LDS cinema
Encyclopedia
LDS or Mormon cinema typically refers to film
s with themes relevant to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though the terminology has also been used to refer to films that do not necessarily reflect Mormon themes but have been made by Mormon filmmakers. Many of these films are screened extensively within high LDS population centers such as Utah
, Idaho
, and Arizona
and do not regularly reach mainstream viewers in other parts of the world.
LDS cinema films might be considered distinct from LDS Church movies like Legacy and Testaments
, since they are commercial and not produced for teaching or proselytizing LDS doctrine. LDS cinema is usually produced and directed by Latter-day Saints. The films typically have LDS themes and are often marketed especially toward Latter-day Saints, though there has been an effort to "cross over" into more mainstream themes.
(1913) and The Life of Nephi
(1914). Films about Mormons, especially lurid pulp fiction-inspired tales of hypnotic missionaries and Western pioneer stories, were a staple of the early silent, black and white film era. With films made primarily by LDS filmmakers for an LDS audience, the "LDS Cinema" movement is distinct from the broader use of Mormon characters in mainstream Hollywood films. The "LDS Cinema" movement began around 1999, when Richard Dutcher
's company Zion Films released God's Army commercially. The film, which was produced on a budget of $300,000, grossed about $2.5 million at the box office and many more millions of dollars worth of video purchases. Observing the market success of God's Army, many other LDS studios began producing films.
Although God's Army dealt with the overtly religious subject of LDS missionaries
, and many LDS comedies are sometimes incomprehensible to people outside the LDS Church, a growing trend moves toward making LDS-themed movies more broadly accessible. The acclaimed World War II
movie Saints and Soldiers
is perhaps the most successful crossover LDS film to date. More accessible films have been thought by some as likely to ensure larger potential markets. However, "accessibility" has not necessarily translated into greater box office earnings or critical acclaim than achieved by the more "insider"-oriented LDS Cinema films.
LDS comedies in particular have been panned by critics, who have branded most efforts thus far inaccessible and unfunny to those outside the intended market. Such movies have frequently been perceived as overly reliant upon the audience's extensive knowledge of LDS practices and LDS cultural norms.
. Producers defended the scene as essential. Some critics leveled a common complaint about the MPAA – that it more harshly rates movies not from the major film studios. Nonetheless, producers re-edited the movie to earn a PG rating for DVD
distribution. Another film, Saints and Soldiers received an R-rating prior to film festival
screening. Producers edited the movie to receive PG-13 for commercial distribution.
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
s with themes relevant to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though the terminology has also been used to refer to films that do not necessarily reflect Mormon themes but have been made by Mormon filmmakers. Many of these films are screened extensively within high LDS population centers such as Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
, Idaho
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
, and Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
and do not regularly reach mainstream viewers in other parts of the world.
LDS cinema films might be considered distinct from LDS Church movies like Legacy and Testaments
The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd
The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd is a 67-minute film produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Testaments depicts the life of Jesus in Jerusalem while also depicting the events described in the Book of Mormon from approximately the same time period...
, since they are commercial and not produced for teaching or proselytizing LDS doctrine. LDS cinema is usually produced and directed by Latter-day Saints. The films typically have LDS themes and are often marketed especially toward Latter-day Saints, though there has been an effort to "cross over" into more mainstream themes.
History
Films about Latter-day Saints are nothing new. The Church sponsored the production and release of the feature-length films One Hundred Years of MormonismOne Hundred Years of Mormonism
One Hundred Years of Mormonism is a 1913 film depicting the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.The six-reel film took its title from the 1905 book by Mormon educator John Henry Evans...
(1913) and The Life of Nephi
The Life of Nephi
The Life of Nephi is a 1915 film financed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.The three-reel film was the first attempt to create a cinematic adaptation of the Book of Mormon...
(1914). Films about Mormons, especially lurid pulp fiction-inspired tales of hypnotic missionaries and Western pioneer stories, were a staple of the early silent, black and white film era. With films made primarily by LDS filmmakers for an LDS audience, the "LDS Cinema" movement is distinct from the broader use of Mormon characters in mainstream Hollywood films. The "LDS Cinema" movement began around 1999, when Richard Dutcher
Richard Dutcher
Richard Alan Dutcher is an American independent filmmaker who produces, writes, directs, edits, and frequently stars in his films. Well known among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for his early Mormon-themed productions, Dutcher has been called “The Father of Mormon...
's company Zion Films released God's Army commercially. The film, which was produced on a budget of $300,000, grossed about $2.5 million at the box office and many more millions of dollars worth of video purchases. Observing the market success of God's Army, many other LDS studios began producing films.
Although God's Army dealt with the overtly religious subject of LDS missionaries
Missionary (LDS Church)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the most active modern practitioners of missionary work, with over 52,000 full-time missionaries worldwide, as of the end of 2010...
, and many LDS comedies are sometimes incomprehensible to people outside the LDS Church, a growing trend moves toward making LDS-themed movies more broadly accessible. The acclaimed World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
movie Saints and Soldiers
Saints and Soldiers
Saints and Soldiers is a 2003 drama-war film featuring Corbin Allred, Alexander Niver, Kirby Heyborne, Lawrence Bagby and Peter Holden.It is based loosely around events taking place shortly after the Malmedy massacre during the Battle of the Bulge where several US soldiers and a downed British...
is perhaps the most successful crossover LDS film to date. More accessible films have been thought by some as likely to ensure larger potential markets. However, "accessibility" has not necessarily translated into greater box office earnings or critical acclaim than achieved by the more "insider"-oriented LDS Cinema films.
LDS comedies in particular have been panned by critics, who have branded most efforts thus far inaccessible and unfunny to those outside the intended market. Such movies have frequently been perceived as overly reliant upon the audience's extensive knowledge of LDS practices and LDS cultural norms.
MPAA ratings
One aspect of the culture of LDS cinema is heightened concern over MPAA film ratings. Many Mormons feel disinclined to view movies rated R, so LDS film producers risk greatly diminished revenue for exceeding a PG or PG-13 rating. One PG-13 film, The Book of Mormon Movie, Vol. 1, garnered its rating for depicting a decapitation that occurs in the Book of MormonBook of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is a sacred text of the Latter Day Saint movement that adherents believe contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the American continent from approximately 2600 BC to AD 421. It was first published in March 1830 by Joseph Smith, Jr...
. Producers defended the scene as essential. Some critics leveled a common complaint about the MPAA – that it more harshly rates movies not from the major film studios. Nonetheless, producers re-edited the movie to earn a PG rating for DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
distribution. Another film, Saints and Soldiers received an R-rating prior to film festival
Film festival
A film festival is an organised, extended presentation of films in one or more movie theaters or screening venues, usually in a single locality. More and more often film festivals show part of their films to the public by adding outdoor movie screenings...
screening. Producers edited the movie to receive PG-13 for commercial distribution.
Companies
- Excel Entertainment GroupExcel Entertainment GroupExcel Entertainment Group is a subsidiary of Deseret Book Co. best known for its distribution of many pieces of LDS cinema. Excel Entertainment Group's products deal thematically with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including Forever Strong , Midway to Heaven , Saints and Soldiers...
- Feature Films for FamiliesFeature Films for FamiliesFeature Films for Families is a privately held entertainment company based in the United States. According to the company, Feature Films for Families makes films that reinforce traditional family values and morality, are suitable for all ages and contain no profanity, sexuality, violence, or...
- Halestorm EntertainmentHalestorm EntertainmentHalestorm Entertainment is a film production and distribution company based in Orem, Utah. It was founded in January 2001 by Kurt Hale and Dave Hunter...
- Living Scriptures, Inc.
- Zion Films
Drama
- Brigham Young (1940) – Follows the story of Young's succession to the presidency of the Church, after founder Joseph Smith, Jr. was assassinated in 1844.
- God's Army (1999) – The first modern Mormon cinema film, directed by Richard DutcherRichard DutcherRichard Alan Dutcher is an American independent filmmaker who produces, writes, directs, edits, and frequently stars in his films. Well known among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for his early Mormon-themed productions, Dutcher has been called “The Father of Mormon...
.- God's Army 2: States of Grace (2005) – A sequel to God's Army, by Richard Dutcher
- Brigham City (2001) – A murder mystery, also by Dutcher.
- The Other Side of HeavenThe Other Side of HeavenThe Other Side of Heaven is a 2001 film produced by Academy Award winner Gerald R. Molen and directed by Mitch Davis and stars Christopher Gorham and Anne Hathaway .-Overview:...
(2001) – Not by an LDS studio. Although special pains were taken to remove overt LDS references, it is often counted as LDS cinema because it was brought to fruition by an LDS producer, and is based on John H. GrobergJohn H. GrobergJohn Holbrook Groberg has been a general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 1976.- Biography :Groberg was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho in 1934 and was reared there after the Great Depression...
's experiences in Tonga as a LDS missionaryMissionary (LDS Church)The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the most active modern practitioners of missionary work, with over 52,000 full-time missionaries worldwide, as of the end of 2010...
. - The Shadow of Light (2002) – Set in 1947, two young men break their truck in rural UtahUtahUtah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
. They go to the local bishop who helps them pick up work to pay the repair bill. They and the bishop's daughter get involved in solving a local mystery stretching from the late 19th century to the 1930s. A direct-to-DVDDVDA DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
release. - Handcart (2002) – A fictional love story surrounding the historical drama of the rescue of the Martin Handcart Company of 1856.
- The Book of Mormon Movie, Vol. 1: The JourneyThe Book of Mormon Movie, Vol. 1: The JourneyThe Book of Mormon Movie, Volume 1: The Journey is a movie version of the first two books in the Book of Mormon. Gary Rogers directed the movie from a screenplay written by himself and Craig Clyde...
(2003) – An ambitious though critically panned film about the Book of MormonBook of MormonThe Book of Mormon is a sacred text of the Latter Day Saint movement that adherents believe contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the American continent from approximately 2600 BC to AD 421. It was first published in March 1830 by Joseph Smith, Jr...
. - The Best Two YearsThe Best Two YearsThe Best Two Years is a 2003 dramedy film written and directed by Scott S. Anderson. It is based on the stage play The Best Two Years of My Life, also by Anderson. It portrays the experience of four LDS missionaries living in an apartment in the Holland region of the Netherlands. The stage play...
(2003) – An LDS missionary's experience in the NetherlandsNetherlandsThe Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, based on the play The Best Two Years of My Life. - Saints and SoldiersSaints and SoldiersSaints and Soldiers is a 2003 drama-war film featuring Corbin Allred, Alexander Niver, Kirby Heyborne, Lawrence Bagby and Peter Holden.It is based loosely around events taking place shortly after the Malmedy massacre during the Battle of the Bulge where several US soldiers and a downed British...
(2004) – A World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
movie that has muted LDS overtones and significant mainstream appeal. - The Work and The GloryThe Work and The Glory (film)The Work and the Glory is a 2004 historical fiction drama film directed by Russell Holt. It tells the story of the fictional Steed family in the 1820s and their struggles trying to adopt the then new Mormon religion and explores their relationship with their community, with its founder, Joseph...
(2005) – Based on Gerald LundGerald LundGerald Niels Lund was a general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2002 to 2008. During his tenure, he lived in Solihull, England for 3 years. He currently lives in Bountiful, Utah and serves in Salt Lake City...
's LDSLDS fictionLDS fiction is an American niche market of fiction novels featuring themes related to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...
and historical fictionHistorical fictionHistorical fiction tells a story that is set in the past. That setting is usually real and drawn from history, and often contains actual historical persons, but the principal characters tend to be fictional...
series The Work and the GloryThe Work and the GloryThe Work and the Glory is a nine-part novel series by Gerald N. Lund chronicling the birth and early growth of Mormonism through the lives of the fictional Steed family. The Steeds, throughout the series, meet and come to know well many of the prominent early Church members...
.- The Work and The Glory: American ZionThe Work and The Glory: American Zion (film)The Work and the Glory: American Zion is the sequel to the 2004 film The Work and the Glory and continues the struggle of the Steed's family's conversion to the then new Mormon religion. The film also explores the family's relationship with their community and its founder, Joseph Smith.This movie...
(2005) – sequel - The Work and The Glory: A House Divided (2006) – sequel
- The Work and The Glory: American Zion
- Return with Honor (2007) – A returning missionary killed in a traffic accident is given 60 days to finish up his life.
- The Errand of AngelsThe Errand of AngelsThe Errand of Angels is a 2008 American LDS cinema drama film directed and produced by Christian Vuissa who also wrote the screenplay. Starring Erin Chambers, Rachel Emmers and Bettina Schwarz, the film is based on the experiences of Heidi Johnson while working as a missionary in Austria for The...
(2008) – The experiences of a female LDS missionary from IdahoIdahoIdaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
serving in AustriaAustriaAustria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
. - Emma Smith: My StoryEmma Smith: My StoryEmma Smith: My Story is a 2007 film that focuses on the life of Emma Smith, wife of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement...
(2008) – The story of Joseph Smith's wife, Emma. Based upon the true story of her life. - One Good Man (2009) – The experiences of a man who has been called to be a Bishop and must also deal with the normal stresses in life.
- Joseph Smith - Volume 1: Plates of Gold (2011) – The story of Joseph SmithJoseph SmithJoseph Smith was founder of what later became known as the Latter Day Saint movement or Mormons.Joseph Smith may also refer to:-Latter Day Saints:* Joseph Smith, Sr. , father of Joseph Smith...
and the translation of the Book of MormonBook of MormonThe Book of Mormon is a sacred text of the Latter Day Saint movement that adherents believe contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the American continent from approximately 2600 BC to AD 421. It was first published in March 1830 by Joseph Smith, Jr...
.
Romance
- Jack Weyland's Charly (2002) – Based on the successful LDS fictionLDS fictionLDS fiction is an American niche market of fiction novels featuring themes related to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...
novel of the same name by Jack WeylandJack WeylandJack Arnold Weyland is a professor of physics at Brigham Young University–Idaho and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . He is a prolific and well known author of fiction for LDS audiences, including many novels and short stories, mostly placed in contemporary settings...
. - Out of StepOut of Step (film)Out of Step is a 2002 film about an LDS young woman from Utah who moves to New York, New York to pursue an education in dance at New York University. There, she receives the affections of two young men and must eventually chose between them.-Plot:...
(2002) – A young dance student leaves UtahUtahUtah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
for schooling in New York CityNew York CityNew York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. She falls in love with two different men and must choose between them. - Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-Day Comedy (2003) – Modern adaptation of the Jane AustenJane AustenJane Austen was an English novelist whose works of romantic fiction, set among the landed gentry, earned her a place as one of the most widely read writers in English literature, her realism and biting social commentary cementing her historical importance among scholars and critics.Austen lived...
novel Pride and PrejudicePride and PrejudicePride and Prejudice is a novel by Jane Austen, first published in 1813. The story follows the main character Elizabeth Bennet as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of early 19th-century England...
, set in Provo, UtahProvo, UtahProvo is the third largest city in the U.S. state of Utah, located about south of Salt Lake City along the Wasatch Front. Provo is the county seat of Utah County and lies between the cities of Orem to the north and Springville to the south...
. - Beauty and the Beast: A Latter-Day Tale (2007) – A modern adaptation of Beauty and the BeastBeauty and the BeastBeauty and the Beast is a traditional fairy tale. The first published version of the fairy tale was a rendition by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, published in La jeune américaine, et les contes marins in 1740...
, set in an unnamed land. - Anxiously Engaged (2007) – A cowboyCowboyA cowboy is an animal herder who tends cattle on ranches in North America, traditionally on horseback, and often performs a multitude of other ranch-related tasks. The historic American cowboy of the late 19th century arose from the vaquero traditions of northern Mexico and became a figure of...
from MontanaMontanaMontana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,...
working in LondonLondonLondon is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
has a fiancéeEngagementAn engagement or betrothal is a promise to marry, and also the period of time between proposal and marriage which may be lengthy or trivial. During this period, a couple is said to be betrothed, affianced, engaged to be married, or simply engaged...
, but is required by her grandfather to first find someone to marry her older sister. This film was formerly titled Piccadilly Cowboy. - Midway to Heaven (2011) – Based on a novel, A single man tries to sabotage his daughter's relationship from a know-it-all man who drives him crazy, while trying to get a second chance in love.
Comedy
Several comedies, mostly produced by Dave Hunter, have also been released. Because the humor of these films often relies on specifically Utah-centric Latter Day Saint culture, they tend to have a smaller audience than the other LDS sub-genres, even among Mormon viewers.- The Singles WardThe Singles WardThe Singles Ward is a 2002 LDS cinema comedy film directed by Kurt Hale and written by Kurt Hale and John E. Moyer based on his own life as a stand up comedian and single member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...
(2002) – The title refers to an LDS congregation (ward) composed only of single adults. A comedy with romantic aspects.- The Singles 2nd WardThe Singles 2nd WardThe Singles 2nd Ward is a comedy film, directed by Kurt Hale. Like The Singles Ward, and other films which followed it, The Singles 2nd Wards target audience is members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and citizens of Utah...
(2007) – A sequel to The Singles WardThe Singles WardThe Singles Ward is a 2002 LDS cinema comedy film directed by Kurt Hale and written by Kurt Hale and John E. Moyer based on his own life as a stand up comedian and single member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...
- The Singles 2nd Ward
- The R.M.The R.M.The R.M. is a 2003 comedy film about the experiences of an LDS returned missionary. "RM" is an LDS initialism for "returned missionary." It was written by Kurt Hale and John E. Moyer and directed by Kurt Hale.-Overview:...
(2003) – About the experiences of a returned missionary. - The Work and the StoryThe Work and the StoryThe Work and the Story is a comedic Mormon film written and directed by Nathan Smith Jones. The movie's title is a parody of The Work and the Glory- Plot :...
(2003) – A mockumentaryMockumentaryA mockumentary , is a type of film or television show in which fictitious events are presented in documentary format. These productions are often used to analyze or comment on current events and issues by using a fictitious setting, or to parody the documentary form itself...
about LDS cinema when Richard DutcherRichard DutcherRichard Alan Dutcher is an American independent filmmaker who produces, writes, directs, edits, and frequently stars in his films. Well known among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for his early Mormon-themed productions, Dutcher has been called “The Father of Mormon...
(fictionally) disappears. Written, produced and directed by Nathan Smith Jones; co-produced by Miriam Smith. - The Home TeachersThe Home TeachersThe Home Teachers is a 2004 comedy film written by John Moyer and directed by Kurt Hale. The Home Teachers is a comedy distributed by Halestorm Entertainment and intended for LDS audiences, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints....
(2004) – SlapstickSlapstickSlapstick is a type of comedy involving exaggerated violence and activities which may exceed the boundaries of common sense.- Origins :The phrase comes from the batacchio or bataccio — called the 'slap stick' in English — a club-like object composed of two wooden slats used in Commedia dell'arte...
comedy about polar opposite home teachers that "fulfill" their responsibility on the last day of the month. "Home teaching" is the LDS practice of a home teaching companionship – a holder of the MelchizedekMelchizedekMelchizedek or Malki Tzedek translated as "my king righteous") is a king and priest mentioned during the Abram narrative in the 14th chapter of the Book of Genesis....
Priesthood and a 14-year old teacher or older – visiting and teaching families in their ward each month. - Baptists at our Barbecue (2004) – Longfellow – consistently called "Longwinded" by the inhabitants – is a small town that is religiously divided equally between Baptists and Mormons. A newcomer becomes the tie-breaker. Rather than tilt the scales he decides to bridge the religious divide by organizing an all-faiths barbecue. Based on a novel by Robert Farrell SmithRobert Farrell SmithRobert Ferrell Smith is a Latter-day Saint humor writer. He is also alleged to be the author who uses the pseudonym Obert Skye however this connection seems only loosely documented.Smith and his wife Krista are the parents of three children...
. - Sons of ProvoSons of ProvoSons of Provo is a 2004 film written by Peter Brown and Will Swenson, and directed by Will Swenson. It is a mockumentary that portrays the experience of an LDS boy-band named Everclean from formation to resounding success.-Story:...
(2004) – Mockumentary about an LDS boy-band named Everclean.- Sons of Provo: Confidental (2005) – The "true" story about the break-up of Everclean (fictional).
- Mobsters and MormonsMobsters and MormonsMobsters and Mormons is a 2005 comedy film. It was written, directed, and produced by John Moyer who also plays a role in the film. It is also produced by Kurt Hale and Dave Hunter of Halestorm Entertainment...
(2005) – After testifying against his mob boss, Carmine "The Beans" Zindelli Pasquale and his family are put in the Witness Protection ProgramUnited States Federal Witness Protection ProgramThe United States Federal Witness Protection Program is a witness protection program administered by the United States Department of Justice and operated by the United States Marshals Service that is designed to protect threatened witnesses before, during, and after a trial.A few states, including...
in "Happy ValleyUtah County, UtahUtah County is a county located in the U.S. state of Utah. As of 2000, the population was 368,536 and by 2008 was estimated at 530,837. It was named for the Spanish name for the Ute Indians. The county seat and largest city is Provo...
", Utah, resulting in significant culture clash. - Suits on the Loose (2005) – Two escapees from a youth detention camp in the Mojave DesertMojave DesertThe Mojave Desert occupies a significant portion of southeastern California and smaller parts of central California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah and northwestern Arizona, in the United States...
assume the identities of two Mormon missionaries whose car they stole. - Down and DerbyDown and DerbyDown and Derby is a 2005 comedy film about a Cub Scouts' pinewood derby race. The cars in the race are meant to be built from kits by Cub Scouts with appropriate adult supervision, but in Down and Derby the fathers of four Scouts take over the project from their kids, and get carried away by their...
(2006) – Slapstick comedy about the lengths, and depths, to which some fathers will go to "help" their sons win the Cub ScoutCub ScoutA Cub Scout is a member of the section of the worldwide Scouting movement for young persons, mainly boys normally aged about 7 to 11. In some countries they are known by their original name of Wolf Cubs and are often referred to simply as Cubs. The movement is often referred to simply as Cubbing...
pinewood derbyPinewood derbyThe pinewood derby is a racing event for Cub Scouts in the Boy Scouts of America. Cub Scouts, with the help of parents, build their own cars from wood, usually from kits containing a block of pine, plastic wheels and metal axles...
. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a strong supporter of Boy Scouts of AmericaBoy Scouts of AmericaThe Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 4.5 million youth members in its age-related divisions...
including the Cub Scouts programs, although no overtly LDS themes are present in the movie. - Church BallChurch BallChurch Ball is a 2006 comedy film about a basketball team from an LDS church ward.This family-film and comedy was filmed in and around Provo, Utah and is distributed by Halestorm Entertainment.-Plot synopsis:...
(2006) – In the last year of a basketball league, a church team does not want to place last again. The storyline centers around the juxtaposition between a desire to win at all costs and an expectation for sportsmanlike conduct in church sports. - Scout Camp (2009) – The Fire Dragon patrol, and their scout leader spend a week at Camp Rakhouta.
Fantasy/Adventure
- Passage to ZarahemlaPassage to ZarahemlaPassage to Zarahemla is an adventure film directed and written by Chris Heimerdinger. It tells the story of a young pair of siblings seeking to find a new life following the abrupt death of their mother. Their exploits lead them to a relative's home in Utah and eventually a thrilling...
(2007) – A time-travel/parallel universe adventure set in the rural area of Leeds, UtahLeeds, UtahLeeds is a town in Washington County, Utah, United States. The population was 547 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Leeds is located at ....
wherein characters from modern times interact with NephiteNephiteAccording to the Book of Mormon, a Nephite is a member of one of the four main groups of settlers of the ancient Americas. The other three groups are the Lamanites, Jaredites and Mulekites. In the Book of Mormon, the Nephites were a group of people descended from or associated with Nephi, the...
s and Gadianton robbersGadianton robbersThe Gadianton robbers, according to the Book of Mormon, were a secret criminal organization in ancient America.-Origins and rise to power:The society was founded around 52 BC or 51 BC by Nephite supporters of Paanchi, an unsuccessful candidate for the position of chief judge...
(tribes and groups mentioned in the Book of MormonBook of MormonThe Book of Mormon is a sacred text of the Latter Day Saint movement that adherents believe contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the American continent from approximately 2600 BC to AD 421. It was first published in March 1830 by Joseph Smith, Jr...
). - 17 Miracles17 Miracles17 Miracles, a film by T. C. Christensen, was released in 2011 by Excel Entertainment Group. Based on the actual experiences of members of the Willie Handcart Company of Mormon Pioneers following their late-season start and subsequent winter journey to Salt Lake City in 1856, the film emphasizes in...
(2011) – The perilous true story of the pioneers of the Willie and Martin handcart companies struggling to survive to head to the Great Salt Lake Valley while a multitude of miracles occur.
Documentary
- American MormonAmerican MormonAmerican Mormon is a 2005 comedic documentary that takes a humorous and touching look at the real life misconceptions concerning the faith and culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.-Background and Plot:Tufts and Knudsen, who also act as producers of American Mormon, were...
(2005) – A small film crew drove across the United StatesUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
interviewing people about their perceptions of MormonMormonThe term Mormon most commonly denotes an adherent, practitioner, follower, or constituent of Mormonism, which is the largest branch of the Latter Day Saint movement in restorationist Christianity...
s. - American Mormon in Europe (2006) – Interviews with people in EuropeEuropeEurope is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
about their perceptions of Mormons, and interviews with European church members. - Happy Valley (2008) – Documentary about prescription and street drug abuse in Utah CountyUtah County, UtahUtah County is a county located in the U.S. state of Utah. As of 2000, the population was 368,536 and by 2008 was estimated at 530,837. It was named for the Spanish name for the Ute Indians. The county seat and largest city is Provo...
, UtahUtahUtah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
. - Sisterz in Zion (2006) – A group of girls who are LDS converts in New York City cross cultural boundaries at Especially for YouthEspecially for YouthEspecially For Youth is a week long youth-oriented seminar focused on fellowship and teaching the principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...
(EFY) in Provo, Utah. - Nobody Knows: The Untold Story of Black Mormons (2008) – A documentary about the Black Mormon experience.
- Journey of Faith (2006) – A documentary showing archeological path of the Book of MormonArchaeology and the Book of MormonSince the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830, both Mormon and non-Mormon archaeologists have studied its claims in reference to known archaeological evidence...
in the Middle EastMiddle EastThe Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
.- Journey of Faith: The New World (2007) – A documentary about Book of Mormon evidencesArchaeology and the Book of MormonSince the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830, both Mormon and non-Mormon archaeologists have studied its claims in reference to known archaeological evidence...
in the AmericasAmericasThe Americas, or America , are lands in the Western hemisphere, also known as the New World. In English, the plural form the Americas is often used to refer to the landmasses of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions, while the singular form America is primarily...
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- Journey of Faith: The New World (2007) – A documentary about Book of Mormon evidences
- Finding Moroni (2010) – A documentary about Book of Mormon evidencesArchaeology and the Book of MormonSince the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830, both Mormon and non-Mormon archaeologists have studied its claims in reference to known archaeological evidence...
in the AmericasAmericasThe Americas, or America , are lands in the Western hemisphere, also known as the New World. In English, the plural form the Americas is often used to refer to the landmasses of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions, while the singular form America is primarily...
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Television
- The Joseph Smith PapersThe Joseph Smith Papers (TV series)The Joseph Smith Papers: Television Documentary Series is a documentary television series produced by Ronald O. Barney and the Larry H. Miller Communications Corporation. The series documented the creation of, and work involved in, the Joseph Smith Papers Project...
(2008–2009) – Documentary television series which documented the creation of, and work involved in, Joseph Smith Papers ProjectThe Joseph Smith PapersThe Joseph Smith Papers is a project researching, collecting, and publishing all manuscripts and documents created by, or under the direction of, Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. The documents will be published with transcriptions and annotations online and in...
. - Messiah: Behold the Lamb of God (2009–2010) – Seven-part documentary television series which focuses on the life of Jesus Christ.
- History of the SaintsHistory of the Saints (TV series)The History of the Saints: Gathering to the West is a television documentary series produced by Dennis Lyman and Glenn Rawson. It focuses on the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members following the death of Joseph Smith...
(2010) – Documentary television series which focuses on the history of the Latter-day Saints after the death of Joseph Smith, including their exile to Utah.