An All-Star Faculty

I have been so blessed by the great faculty and their solid Christian worldview during the last couple days. The teaching this year has tackled some of the most important aspects of filmmaking. This academy far exceeded my expectations and has stretched and molded me in ways I never would have imagined. The doors in Independent Christian filmmaking are open, and Vision Forum is there to pave the way.

—Josiah

A Message of Hope

The 2006 Christian Filmmakers’ Academy has greatly encouraged me, not only as a Christian, but also as an aspiring filmmaker. As a student at a secular university, I often feel like this career choice can be overwhelmingly liberal. Coming to this academy has given me hope that one can, in fact, glorify God in this medium and can do it in a professional, poetic, and positive way. It has given me hope that you can be a Christian and a filmmaker. I know that I have been called to make films in such a way that can reflect God to a society that is in desperate need of Him. I can thank the San Antonio Christian Filmmakers Academy for blessing me in knowing that I am not alone in this calling.

—Jessica R.

Developing a Biblical Worldview

This academy has been a great experience. As a father, I especially appreciate the assistance in teaching my 16-year-old daughter to think biblically about filmmaking. One of the most important things is to teach our children to think with a biblical worldview and your emphasis on this is a vital ministry. Thank you for your support and encouragement of a father’s role and responsibility.

—Thomas G.

Inspiration and a Renewed Vision

The excellence and quality of instruction I received at this event blew me away. I came to the Christian Filmmakers Academy with lots of skepticism in the back of my mind. In the past I’ve been very pessimistic towards the Independent Christian Filmmaking movement. This conference set a fresh wind in my sails to attempt great things for God, and it gave me a radical optimism to expect great things from God. The Christian Filmmaker’s academy is a breath of fresh air in our culture, and has inspired me to higher levels of excellence, quality and most importantly, godliness. Thank you so much Vision Forum!

—Jon K.

Film, a Medium to Communicate God’s Word

This is my second year at the Film Academy, and both years have been awesome! God has blessed me and many others here for allowing me to be able to come and learn from God loving, fearing, and professional men. With my goal is to create films that can reach out to non-believers, this program gives me a confidence knowing that God is in control and will bless and help people that follow His Word and Law.

—David P.

Technology and Theology

The academy was extremely edifying, encouraging, stimulating, with an accurate balance of theological perspective and astute technological integrity. It is one of the rare Christian events that I know of where you are in the presence of sound, wise, and biblically strong Christian men who have an in-depth knowledge of the craft and what it means to be a Christian Filmmaker, with the objective, first, of engaging the culture.

—Todd S.

Extensive Instruction

This has been the best academy or conference on filmmaking I have ever [attended]! It has covered information from the production process to exploration of how to run a 16mm camera, to extensive how-to’s from lighting set up to the all important issue of music. Thank you!

—Robert F.

An Opportunity for Personal Growth and Networking

Inspiring! If you’re interested in Christian filmmaking, then you must attend this academy. Everything you need to get started is covered in the professional, thorough sessions. From Doug Phillips’ theological foundation to Ken Carpenter’s exploration of an independent production company to David Rasmussen’s lighting and demonstration, you will learn and grow tremendously. An added benefit is the opportunity to network with a diverse group of creative, like-minded believers. I heartily recommend it!

—Paul M.

Personal Interaction with the Faculty

[T]hank you for the fabulous film academy that my daughter Caroline and I attended. We were so encouraged by the teaching and the examples set by the men who taught. We had opportunity to personally interact with most of the speakers as well as sit under their teaching and this was such a blessing! In addition to all of the great theology, doctrine and vision, we especially benefited from Ken Carpenter’s session featuring a mock production meeting. It was so practical for the young filmmakers there like my daughter and for us who are trying to support them... Thank you to the Botkins too who worked tirelessly, I know, in preparing for the academy and took time to talk to so many people, including us. As always, we so appreciate Doug’s vision for this industry and pray it will come about. Thank you so much!

—Cathie B.

A Powerful Medium of Communication

As a homeschooling father, elder in a local church, law professor for a Christian law school, author of a number of federal court opinions, and father of aspiring Christian filmmakers, I was…surprised by this Film Academy. You and the other members of the faculty laid the proper orientation and sound theological foundations necessary for any Christian’s participation in this powerful medium of communication. Upon this foundation, the faculty then provided effective practical instruction in the art of filmmaking, equipping our children not only to understand the role of the Christian filmmaker today but to carry it out. On top of this, you have facilitated a vital and growing network of these talented and inspired culture changers to share ideas, work together, and increase their effectiveness in advancing our Lord’s messages through film.... Thank you Mr. Phillips and Vision Forum for discerning the times so well to prepare a generation of culture changers.

—Robert S.

Aesthetics and Worldview

As an aspiring filmmaker, I found the Christian Filmmakers Academy very helpful and extremely necessary to all going into this profession.... From understanding aesthetics and worldviews to lighting techniques and camera operation — it is all covered by the sessions and lectures. Anyone interested in cinematography needs to learn how to accomplish their projects as epistemologically self-conscious filmmakers.

—Andrew M.