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 7^th 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

Jonah: Claymation Magic from the Old Testament
Artists Chris and Nathan Smith have turned a lump of clay into a thriving film industry. If you do not have the patience of Job, do not try their techniques at home.
By Jake Blevins

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 Dir