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Disney giving away
Bible study guides
Using unique method to promote film 'America's Heart and Soul'
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Posted: June 23, 2004
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2004 WorldNetDaily.com
Walt Disney Pictures is giving away free Bible study guides as a way to promote a new documentary that tells heartrending stories of several Americans across the nation a movie one noted entertainment critic says could spark a new era of films honoring traditional values.
"America's Heart & Soul" presents portraits of people from many walks of life, all of whom have lead uniquely American lives and whose stories together weave what promises to be an uplifting cinematic experience. The film opens nationwide on July 2.
Dr. Ted Baehr, founder of the Christian Film & Television Commission ministry, is highly complimentary of the movie, which was produced by filmmaker Louis Schwartzberg.
"No one can watch 'America's Heart and Soul' without feeling blessed to live in the USA," Baehr said.
A statement from the film critic calls the movie a "beautifully photographed ode to the best in America a Spirit-filled documentary celebrating what is good in the USA."
Baehr says the documentary is a "truly patriotic movie" that "teaches us something about America and something about the soul."
In shooting the film, Schwartzberg and a small crew hit the road to capture the stories of Americans in various walks of life, from Thomas Roudy Roudebush, one of the last cowboys in Colorado, to dairy farmer musician George Woodard, to aerobatic pilot Patty Wagstaff, to Olympic boxer Michael Bennett, to blind mountain climber Erik Weihenmayer, who is climbing the tallest peak on each of the seven continents.
Through the movie, the film's website says, "you'll have the chance to meet ordinary Americans with extraordinary stories. Louis' gift is his ability to connect with people, honestly capturing their values, dreams and passion in an awe-inspiring journey that reveals the stories unusual, captivating, inspiring and emotional that make us into something more than a collection of individuals."
Schwartzberg explains what he learned by making the film:
"What started out as a simple idea in my head turned out to be a simple film in many ways, but one that I think gets to the core of something more complex. I think it's some of the most fascinating footage I've every shot. I didn't shape this material; it shaped me."
The filmmaker says he started by interviewing and shooting people he had read about and whose stories he had filed away for years. The others he included were people he encountered on his journey whose stories and lives captivated him.
"In making this move, we were light on our feet and ready to move as soon as we heard about a great story," he said.
Baehr notes Disney is giving away free Bible studies promoting the film to those who call the company's number for ordering advanced tickets, 888-347-6396.
He highlights several instances in the film where people refer to their faith in God, answered prayers, a miracle of Jesus and Providential sovereignty.
Rather than invest in an expensive promotional campaign, Disney is relying on word-of-mouth to spread news about the film, reportedly taking a cue from the highly successful "The Passion of the Christ."
Noted the Los Angeles Times: "While some movies blanket the nation with promotional billboards, the studio will cover the country with free 'America's Heart and Soul' preview screenings to groups as varied as klezmer musicians and horse wranglers. And mirroring 'The Passion's' release strategy, the filmmakers are courting scores of faith-based organizations."
With its patriotic undertones and emphasis on the goodness of Americans, the film is a marked contrast to Michael Moore's Bush-bashing documentary "Fahrenheit 9/11," which the filmmaker hopes to use to oust the president from the White House. Moore's film opens nationwide on Friday.
"America's Heart and Soul" features an original song by John Mellencamp. Rated PG, the film has received the "Seal of Approval" from the Parents Television Council.
"This is a courageous movie to distribute and should make everyone who sees it stand up and cheer for America," Baehr concluded.
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Bible study guides
Using unique method to promote film 'America's Heart and Soul'
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: June 23, 2004
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2004 WorldNetDaily.com
Walt Disney Pictures is giving away free Bible study guides as a way to promote a new documentary that tells heartrending stories of several Americans across the nation a movie one noted entertainment critic says could spark a new era of films honoring traditional values.
"America's Heart & Soul" presents portraits of people from many walks of life, all of whom have lead uniquely American lives and whose stories together weave what promises to be an uplifting cinematic experience. The film opens nationwide on July 2.
Dr. Ted Baehr, founder of the Christian Film & Television Commission ministry, is highly complimentary of the movie, which was produced by filmmaker Louis Schwartzberg.
"No one can watch 'America's Heart and Soul' without feeling blessed to live in the USA," Baehr said.
A statement from the film critic calls the movie a "beautifully photographed ode to the best in America a Spirit-filled documentary celebrating what is good in the USA."
Baehr says the documentary is a "truly patriotic movie" that "teaches us something about America and something about the soul."
In shooting the film, Schwartzberg and a small crew hit the road to capture the stories of Americans in various walks of life, from Thomas Roudy Roudebush, one of the last cowboys in Colorado, to dairy farmer musician George Woodard, to aerobatic pilot Patty Wagstaff, to Olympic boxer Michael Bennett, to blind mountain climber Erik Weihenmayer, who is climbing the tallest peak on each of the seven continents.
Through the movie, the film's website says, "you'll have the chance to meet ordinary Americans with extraordinary stories. Louis' gift is his ability to connect with people, honestly capturing their values, dreams and passion in an awe-inspiring journey that reveals the stories unusual, captivating, inspiring and emotional that make us into something more than a collection of individuals."
Schwartzberg explains what he learned by making the film:
"What started out as a simple idea in my head turned out to be a simple film in many ways, but one that I think gets to the core of something more complex. I think it's some of the most fascinating footage I've every shot. I didn't shape this material; it shaped me."
The filmmaker says he started by interviewing and shooting people he had read about and whose stories he had filed away for years. The others he included were people he encountered on his journey whose stories and lives captivated him.
"In making this move, we were light on our feet and ready to move as soon as we heard about a great story," he said.
Baehr notes Disney is giving away free Bible studies promoting the film to those who call the company's number for ordering advanced tickets, 888-347-6396.
He highlights several instances in the film where people refer to their faith in God, answered prayers, a miracle of Jesus and Providential sovereignty.
Rather than invest in an expensive promotional campaign, Disney is relying on word-of-mouth to spread news about the film, reportedly taking a cue from the highly successful "The Passion of the Christ."
Noted the Los Angeles Times: "While some movies blanket the nation with promotional billboards, the studio will cover the country with free 'America's Heart and Soul' preview screenings to groups as varied as klezmer musicians and horse wranglers. And mirroring 'The Passion's' release strategy, the filmmakers are courting scores of faith-based organizations."
With its patriotic undertones and emphasis on the goodness of Americans, the film is a marked contrast to Michael Moore's Bush-bashing documentary "Fahrenheit 9/11," which the filmmaker hopes to use to oust the president from the White House. Moore's film opens nationwide on Friday.
"America's Heart and Soul" features an original song by John Mellencamp. Rated PG, the film has received the "Seal of Approval" from the Parents Television Council.
"This is a courageous movie to distribute and should make everyone who sees it stand up and cheer for America," Baehr concluded.
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