Hollywood Lost Its Heart?
How many movies did you see this year? How
many “really good movies” do you remember? How many
reflected “hope” and “positive values”?
How many moved you emotionally, spiritually or touched your heart?
By Kieth Merrill
Alma’s
Story, with a Broadway Flavor
The
puns and clever dialogue capture the viewer’s interest and
when you hear your kids singing songs like “Turn Unto the
Lord” in Broadway show tune style you realize the message
is really sinking in.
By
Jane Brady
The
Ark: What a "Ship without an Ocean" is
Teaching Me about Miracles
Their ship has come in! Michael McLean
and Kevin Kelly's The Ark opens soon off-Broadway.
By Michael
McLean
LDS
Cinema is Back with Mobsters and Mormons
Just how does
your average LDS neighborhood feel about having a member of the
mob move in?
By Thomas
Baggaley
Urban
Artists Respond to an Absolutely Urban Sacred Space
Six
LDS photographers commemorate the one year anniversary of the Manhattan
Temple dedication with the Manhattan Temple Portfolio: images of
“the most sacred building in the most defiantly urban of world
capitals.”
By
Rose Datoc Dall
Escaping
the Ordinary Church Musical
“Parley P. Pratt’s Great Escape”
is not your typical LDS musical. Believe it or not, a play that
represents eight grueling months in a dingy prison can actually
be fun.
By
Jane Brady
Saints and Soldiers and The Work and the Glory:
A Study in LDS Cinema Contrasts
These are stories about faith:
Where does it come from? What is its value? And how does a person
of faith deal with the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune"
that affect us all?
By Thomas C. Baggaley
2005
Pearl Awards Ceremony to be Broadcast Online Tonight
The 2005 Pearl
Awards Ceremony will be aired for the first time over the Internet
to coincide with the live event on the evening of July 26. Look
inside for all the details.
Shakespearean
Festival Revs Up Season in Style
"Camelot" is likely to be the favorite
this year. Everything works in harmony to transport the audience
back to the days of chivalry and the Round Table.
By Laurie Williams Sowby
Tell
Your Story in a Movie
Whatever
your situation, let me urge you to charge up your video camera’s
batteries, recruit a few family members and make a movie. You’ll
have the time of your life. Many wonderful stories, which might
otherwise be lost, will be preserved.
By
Craig Lofgreen
News
from the LDS Music Biz
FCMA Announces Alternative Format Awards
Ceremony; LDS Music Downloads Now Available to Worldwide Audience
By Greg Hansen
Utah
Shakespearean Festival Begins 2005 Summer Season
Three Shakespearean plays, the musical
"Camelot," and two other plays are being presented during
the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespearean Festival's 44th season.
By Laurie Williams Sowby
J.
Kirk Richards — A Modernist with a Classical Approach
Donned a "new master" by
his peers, J. Kirk Richards is becoming a legend in his own time.
Admirers are astonished by his expressive realism, elegant composition,
and brilliant representation of light in primarily Judeo-Christian
themes.
By Steevun Lemon
“Life Itself” on Display at
the Museum of Church History and Art
As he carved his own life deeper and
deeper into the Biblical etchings, Rembrandt broke further and further
away from Dutch artistic tradition.
By Erika Dahl Price
How
Do We Picture Jesus?
Where
did we get our ideas about what Jesus looks like? Is having
a mind's-eye image of what he looks like an important part of our
kinship and acquaintance?
By Kieth
Merrill
Church
Members Join "Star Wars" Frenzy
The long-awaited answers seemed so
familiar, when viewed from a gospel perspective: the danger of pride,
the subtlety of evil influences, and the inability to bridle passions
and accept God's natural laws can lead to the downfall of even the
most powerful.
By Kirsi Ayre
Joseph:
Prophet of the Restoration: A Mobster's Perspective
It is one thing to read about church
history, and quite another to relive it so vividly. After re-enacting
them, I will never think of these chapters in church history the
same way again.
By
Greg Hansen
A
Little More Love Made it Happen — "The Order is Love"
I wanted to see if the show was a
good as I remembered. Was it dated? Was I just sentimental
about the show, or was it really worth doing? Would we want
to do it in our stake?
Reviewed by James
Welch
Gladys Knight’s
“One Voice” — An Invitation
When I first
heard about the CD, I have to admit I was curious about the possibilities
it might present in terms of a missionary tool.
By Rebecca Clarke
Sounds
of Zion Adds Songbooks, Spanish CDs
It's one thing to enjoy listening
to good music, and quite another to be able to reproduce it. Happily,
Sounds of Zion has made the latter a bit more possible.
By
Laurie Williams Sowby
Passionate
About The Passion
No sacrament since
The Passion became part of my experience has been without a
vision of remembrance that is for me at least a powerful and positive
experience.
By Kieth Merrill
"Choose
Something Like a Star" Aims High
At the conclusion of "Choose
Something Like a Star," Robert Frost stood and said, "Sing
it again!" So they did.
By Laurie Williams Sowby
“Beneath These Stars” — A
Treasure Box of Delights
The life blood theme of Cherie Call's
sixth release is the way Heavenly Father will meet us wherever we
are and lift us up. He can be close to us like a blanket of stars,
surrounding and comforting us.
By Jane Brady
New
Program Celebrates Joseph Smith, Restoration
"I love what musical productions
can do," says Steve. "Something like this gives the kids
an opportunity to get together, and as they learn the words and music,
it becomes part of their spirit."
By Laurie Williams Sowby
A Family Film Made For Families by
a Family
If you love Scouting, you’ll
love this movie. If you love to laugh, you’ll love this movie.
If you’ve been waiting for a feel-good-again movie, race to
a theater near you.
By Kieth Merrill
Walter Rane
— Speaking without Talking
Take a visual tour through the eyes
of this fascinating painter, and see the world of spiritual things
as he envisions them.
By
Steevun Lemon
LDStorymakers:
Writing Secrets
Fourteen LDS writers have
joined to share their skills in a book and a writers' conference.
By
Josi S. Killpack
“Choose Something Like a Star”
Aims High
Beautiful harmonies combine with lyrical poetry and biblical text
in the latest album recorded by the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra
at Temple Square.
by Laurie Williams Sowby
Highway Records Looking
for Utah's Next: Regional Music Powerhouse
Highway
Records is having its own version of American Idol--with competition
looking for Utah's Next.
'Oh, What Songs of the Heart'
Latter-day Saints, the world over,
sing "Come, Come Ye Saints" and probably don't know William
Clayton penned the words to a hymn that was already popular.
By
Laurie Williams Sowby
The
2005 Winter Mormon Arts Foundation Retreat
A by-invitation-only retreat is held
for Mormon artists semi-annually, and this last one was a mix of
honest questions, inspiring art and great people.
By
Greg Hansen
Julie
de Azevedo’s Home
There is no emotional agenda,
and there are no sticky tugs at the heartstrings. All we hear is
a person needing to come to terms with issues in her own life. If
you want to listen in, you are welcome.
Reviewed by Jane Brady
Hollywood Values and You
In reality, you aren't out of touch with Hollywood.
In fact, it is the other way around. Hollywood is out of touch with
you!
By Kieth Merrill
CAMIE Awards Honor Clean Entertainment
Uplifting films without offensive
content graced Hollywood Saturday night, as writers, producers,
directors and actors received sixty-seven awards for six inspiring
films of character and morality.
By Nicholas Ilhi
CAMIE awards Move to Hollywood
… But Not on the Sabbath
A day has been set, the location is
booked, and the bronze CAMIES have been cast for the third annual
CAMIE awards – awards given to uplifting films of character
and morality.
By Nicholas J. Ihli
Racing Horses and Patron Saints
"Film is not an art form.
As I write those words I can hear the grinding of axes in preparation
for my summary execution, for writing such heresy." The debate
about funding films by Latter-day Saints continues.
By Kieth Merrill
“Night
of All Nights”
With 17 tracks and nearly an hour’s
worth of music, this CD is full of the smooth, polished arrangements
that are part of this label’s sound.
By
Steven Kapp Perry
LDS
Artist's Work Graces Catholic Facility
Tom Holdman, known for his LDS Church
projects, was chosen by a Catholic senior care facility to enhance
its Meditation Room and main lobby.
By Laurie Williams Sowby
Mormon
Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas Album is a Holiday Delight
It has been said that the Choir is like the
Crown Jewel of the Church. Indeed, it is one of the most valuable
ambassadors to the world we have.
By Greg Hansen
The
Work and the Glory Shattering Records
Despite its limited release, the film
grossed more than $200,000 in box office sales its first two days
in theaters.
By Kathryn H. Kidd
New
CDs Have a Woman’s Touch
Latter-day Saint women are among those whose
singing and songwriting talents are moving into the spotlight. Their
recordings are available wherever LDS music is sold. Here's a sample.
By Laurie Williams Sowby
Polar
Express and The
Incredibles
Sheer
fun and magic await you at the theaters.
By
Orson Scott Card
The
Work and the Glory Premieres Wednesday in Utah
For most Americans, Thanksgiving is a day of
turkey dinners and family reunions and giving thanks. For thousands
of Church members in Utah, however, there is something extra to
be thankful for in 2004 – the premiere of The Work and the
Glory movie.
By Kathryn H. Kidd
Other
Side of Heaven to Air on National TV
In
addition to the millions of people who have alread seen the movie,
it will be seen by a vast viewing television audience on two cable
networks.
Soothing
Sabbath Sounds in New Instrumental Recordings
Folk artists Mark
Geslison and Geoff Groberg play several unusual instruments, including
many they've crafted themselves.
By Laurie Williams Sowby
Mormoniana
– Contemporary-classical, Collaborative, Cutting Edge?
The
music is brainy in concept, artistic, substantive and finally, intellectually
satisfying for the serious musician, theorist and performer.
By Rose Datoc Dall
A Light to the
World: Part Two
Michael Dowdle – Acclaimed
Guitarist, Recording Artist, and Bishop
by Greg Hansen
Comics Creator Declines Metal
Men to Draw Nephi
Creates “The Golden Plates,”a Book of Mormon Comic
I often listen to scriptures on CD,
and while listening to the Book of Mormon I could see how I could
draw it .... It just kind of opened up to me.
By
Derek McCaw
In
Search Of the Patron Saint(s)
In order for LDS arts to blossom, we have need
of 'patron saints' who are willing to be sponsors, supporters, benefactors,
helpers, backers, angels, and guarantors of LDS artists and artworks.
By
Kieth Merrill
More
LDS Film:The Best Two Years and other releases
If you were to choose one
film that you felt most members of the Church would identify with,
what elements would it have?
By
Thomas Baggaley
Our
Duty as Filmmakers to Work from Within
Any success that we achieve on a massive,
global scale will happen within the context of the existing industry.
We must be a force for reshaping and refashioning the industry from
the inside.
By
Ken Harris
Production
Manager, National Geographic Television & Film
Mitch
Davis on Mormon Movies
Other Side of Heaven Director Joins the Dialogue
Meridian continues our Q&A with Mitch Davis
who says that as our culture drifts further and further away from
the realm of righteousness, it is imperative that Latter-day Saints
create an alternative culture.
Meridian
Magazine/LDSfilm.com Weekend Box Office Report 1 October 2004
The Mormon vs. Baptist conflict
in Baptists at Our Barbecue evokes discussions of Democrats
vs. Republicans and Muslims vs. Westerners, making the film work
on many levels.
by
Preston Hunter and Thomas C. Baggaley
(co-webmasters LDSfilm.com)
Mitch
Davis on Mormon Movies
Other
Side of Heaven Director Joins the Dialogue
Meridian
recently caught up with writer, director, and executive producer
of The Other Side of Heaven to get his take on the future of Mormon
movies. He's got a unique perspective and a vision to share.
Reviews
of Recent LDS Films and a Question: What’s It Gonna Take to Crossover
into Mainstream?
Reviewing the latest spate
of LDS films to make it to DVD, Baggaley sees possibilities for
attracting larger audiences.
By
Thomas Baggaley
New `Spitfire Grill' a Gem at Utah Shakespearean Festival
For
those fans of musical theater who think they've seen it all -- over
and over again -- there's a fresh, new show that's sure to win their
hearts.
by
Laurie Williams Sowby
Tempest
in a Teacup – Take II
The
Broth Boileth Over
Kieth Merrill says, "If Mormon cinema
is a tempest in a teapot your reaction to my article is a hurricane
in a thimble."
By
Kieth Merrill
Hymns
only? No Problem!
Some Sparkling Ideas For Your Ward’s Music Program
When
he was first called to be ward choir director, Greg Hansen had a
lousy attitude. That turned around.
By
Greg Hansen
Utah
Shakespearean Festival:"As
You Like It" in Fall
The
play's still the thing at Utah Shakespearean Festival, but the town
and its surroundings offer even more in autumn.
by
Laurie Williams Sowby
A
Light to the World
A
Response to Kieth Merrill and Ken Harris
The dialogue on how to elevate the
work of Latter-day Saint film makers goes on. You should see Meridian's
Inbox!
By
Greg Hansen
An
open letter to Ken Harris about his letter to Kieth
Merrill
You can wait all you want, but unless
Latter-day Saints make their own films, they'll be in for a long,
long wait before they see themselves portrayed honestly in Hollywood
films.
From:
Preston Hunter
Webmaster www.LDSfilm.com
An
Open Letter to Kieth Merrill
"You
have an obligation to participate in the elevation of your fellow
film makers."
From: Ken Harris
Napoleon
Dynamite—A Review
Everyone is saying this movie
is truly funny and wonderful.
By
Orson Scott Card
Tempest in a Teapot?
The Bubbling Broth of Mormon Cinema
Is Mormon cinema destined to be a
tempest in a teapot or the vision that a prophet saw? Kieth Merrill
raises his concerns.
By Kieth Merrill
Remembering
Alvino Rey
Respected
Swing-era Bandleader’s Final Song
Two generations ago music fans wouldn't have
needed any help identifying Alvino Rey, who died earlier this year.
They would have known instinctively the sound of his unique jazz
steel guitar, which blended or contrasted as needed with the sound
of his always-cooking big band. They would have known The King Sisters
and the King Family television show.
by
Ron Simpson
Of
Saints and Soldiers
Saints and Soldiers opens today in
Utah and later across the nation. There's more to this film than
just a simple shoot-em-up, hooray-for-our-side war film - more,
even, than a story of friendships developed under the heat of battle.
This is "LDS Cinema" at its best, with Christian themes
of redemption, forgiveness and love.
by Thomas Baggaley
The Journey of Jessie Clark
Is making it in the big time all it’s
supposed to be?
By Greg Hansen
New
`Inspirational' CDs Range Widely
Recently
released CDs by LDS artists run the gamut from sacred to contemporary
sounds.
by Laurie Williams Sowby
The
Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Three Quarters of a Century and Coming
On
Monday afternoon, July 15, 1929, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir gathered
in the Salt Lake Tabernacle to launch what was to become the longest-running
network radio program in broadcasting history.
By
Robb Cundick
Utah Festival Opera: A Study in Miracles
Michael Ballam's dream continues into its second decade with four productions onstage for over a month in a beautifully restored theater.
by Laurie Williams Sowby
Utah Shakespearean Festival Opens 2004 Summer Season
Three Shakespearean plays, the musical My Fair Lady, and two other plays are being presented on outdoor and indoor stages during the Tony Award-winning festival's 43rd season.
by Laurie Williams Sowby
Voice Male: Careers by Day, A Cappella by Night
Blow a pitch pipe--and like Superman changing in a phone booth--an accountant, a commercial real estate agent, a software product manager, a graphic designer, accounts manager and an attorney--become super singers.
By Janet Kay Jensen
Creative
Inspiration When You Need It
Imagine being able to consistently get
great ideas and solutions to everyday problems whenever you need them.
Here are nuts and bolts ideas.
By
Greg Hansen?
The
Pearl Awards
Recognizing
the Best of the Best in Faith-Centered Music
Sweeping spotlights, award after award presented
by celebrities. What is this the Grammies?
Only if they've been moved to Salt Lake City, Utah and they are
about excellence in music of an entirely different sort.
By
Darla Isackson
Harry
Potter Grows Up
Here is a movie that is truly magical.
By
Orson Scott Card
Saints
and Soldiers Sweeps
Film Festivals
So what if you had been a German missionary
and were now a soldier in Germany fighting in World War II?And what
if your special talent was sharp shooting? Latter-day Saints will
be intrigued and moved by Saints and Soldiers, but so are audiences
at every film festival where this new film has been shown.
By
Maurine Jensen Proctor
Window
to Our Past: An Interview with Al Rounds
Wonder what Nauvoo looked like to
Joseph Smith or how Brigham saw the Salt Lake Temple? Al Rounds
paints Church history sites as the early Saints saw them--and transports
us back to another time.
By
Steevun Lemon
A Pioneering Exhibition
at the BYU Museum of Art ?Metaphorically Speaking:
Contemporary Religious Art
The word “pioneering”
takes on a new meaning when referring to an exhibition which opened
in April at the BYU Museum of Art and which will be on display until
January of 2005.
By
Rose Datoc Dall
Johnny
Lingo on DVD - How to Influence Hollywood
Hollywood filmmaking is a process
far removed from most of us, but there is one area where you can
make a difference.
By
Thomas Baggaley
Asian
Pacific Celebration at Washington,
D.C. Visitors Center
?Pioneers of Today?
April of this year marked the first
annual Asian Pacific Celebration at the Washington, D.C. Temple
Visitors Center, which joins the growing list of annual multi-cultural
celebrations held at the Visitors Center.
by Rose Datoc Dall
As
Popular LDS Recording Engineer Bounces Back:
Actor Wilford Brimley Hosts Benefit Concert for Jim Anglesey
This
past month actor Wilford Brimley hosted a benefit concert and art
auction for Jim Anglesey, a name that has been synonymous with the
teaching and mentoring of music recording at BYU.
by
Ron Simpson
Liriel
Knocks ?Em Out
By Geoffrey Biddulph
12
Dogs of Christmas
Kieth takes us on location to show
us with pictures, not words, his latest film project.
by
Kieth Merrill
2004 Women?s Art Exhibition
at the D.C. Temple Visitors Center
This
year’s D.C. Temple Visitors Center exhibition has lost no momentum
from the well-trafficked 2003 exhibit. Come see some outstanding works
of art shared by women of faith.
Marriott?s to Host First Annual SVU Art
Show
Original paintings of over forty professional
artists from around the country will be up for sale the evening of
April 15 at the first annual SVU Shenandoah Invitational Art Show,
hosted by Richard and Nancy Marriott.
The
Legend of Johnny Lingo
Oscar-winning
producer Gerald Molen debuts his latest critically acclaimed, family-friendly
action adventure – The Legend Of Johnny Lingo.
Latter-Day
Renaissance
Something significant is happening. Religious art of
superior quality is seeing a groundswell among the Latter-day Saints.
Beginning with this column, Meridian brings you Steevun Lemon, who
will be writing each month on a second Renaissance of spiritual art
and highlighting significant Latter-day Saint artists.
By
Steevun Lemon
The
Passion of the Christ -- Three Reviews and a Letter
As a film critic, Orson Scott Card says, "The
Passion of the Christ is superb; I believe that it is, in every
way that matters, perfect." But what does he have to say from
the perspective of a believer and as an American?
by
Orson Scott Card
Another
Perspective on The Passion of Christ
With all its realism, there is
something more, something even greater, to consider about the suffering
of the Savior that The Passion does not—and perhaps cannot—consider.
by
W.
Jeffrey Marsh
The ?Dark? Passion
I viewed The Passion last evening;
and although I was, at times, moved by its message, the overall
presentation was inconsistent with the hype on either side of the
debate.
by Steve Farrell
BYU
animated short recognized at film festivals
A
digitally animated short film produced by a group of Brigham Young
University students is receiving recognition at film festivals around
the world.
LDS
Cinema Gets Better and Gets a Bum Rating
Thumbs
up for the new film The Best Two Years and a closer look at how
movies get ratings. Is it really that fair?
By
Thomas Baggaley
Passionate
Choice
Unless
you’ve been in a coma -- or care nothing for movies or popular
culture --you know by now that The Passion of The Christ is Mel
Gibson’s controversial feature film that focuses on the last
12 hours of Jesus’ mortal life. Here's Kieth Merrill's personal
opinion as one who's already seen it.
By
Kieth
Merrill
Pride and
Prejudice: Behind the Scenes
A present-day Mormon setting is nothing
short of 'inspired' for Jane Austen's classic novel.
By
Sarah Culver
Jester
Hairston Film Biography Featuring the Tabernacle Choir to Premier
at the Conference Center Theatre
Ten years in the making with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the film,
Jester! The Amen Man, will have it’s Utah premier on Friday,
February 20th.
LDS
Film Festival
2nd
Annual 24-Hour Film Marathon A Success
The
3rd Annual LDS Film Festival launches a full slate of offerings
this week, with numerous screenings, professional presentations,
and lots of filmmaker networking.
Test
Your Attitude toward the Disabled: Is it Media-Driven?
Any television or movie-goer
knows that when a maimed or hook-armed character shows up on the
screen, it's a good bet he will end up one of the bad guys.
By Jack A. Nelson
Selling
to the Saints
"I don't want to offend you but..."
said the letter and then asked a question that deserves a clear
response.
By Kieth Merrill
The
True Source of Creativity
Merrill tells the moving
story of recording the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for The Testaments
of One Fold and One Shepherd and explores the difference
between inspiration and a perfect product.
By Merrill
Jenson
Igniting
the Creative Fire -- The
Embryo of the Idea
Mozart said his best ideas came unbidden and he knew not from where.
Nor could he force them. How can you tap the creative power in you?
By Merrill Jenson
Composer
Merrill Jenson on Igniting your Creative Fire
The composer of the film score for
Testaments and Legacy explores that force that drives someone to
create. What is that extra ingredient that gives a person the power,
drive and desire to search for an original thought or visual image
or musical sound?
By Merrill Jenson
Secret
Santa:
Values-Based Movie a Hard Sell to TV Network
TV
producer Beth Polson says, "I have been producing television
movies for over 20 years but with every passing year, it has become
increasingly difficult to sell movies with an uplifting message."
By
Beth Polson
Film Makers Honored with
CAMIES for Character and Morality in Entertainment
Working in a media industry that often
undercuts morality, CAMIE winners say they are grateful for an award
that encourages good values.
By
Glen Griffin
PBS
Special Showing "American Valor"
PBS will be showing an outstanding
documentary called AMERICAN VALOR on Veteran's Day, November 11.
by
Martin Garff
CAMIE
awards for Character And Morality In Entertainment
Five motion pictures will be honored
on November 21st in Mesa, Arizona, with CAMIE awards for being uplifting,
entertaining, and providing a positive influence. These awards were
created to encourage moviemakers to create shows that don’t
promote non-married sex and gratuitous violence.
By Glen C. Griffin, M.D.
"I
Will Go And Do" Does It In a Fun Way
Here's a look at some of
the latest video and DVD releases that are available in the LDS
market. There's quite a mix to choose from.
By
Thomas Baggaley
Marvin
Goldstein Las Vegas Showcase
Marvin,
a highly acclaimed pianist, arranger and entertainer, will be performing
November 19th in Las Vegas.
Box
Office Buzz
Baggaley
gives us the latest and greatest on Mormon filmmaking.
By
Thomas Baggaley
moviepicks.org
? A Place To Find Uplifting Movies
The rating systems
are flawed, the recommendation of a friend may be a disappointment.
How do you find movies that will both meet your standards and be
excellent? We've got an answer.
by Dr. Glen C. Griffin
Richard
Dutcher and Larry H. Miller Announce Production of God's Army
2
Car dealer Larry H. Miller continues
to be a big investor in LDS film.
By Thomas Baggaley
Gloria Film
Festival This Week and Other LDS Film News
Everything you wanted to know about
current LDS films under production and news of a film festival in
Salt Lake Friday and Saturday.
By Thomas Baggaley
Finding Nemo
A
fish with a short-term memory loss and a dedicated Dad make this
tale not only delightful for children, but adults. too.
Reviewed by Lisa Bolin Hawkins
LDS Filmmaker
Seeks To Change History Books With TV Documentary
People
have generally believed that Columbus discovered America, but many
voyages preceded his. Robert Starling, LDS Director, is creating
a documentary appropriately called, They All Discovered America.
Secondhand
Lions
This is a tall tale about two, old-goat,
great uncles who find their lives invaded by a boy named Walter
who has been dumped on them by his floozy mother.
Movie Reviewed by Glen
C. Griffin
Excel
Entertainment to Distribute Modern Day Pride and Prejudice ?
Jane Austen's book Pride
and Prejudice just received a Mormon makeover. I wonder what Jane
will make of this?
LDS Actor, Gordon Jump Dies
Gordon Jump, who was best known as
the lovable, but slightly addled radio station manager in the hit
television series, WKRP in Cincinnati, and as the lonely Maytag
repairman, who never got called for repairs, died Monday, Sept.
22. He was 71.
By
Maurine Jensen Proctor with Thomas Baggaley
Shared
Passion
Kieth
Merrill reviews the controversy and power behind Mel Gibson's new
film The Passion. Is it the most moving major motion picture yet
created on the life of Christ?
By
Kieth Merrill
BYU
Developed Musical Premieres in NYC
Written and produced by BYU alum
Erik Orton, BERLIN is based on the famed Berlin Airlift of 1948-49.
This touching play premieres this month in New York City.
One
Last Miracle for Lavell
This
documentary about BYU's most-beloved football coach is both entertaining
and inspiring.by
Thomas C. Baggaley
Johnny
Lingo - The Comeback Kid
Hollywood
veteran producers Jerry Molen and John Garbett bring an old Mormon
classic Johnny Lingo to the big screen. It was the charming storyline
and quality of the message that attracted this team of professionals
and inspired them to do a remake of an old favorite.
By Geralyn White Dreyfous
Online
Art Gallery: Visit the Church’s 6th International Competition
The Sixth International Art Competition
sponsored by Museum of Church History and Art is a visual delight.
If you haven't yet visited it online, this is your invitation. It
features the work of 171 artists from 30 countries.
Johnny
Lingo - The Legend
Heeeerrrre's
Johnny. Lingo that is. The story of Johnny Lingo and his eight-cow
wife has made it to the big screen and Thomas Baggaley gives it
a hearty thumbs up.
by
Thomas C. Baggaley
LDS
Documentaries and Direct-to-Video Films Recommended
With
all of the LDS films in the works and the response to Baggaley's
list of Christmas films several months ago, he decided to open up
the archives and recommend some of his favorite LDS documentaries
and direct-to-video films.
By
Thomas C. Baggaley
Arnold
Friberg’s Cinematic Art Speaks to a Cinematic Age
Lecture
and Exhibition of his Paintings for the motion picture The Ten Commandments
by Rose Datoc Dall
Utah
Shakespearean Festival Is Worth Making Much Ado
Heading toward Utah this summer?
Take the time to take in some plays at the Utah Shakespearean Festival.
Three Shakespearean plays, the musical "1776," and two
other plays are presented on outdoor and indoor stages during the
Tony Award-winning festival's 42nd season. Read reviews of three
of them here.
by
Laurie Williams Sowby
Casting
Church Icons: The Challenge and Responsibility of Portraying Book
of Mormon Characters
In every
film, casting is critical.? But
in films such as this, where beloved and revered characters
are portrayed, the task becomes more daunting by a factor
of ten, twenty, even a hundred.?
By Peter
Johnson
Hollywood
Calling - Rising Star of Mormon Movie Making
Ben
Affleck calls him "the most raw talent". Who
is this up-and-coming young filmmaker who made it to the top
ten finalists in the prestigious project Greenlight, whom we
call one of our own? Kieth Merrill introduces us to a Mormon
filmmaker to watch.
By Kieth Merrill
DVD Technology
Gives New Life to Brigham
Young
The
1940 movie, "Brigham Young" was heralded by producer
Darryl F. Zanuck as "the great American motion picture." This
week, Fox Home Entertainment will release the first-ever DVD
version of the 1940 Twentieth Century Fox movie Brigham Young
and will mark the release date with a premiere screening event
of a rare film copy of the feature hosted by Brigham Young
University that evening.
By
Todd Erickson
Reviews
of Two Pioneer-based Films
It's July, and as is the case every July, our thoughts turn once again
to our heritage and those who worked so hard to build the foundations
of the good life we live now. Right on cue, several films focusing
on that pioneer heritage have been released or are scheduled to be
released in the next month. This week, Baggaley focuses on two of these
films which were recently released on video/DVD: Kels Goodman's Handcart
and T. C. Christensen's A Pioneer Miracle.
By Thomas C. Baggaley
The
2003 Pearl Awards
The 2003 Pearl Awards, an annual
event honoring excellence in faith-centered music, were given in
a gala black-tie ceremony this past weekend.
by
Thomas C. Baggaley
Award-Winning
Susan McBride Gilgen: Becoming an Artist after Age Fifty
Award-winning fiber artist Sue Gilgen did not anticipate
that she would become an artist, nor that she would make a career
change after her children were grown.
by
Rose Datoc Dall
Video
Review:? A More Perfect Union
The self-conceit
and disdain of the media elite toward our nation's founding is one
of the reasons that I am planning to gather my family around our
television set to view A More Perfect Union.
By
Maurine Jensen Proctor
Utah
Shakespearean Festival to Open
Three
Shakespearean plays, the musical "1776," and two other
plays will be presented on outdoor and indoor stages during the
Tony Award-winning festival's 42nd season.
by
Laurie Williams Sowby
"Trek"
CD to Benefit Martin's Cove
LDS
musicians and recording artists donated time and talents to create
"Bring Them In: Celebrating the Spirit of Trek." All proceeds
from sales go to keep Martin's Cove operating.
by
Laurie Williams Sowby
Out
of the Best Books--Families, Values, and Poetry
Surprisingly,
never before has an anthology of poetry been created from the finest
writers that celebrates family life in all its poignance and depth.
Now an LDS associate professor at the University of North Carolina
has met the challenge..
by Grant
Hardy
The
Eleventh Hour: Blacks in the LDS Church
This
feature-length documentary film will tell the true stories of blacks
and their interactions with the LDS Church.
What
About Charly?
In
light of the recent release of Jack Weyland's Charly on video
and DVD, I have a couple of confessions to make. First off, I have
never read the book.
by Thomas
C. Baggaley
College
Orchestra Performs in Carnegie Hall
Terry
Hill and 80 student musicians mark 10-year anniversary of instrumental
music program at Utah Valley State College with concert in Carnegie
Hall. It's the realization of a dream for the former assistant conductor
of Mormon Youth Orchestra.
by
Laurie Williams Sowby
Movies
that Make a Difference
Jason
is the last one to arrive. The movie has not begun. He shuffles
to the back of the room and slumps into an overstuffed chair.
by
Kieth Merrill
Song
of the Heart
Music
indeed is the universal language. It communicates what mere words
cannot. As a film composer, I am called upon to create emotion and
drama through music to enhance a motion picture. I know firsthand
of the power of music. I know music can move a soul to a wide array
of emotions. Fear, comedy, romance, suspense, tragedy, happiness
and spirituality are all emotions I have been asked to create with
music.
by Alan Williams
Suddenly
Unexpected
Husband-and-Wife Team Create New Movie
The
sky is a beautiful Texas blue and the ever-present humidity has
taken time off to allow two young men in pressed white shirts and
ties, dark slacks and official-looking missionary pocket tags to
pedal bikes through a green meadow for the benefit of the Mpotter
Productions film crew shooting Suddenly Unexpected.
by RuthAnn Hogue
Women
of Faith Fine Art Juried Exhibition at the Washington, D.C. Visitor’s
Center-
A Spiritual Experience and a Wealth of Talent Different Cinematic
Angle on Missionary Work
In an exhibit
that continues through the end of April, the visitors’ center
at the Washington D.C. Temple is hosting a Women of Faith Fine Art
exhibit and Meridian readers can enjoy part of the display in this
article.
by Rose Datoc
Dall
Roots
and Wings: A Different Cinematic Angle on Missionary Work
As
a missionary in Venezuela, I often wondered what it was like for
the people I was teaching. I am grateful to have been born and raised
in the church, but I still tried to imagine what it was like for
those who were hearing the restored gospel for the first time. I
also wondered what it was like for those who were not yet ready
to receive the message, especially those who had family members
who were baptized although they, themselves, did not yet gain a
testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. After
watching Roots and Wings, a short film from talented Austrian
filmmaker, Christian Vuissa, I felt like I understood a little bit
better.
by Thomas
C. Baggaley
Movies
To See Before You Die
85-year-old Ada Carpenter provided Kieth Merrill
with a daunting task when she made this request: “Give me
a list of the movies I should see before I die.”
by
Kieth Merrill
Alan
Williams:? Making Music for the Movies
Meridian
interviews Alan Williams, an accomplished composer and conductor
famous for his film and television scores.
by Sylvia Finlayson
Why
Hollywood?
"Since deciding
to become a film composer, I have always been asked the same question:
'Why do you want to write music for movies?' The answer, though
it has different facets, has remained the same. Of all of the languages
in the world, I believe music is the most universal and most influential."
by Alan Williams
Sacred
Stone: Nauvoo Temple Documentary Overcomes Obstacles to Air Widely
on PBS Stations
Public television
stations step gingerly when it comes to airing documentaries about
religious topics, but this month more than 20 stations are planning
to use Lee Groberg’s Sacred Stone: Temple on the Mississippi
as part of their pledge drives to raise funds for their operations
and more than 80 markets nationwide have agreed to broadcast the
film.
"Mormon
Panorama" at BYU's Museum of Art
Artist C.C.A. Christensen
hauled his huge paintings around the West, showing them to the accompaniment
of music and narration. More than a century later, audiences can
see the Latter-day Saint convert's performance re-enacted two nights
a week at the Museum of Art at Brigham Young University.
by Laurie Williams Sowby
William
Whitaker, Painter of the Spirit
Perhaps
best known for his commissioned portraits of the apostles and prophets
displayed in the Church Museum, Brother William Whitaker remembers
standing in front of the great works in the Louvre as a first and
second grader thinking, “I know they don’t paint like
that anymore, but maybe if I were really really good, I could paint
like that and change people’s minds.”
by G.G.
Vandagriff
Best
of Meridian: The Man Who Would Be Jesus
How
did it happen that a Danish actor a half a world away from the film
maker came to play the part of Jesus in Testaments? Tomas Kofod
said it was because of ten miracles.
by Kieth Merrill
Little
Secrets: A Secret Too Well Kept
Near
the end of August, with almost no promotion or fanfare, a film called
Little Secrets was sent to theaters nationwide by Columbia
TriStar Pictures.
by Thomas
C. Baggaley
The
R.M. Shows Improvement - 2.5 Stars
Review of the
sequal to The Singles Ward.
by Thomas
C. Baggaley
Are
We Ready for the Book of Mormon Movie?
Part 4: A Sampling of Your Other Comments
We received
hundreds of lengthy letters answering our question, ?Are We Ready
for the Book of Mormon Movie?? Many of the comments were so similar
you may believe you?ve been quoted when in fact it was someone else
expressing the same precise concerns.
By
Kieth Merrill
Are
We Ready for the Book of Mormon Movies? Part 3 - Does the Church
Have An Official Position?
What
are the responsibilities of filmmakers determined to make the stories
from the Book of Mormon into movies? How can they avoid skating
on thin ice?
by Kieth Merrill
Are
We Ready for the Book of Mormon Movies? Part 2 - Readers Weigh In
Two
months ago I wondered in writ if you were ready for a Book of Mormon
movie. [click
here to read the previous article] ?I asked for your
comments. I promised to publish your reactions in a kind of ?Open
Letter to the Producers.?
by Kieth Merrill
Are
you Ready for the Book of Mormon Movie? (Is the Movie Ready for
Us?)
The lid has been lifted on Mormon
Cinema. Now this new creation plans to tackle the Book of Mormon.
Before we get too far down the road -- we should ask some questions.
by Kieth Merrill
Meridian
Celebrates the Paintings of Brian Kershisnik
A renown artist and member of the
church Brian Kershisnik. Come read bout his life and his paintings.
by Maurine Jensen Proctor
Living
With It
Suzanne Kershisnik writes a refreshing
essay on life with an artist whose light shines in his paintings.
by Suzanne B Kershisnik
Great
Holiday TV Viewing with a New Made-for-TV Movie
If the snow
is falling... or the family is just plain "in the mood",
here's your guide to holiday movies for all ages.
By Dr. Glen C. Griffin
Throwing
Stones at Ourselves: LDS Film and Its Critics
Making
a movie is much tougher than penning pithy words on paper. When
it comes to film I am critically sympathetic. When it comes to Mormon
Cinema my desire to be supportive overpowers both sympathy and critical
perspective.
by Kieth Merrill
Becoming
a Movie Star—LDS Style
So
you want to become a movie star – LDS Style.
And why not?
by
RuthAnn Hogue
THAI
CONDUCTOR AND CHURCH MEMBER ONE OF TWO WINNERS IN TOP CONDUCTING
COMPETITION
An
Insider’s Interview with Jack Weyland, Author of Charly
Jack
Weyland talks about his books, the new movie and more...
Trapped
in the Land of Lehi on 9/11
Deep
in the Arabian Desert, a documentary camera crew witnesses terrorism
from a far and close up.
Cleaning
Up the Movies, Part II
Hollywood
loves money. Greenback blood is the sustaining life force of the
good, the bad and the ugly. But even Hollywood is puzzled by people
willing to pay TWICE as much for a movie all "cleaned up".
by Kieth Merrill
PTC rates the top 10 Best and Worst Network TV Shows
Personal
Cinema or How I Made a Movie
"Kieth Merrill said go make
a movie and I did."
by Craig Lofgreen
Salt
Lake City Film Festival Showcases Films that Stir the Soul
The
Salt Lake City Film Festival is attracting interest from around
the world with a surprisingly cutting-edge idea.? There is a place
for the wholesome, principled and enriching.
by Anne Bradshaw
The
Disconnect Between Hollywood and America
The
following is abridged from a speech delivered at Hillsdale's All-College
Spring Convocation, held at the College Baptist Church, on April
4, 2002.
by
Pat Sajak
Cleaning
Up the Movies, Part I
"It's
a great movie!"
"But it's R-rated."
"Ya, but there are only a couple of bad scenes."
Sound familiar? Ever caught yourself reciting this dialogue? Ever
been caught in a compromise between 102 minutes of really great
cinema and 2 minutes of trash?
by Kieth Merrill
Jeanne
McKinney, LDS Screenwriter/Filmmaker, Awarded Screening in Two International
Film Festivals
by Anne
Bradshaw
Becoming
the Vision the Prophet Saw
Meridian's
Film Editor Kieth Merrill delivered this keynote address at the
Mormon Arts Foundation.
by
Kieth Merrill
Becoming
the Vision the Prophet Saw, Part 2: A Success for All of Us
by
Kieth Merrill
"The
Other Side of Heaven" to Open Nationwide on April 12
Go
Make a Movie
Writing
the great American novel may well have been the epitome of creative
expression in the first half of the 20th century. Making
movies could emerge as the ultimate personal expression in the opening
decades of the new Millennium.
by Kieth Merrill
Hancock
County: A New Play about the Trial of the Murderers of Joseph Smith
Playwright
Tim Slover probes the drama behind the trial of the murderers of
Joseph Smith.
Laughing
at Ourselves: The Singles Ward Debuts
The Mormon film movement has taken a turn for the (less) serious.
by
Jonathan S. Walker
The
Enemy Among Us
Their presence is pervasive.
They assault our markets, pollute our airways and infiltrate our
homes. They target men, women and children without conscience or
discretion. They perpetrate moral terrorism, disguised in the camouflage
of distinguished citizens. They are protected by the freedoms they
pervert. Who is this other enemy within?
by
Kieth Merrill
Cause
of Death
If
you read my article, The Enemy
Among Us, and discounted my fears of pornographic terrorism,
read on. Your response to the epidemic of pornography has been sobering,
serious and sad.
by
Kieth Merrill
Is
The Lord of the Rings Safe?
Can
the millions of fans in love with Tolkien?s world come to the movie
and avoid deep disappointment? Absolutely! The film is a sincere,
loving adaptation by a genuine fan.
Rising
Star Anne Hathaway in The Other Side of Heaven
Meridian
goes behind the scenes with Anne Hathaway, star of The Other
Side of Heaven.
by
Maurine Proctor
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