‘168 Hour Film Project’ reeling from success

PASADENA, Calif. — For anyone who has ever wished that Hollywood would clean up its act and make more films that embrace family values, your wish just may come true.

Dozens of filmmakers are putting their cameras where their hearts are: in the Word of God, and they are getting international attention and awards with short films produced at Southern California’s “168 Hour Film Project.”

In its third year, the film festival challenges amateurs and professionals in the film world to shoot and produce a film in only 168 hours, but there’s one other catch: the film must be based on a Bible verse.

“The goal is to illuminate the Word of God, to raise up filmmakers and teach them that there is value in making a movie based on (the) Bible and then to distribute the films and make them available to people,” said founder John Ware.

Ware started the project in 2002, and said it has grown faster than he ever dreamed.

“It grew like wildfire,” Ware said. “I know the success is straight from the Lord, nothing I’ve ever done has had this success right out of the gate.”

The competition has gained such notoriety that the judges now include some big-name Hollywood producers and writers.

Ware, and the others who run this successful non-profit, are in the middle of this year’s “168” project. Teams of producers, actors, writers and directors were paired up in April to make the films, and now they are waiting for their big debut on May 13 and 14 at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena. But tickets to the film festival become scarce. Ware said it typically sells out before the weekend.

Jim O’Keefe and his team of 100 people have felt the thrill of victory at “168”—they were the big winners in 2004 with their film “Max.” In fact, “Max” went on to win at other festivals, including: God in Film (NYC), Sabaoth (Italy), Damah (L.A. 2005) and it is one of 12 films selected for the International Cinematographer’s Guild Showcase.

Despite the deluge of awards, O’Keefe, 56, who has a background in cinematography, said he wasn’t even thinking about the possibility of being recognized during the 168 hours of filming.

“It never was about awards; the privilege of being a part of the festival had a profound effect on my life,” he said. “It started out about directing my first short film with the goal of having fun with friends and found out that the verse I picked was selected by God for me to deal with an issue in my life.”

Assigned Scripture
Like O’Keefe, each director must choose a polished stone just before the competition begins on what is called “assignment night.” Each stone has a Bible verse on it, which the team must then bring to life on film. Throughout the 168 hours of production, participants are encouraged and mentored through the process of making a film based on Christian values by professionals in the industry.

Ware said now that award-winning director and actor Mel Gibson has shown that Christian films can succeed, others are aspiring to do the same.

“He has definitely inspired a lot of filmmakers,” Ware said. “He obviously loves the Lord and he made not only a movie but an art piece out of it; I have a lot of respect for him.”

As for reaching other Christian filmmakers who would benefit from “168,” Ware said eventually he would like to expand the project to other major cities across the U.S. and the world. He may not have to reach far; two international teams are already participating in the project after hearing about its success.

For now, Ware said the next step is to get the “168” films distributed to schools, churches and bookstores where they can be used as tools to illustrate the power of having God in your life, said Ware.

For more information on the “168 Hour Film Project,” visit the Web site at 168project.com.

Published, May 2005

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