Hey there guys. I figured I would post this up here now since the weekends are always slow and we don’t do a lot of posting… and I wanted you guys to be the first to know about this.
As most of you know, for the last year I’ve been working on my first documentary film called “Prince of Peace – God of War”. We showed it to 3 test groups, made 35 changes after those test screening and then started submitting the film to various festivals. Now I have to sit around and wait to see how many we get into.
The official site is still under major development, but right now there is a skeleton of it up (it’s just minimal right now) and you guys are free to take a peak at it if you like. The site is going to be simple, no bells and whistles… just like the movie itself. You can see the site here.
This past week I also sent out a few screener copies of the film to just a couple of film critics… and today I got my first feedback from one of them! He haven’t written anything up yet, but emailed me saying:
To be completely honest with you I expected that I’d have to say some simple generic pleasantries to you about the movie since, and let’s be honest, you’re blogger and not a filmmaker, and the topic isn’t something I readily identify with. Be that as it may, I was riveted the whole way through. Well done. Aside from a number of technical issues that I could knit pick about and that I felt it was a touch too long, you really have created something special here John. Congratulations.
Now I realize this is just one guy, and the others may end up hating it… but when I got that my smile almost split my face open.
Ok, anyway, here is the brand new official synopsis of Prince of Peace – God of War (for those of you who might care):
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also.”
~Jesus Christ
LUKE 6:27-29
For the first three centuries that the church existed, those belonging to the faith of Christianity understood the words and example of Jesus to be a clear directive to never be involved with violence. To be a Christian was to be a Pacifist, and during those formative years the church endured several persecutions at the hands of the Roman Empire itself without ever considering taking up the sword against their aggressors.
How did this faith, known and identified for its non-violent beliefs, go on to conduct the crusades, the inquisitions, witch hunts, and today have 87% of white evangelical Christians support President George W. Bush’s decision to go to war with Iraq? How did this religion, founded by a Pacifist and known (even criticized) for non-violence, become a religion known for its aggression, war, political power and embracing of violence?
Prince of Peace – God of War is a non-sensationalized visual record of Director John Campea’s (a former evangelical Christian and minister) journey across North America, speaking with historians, professors and religious leaders about these issues.
Ok, and finally, here is the first 5 minutes of the film. It’s just a part of the introduction, so it really doesn’t get into very much, but it will at least give you a feel for the movie I think:
Anyway, there you have it. THANK YOU so much to all you guys who have consistently emailed me over the last year encouraging me and cheering me on. It seriously is what got me through it. Maybe the film will win an Oscar… or maybe no one will watch it at all… either way it was a fantastic learning experience, I’ve very proud of it, and most importantly I’m glad I finished. Thanks again.
If you have any thoughts feel free to comment here or just email me directly. Cheers!
