The Man Who Won...
And his grateful son!

You can tell a lot about the vision of a family by the libraries in the home. And the video library is especially important. Wise Christian parents want wholesome, Christ-exalting films in their DVD libraries. This means fewer, but more carefully selected movies — movies like the carefully selected, award-winning family films from the 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Jan. 23 /Christian Newswire/ — “The Widow’s Might,” a western musical feature film has won the $101,000 ‘Best of Festival Award’ at the 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival (SAICFF). Also vying for the prestigious award were high profile films including “Fireproof” and “Expelled.”
Geoff Botkin, veteran film producer and SAICFF judge, marked “The Widow’s Might” as a milestone in Christian filmmaking. “‘Widow’s Might’ is a groundbreaking film, even though it is a first feature film from a teenaged director. It is one of the most original high-concept features in recent film history. The story is innovative in ways that can inspire the next generation of filmmakers, many of whom are looking for ways to break out of tired cinematic cliches…”
Botkin also added, “This film attempted and achieved a wholesome family message, illustrating the difficult-to-capture functional family environment. Its message addressed a very complex theological issue which is a defining issue of our generation…”
Audiences at the SAICFF seemed to agree with the SAICFF judges. Attendees at the festival overwhelmingly selected “The Widow’s Might” for the Audience Choice Award, giving the movie more than twice as many votes as the nearest contender. Audiences laughed, cried, and cheered as the film unfolded, ultimately giving three standing ovations at the close of the film.
Young filmmakers John Moore (age 19) and David Heustis (age 20) were surprised at the affirmation they received from festival judges and audiences alike. “We never saw this coming!” said John. “The greatest lesson we have learned at this event over the years is to press on; keep moving forward. Always pursue excellence. The production was very tough; but it brought our families together, and we’re even closer now than ever. I dedicate this award to my father, the most inspiring man I have ever known.”
Information about the release of “The Widow’s Might” will be announced at a future date. To interview the director of “The Widow’s Might,” John Moore, contact Jennifer Langen by e-mail at contact@thewidowscry.com or by phone at 972-452-3708. More information about “The Widow’s Might” and HeuMoore Productions can be found at http://www.thewidowscry.com/.
I sincerely hope you've been made aware of the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival; if not, be sure to find out all about them, on the official website.
In previous years, Alex and Brett Harris of TheRebelution.com were the official reporters of the SAICFF, with multiple photo or video posts a day, with interviews, reviews, and news about the festival, including the awards ceremony. This year, they've turned it over to their brother Isaac. With hundreds of daily readers, there is little doubt that TheRebelution will be the #1 source of live festival news, and this year, you can trust Isaac to bring you up to speed on the festival.
Jeremiah Warren
Jeremiah Warren is known for maintaining the 'SaicffSemiSites.com' website, and was a great team member on the set of The Widow's Might, bringing you up to the day behind-the-scenes videos from our production. Jeremiah will be using the 'Twitter' service to provide up to the minute live updates from the festival, Jan 8-10'th. So for twitter members, this is a no-brainer.
Nathaniel Bluedorn
Nathaniel Bluedorn, well known for his website 'TriviumPursuit', is the founder of the 'ChristianFilmmakers.org' community, a tremendous resource for Christians interested in being involved in media. Out of the 800+ member base at CF.org, a goodly number will be attending the SAICFF and Academy. Nathaniel is also a talented photographer, and will be posting these photos to his profile on Facebook.com. If you have a facebook account, definitely go request Nathaniel as your friend, so you can see his updates. Just be sure to let him know that you're adding him for the sake of seeing the festival photos.
ChristianFilmmakers.org
ChristianFilmmakers.org has a huge member base; like I said, 800+. The members of CF.org who will be attending the festival, will be posting photos and updates to the CF.org forums constantly. I would highly recommend checking them out, and sticking around for any interesting stories. After all, no single news source can provide all the details of the festival; but with the hundreds of members that are attending the festival this year, there will be a lot of interesting facts and information posted through the week, and afterwards! Plus, it's a good excuse for you to go sign up and get acquainted with the community.
With all these tremendous resources, there is no need for you to stay in the dark on this spectacular event. If there is still a chance for you to go, by all means, go. I am not exaggerating when I say that the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival has absolutely changed my life, and the lives of all my friends. I suspect it will continue to do so for a great many more people over the coming years.
Ready or Not, San Antonio; Here we Come!!
~ In Christ, John.