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Writing - Dallas Jenkins's MySpace Blog |

One of the main problems that faith-based films have had is that they've been writte

in a way that would only appeal to Christians. Even successful "Christian" film

haven't had much of an impact--financially,critically, or intellectually--outside of th

Christian market. On the other -based hand, some religious or culturally motivate

films from other groups have managed to cross over into the mainstream, films likBend It Like Beckham, The Namesake, Big Fat Greek Wedding, or on a large scal

films like Schindler's List or The Last Samurai.

One thing that has kept Christian-themed films from breaking out has been a simp

lack of quality. There are exceptions, of course, but even most defenders of th

Christian film community would agree that there hasn't been much to crow about o

the artistic scale.

But assuming for a moment that a high quality script could be written (and sever

have been, such as The Mission, Chariots of Fire, The Apostle, etc.), I believe the

are five key issues that should be considered when attempting to create Christia

themed storylines and characters that would be accessible and compelling to

mainstream audience.

1. Show Christians with flaws. Many Christian-themed scripts present too rosy of

picture of the Christian experience. Oftentimes, whatever flaws that are presented a

surface-level and quickly overcome or resolved. Unfortunately, that's not realistic, n

is it even an accurate portrayal of the Christian message, which is that we are a

deeply flawed human being who are in constant need of grace. In fact, we would (

at least should) acknowledge that most of our biggest flaws are never fully overcome

Of course, it's true that the overwhelming majority of Christians portrayed

mainstream films are usually the most flawed or crazy characters in the story, so theshould be a balance. But faith-based films often go too far in the other direction.

2. Have self-deprecating humor. One of the great things about movies like Gree

Wedding and Bend it Like Beckham is that they were willing to poke fun at some

the traditions and idiosyncrosies of their respective cultures and faiths. And th

didn't do it harshly or with cynicism. The fact is, every people group has its ow

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silliness, and far too often Christians seem to be unwilling to have a sense of hum

about theirs. An audience member is far more willing to suspend his cynicism

wariness if he senses that the storyteller doesn't take himself too seriously.

3. Not every problem has to be solved by a Christian. In real life, many no

Christians are just as kind, generous, and truthful, if not more, as any Christian you

meet. In many Christian-themed films, there are few non-Christian characters, evefewer who don't end up converting, and even fewer who help solve problems. It ca

be a turn-off to a non-believing audience member if he sees that in the world of th

filmmaker, Christians are the only ones who have the answers or solutions. Think

Schindler's List and Greek Wedding--outsiders to the faith were oftentimes heroic

wise.

4. Show reality. This is similar to point 1, but I'm not referring to personality trai

here. I'm referring to the fact that life is often dark and hard and difficult, ananswers don't come quickly or easily, and solutions don't always arrive. If you look

the Old Testament, you'd see a grim and disturbing picture of life, and not everythin

wrapped up nice and neat. Too often Christian-themed films want to sugarcoat th

human experience in order to maintain a G or PG rating. But the most important pa

of the gospel story is the fact that sin and evil exist, and that God doesn't always mak

life on earth a smooth ride. I believe that non-Christians would be more open-minde

to a Christian-themed film if they thought it actually represented their life experien

in some way, and not just the happy or clean parts.

5. Not every story has to end in a salvation experience. Many Christians think that

film isn't a Christian film unless it shows a conversion or includes the explicit gosp

message. But think of the parables Jesus told, or most of the stories in the O

Testament--many of them were simple life lessons, or cautionary tales, or simp

historical records. There are many fascinating and exciting stories from the Christia

experience that don't necessarily involve an actual spiritual conversation, and thdoesn't make the stories any less "Christian."

Hollywood studios are right now seeking faith-based entertainment to tap into

marketplace and business opportunity they never thought existed. Writers an

filmmakers who are Christians need to be ready, and they need to be able to te

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stories that can have wide appeal so that the studio will be incentivized to make eve

more films like it. And even more important, films like this can have the intellectu

and spiritual impact on society that Christians want so badly to have.