THROUGH OUR TEACHING WE SEEK:
-All learn more about the Bible. -All discover that God is active in our world. -All recognize their gifts and develop ways to use them for God and for others. -All know and experience the stories and teachings of Christ. -All respond to the Holy Spirit in their lives. -All use Christian values as they make decisions. -All share the ways that God is active in their lives. -All commune with God. -All recognize ways that God works through them. -All use the Bible as a base for their life. -All see learning to live our faith as a lifelong venture. -All become active in the family of God by building relationships and working together with others. -All show their faith to others through their actions.
-All become aware of the needs of other people around the world and in their own communities. -All learn to settle disputes peacefully. -All recognize the worth of all people, no matter what their race, nationality, abilities or beliefs.
The 168 Hour Film Project is a competition where producers have 168 hours (1 week) to film and edit an 11-minute movie based on a theme and a Bible verse. All films are created during production week and premiere at the 168 Film Festival. At the end of the festival, awards are given to producers for all artistic and technical merit.
168 aims to illuminate the Word of God through short film. We provide a training ground for filmmakers, reducing barriers to production and creating opportunities for pros and newcomers alike. Teams are made up of people with diverse backgrounds, who learn to forge dynamic, creative communities. We encourage fair treatment of subjects, with emphasis on story and subtlety. But, more importantly, filmmakers are advised to honestly portray the tale that God inspires. Truth, solid stories and high production value speak loudly to this generation and the next.
WHAT THE CONTEST IS NOT: It is not for pre-existing screenplays. All 168 films are created during the same two week period in Feb/March. NO writing will occur before the Verse Assignment.
PHILOSOPHY: The 168 is primarily about process and individual growth. Secondarily, it is about awards and competition. You are expected to abide by the rules and to conduct yourself in a way that is honoring to God. The spirit of this competition is that you would trust that inspiration for the story will be provided based on your theme and verse. Scriptural Integration (how well your film expresses the original meaning and intent of the verse) is weighted heavier than any other judging category, so you MUST understand your verse to do well in this contest. Tip: have a "spiritual advisor" on your team to help in this regard. Prayer is encouraged. Script writing should NOT occur before the scripture is assigned. You will be disqualified if you write early. Story is to be emphasized rather than preaching. Ask what the Word is trying to tell you, then show this in your film. Brainstorm for concept and genre and look at your assets, such as locations, actors, and crew members to plan your shoot based on your resources.
BUDGET:
There are no restrictions on budget. We are all learning and it is an honor for newcomers to work and compete with pros, and Vice Versa. Creativity and an excellent story will hold up very well, even against a big budget. Good producers are known for budgeting according to their resources and being frugal. A smaller budget will naturally expand your creativity and skills to become a better producer. The playing field is never level, and the bar should be high.
168 Film Festival 2010:
Friday, March 26 (Venue TBD) & Sat, March 27 (Alex Theatre) Glendale, CA