A Filmmaker’s Journal
Seven years ago this month, I was in the midst of filming Healing River (it’s working title at the time was Over-the-Rhine), my first feature film as a writer-director-producer. I wanted “to share the experience with you, my bloggish friends,” I wrote, “because I think of you as my extended family” (I still do, more than ever!). And so, in the first of many Filmmaker’s Journals to come, I wrote:
- It’s a low budget movie–about as much money as Spielberg spends on craft service (“coffee and bagels”) for one of his movies. [And yet the film went on to win major kudos for its rich and evocative cinematography]
- It’s a faith-based film–no, God doesn’t appear onscreen, but he has a key role in the story, nevertheless…and has agreed to play himself!
- It’s a dark drama–many of you think of me as a humorist, and there are some humorous moments in the film, but this story, inspired by true events [including my own near-death experience with a heroin-addicted driver] will take us to some very dark places. The tagline: “How do you forgive the unforgivable?”
- I’m ridiculously excited! But ultimately (I’m telling you what I remind myself every day) this isn’t my film, it’s You-know-Who’s (see item #2 above). So I greatly appreciate your prayers that we never lose sight of that!
Healing River changed my life. And even now, as I put the finishing touches on the novel, attend screenings and do speaking dates tied to it’s central theme, the power of forgiveness, it continues to do so. Not just because it went on to win over twenty film festival awards and nominations and become one of the best-loved inspirational films of the 2020s. But because it’s life-changing message of “impossible love”…
Continues to ignite my heart.
P.S. If you’ve seen Healing River (or once you’ve seen it), may I encourage you to leave a brief review at https://www.amazon.com/Healin…/dp/B088K6PSGC/ref=sr_1_1? (The more reviews it gets, the more they recommend it). Also, you can rate it from 1 to 10 stars at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5848326/reviews/?ref_=tt_ov_rt. (Note: IMDb only recognizes the rating if you rate a few other movies, as well.) Thanks and blessings! ~Mitch
Healing River is currently on-sale at Amazon Prime. It can also be seen via other streaming sites such as Roku and Tubi, as well as on-demand services and on DVD.
The power of forgiveness is mighty.
When you wrote, “No, God doesn’t appear onscreen, but he has a key role in the story, nevertheless…and has agreed to play himself!” I decided that I had to see this film. Thanks, Mitch.
Yes, it’s a terrific film!
Thanks, Don and Joy!
Congratulations Mitch. What a wonderful gift to al of us.
Truly my privilege, Bob.
I always find it interesting “looking back to look forward.” The theme is such an important one too. The power of forgiveness has so many different layers and levels — like pealing back on onion. Congratulations on the anniversary.
Thank you, Brian, and yes, it certainly does.
A spectacular film. Happy 7th Birthday, “Healing River”! ❤️
Thanks, Vicki!
🥰🥰🥰
Loved the trailer, looks a great film.
Thank you, Janet.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film with God’s message to forgive as He has forgiven us-no matter how heinous the offense! Good luck with the “Healing River” book, Mitch.
Thank you so much, Nancy.
It’s a fabulous film. My family and I watched it together. It was a moving experience.
Thank you, Lesley.
P.S. Lesley, please see my note to Re-Farmer (below) regarding rating the movie at Amazon and IDBb. Thanks!
I watched it a few months ago. Well done! Made me cry.
Thanks, Krista. Tears appreciated. ;>)
Loved the film, looking forward to the novel! (I anticipate it starring in a blog post on my website.
Aw, thanks, Joy.
My wife, Jo, and I just watched Healing River on Tubi. It was an excellent movie. The character Ingrid is a much better person than I am. Did you make a cameo appearance late in the film?
Yes, I did, Don. I hadn’t intially planned to, but the actor got sick so I threw on a sweater and a pair of glasses and, voila, turned into a drug rehab center therapist.
P.S. Don, please see my note to Re-Farmer (below) regarding rating the movie at Amazon and IDBb. Thanks!
Done
Thank you, my friend.
Unfortunately, I accidentally hit submit before I reread it on IMDB. Hopefully, there are no typos.
The harvest is plentier than ever.. I thank God that He found a willing laborer in Mitch Teemley.
Aw, thank you, Carol.
Thank YOU, Mitch.
Thanks for sharing the photos of your wonderful memories. Congrats my friend.
Thank you, Pete.
I just finished watching the movie. It’s not an easy one. But it is an important one. Thank you for sharing.
My privilege, Pamela.
I love this story, Mitch. God speed its message to hearts near us soon. God bless!
Thank you so much, Nancy!
I look forward to viewing the film asap!
Great, Kellye. Have some tissues nearby.
It sounds like an important film. Prayers and congrats.
Thank you, Vera.
It was a stunning film and I totally loved Gods part in it. What joy you must’ve had making it. The characters are real, approachable and even transformed. I really enjoyed when I watched it last year. One of God’s greatest gifts to us – forgiveness ❤️
Amen to that, Kathy!
P.S. Kathy, please see my note to Re-Farmer (below) regarding rating the movie at Amazon and IDBb. Thanks!
My guys and I love Healing River. I think I’ll watch it again this weekend. 🤗
I’m so glad to hear that, and thank you, Chandra.
P.S. Chandra, please see my note to Re-Farmer (below) regarding rating the movie at Amazon and IDBb. Thanks!
Going to ask our local library system to order it!
This would be a great way for others to see it if all of your followers suggested this to their libraries!
Great idea, C.A.!
I just bought your film and can’t wait to watch it. Congratulations!
Delighted to hear that, Ellen. And thank you!
Going to need to see this, Mitch! Thanks!
My privilege, Tim.
Mitch, I hope this isn’t a dumb question, but that movie, that’s your movie, right? Was I understanding that correctly?
VERY good film! Gritty, moving… Re-watchable!!
Thank you, and bless you, Anne!
I am going to watch it this weekend. I can’t wait! 💖
Great. Enjoy, Iman!
Good to see you in action. I watched the trailer yesterday. 😊
This is awesome Mitch! What a great job ! On my list!💕
Delighted to hear that, Cindy!
Really great, Mitchell! Earmarked it on Amazon and going to watch it this weekend. 🙏🏽Ellen
Awesome, Ellen!
This was such an outstanding movie Mitch! Now I’m going to have to go back and watch it again.
Thanks and blessings, Terri.
P.S. Terri, please see my note to Re-Farmer (below) regarding rating the movie at Amazon and IDBb. Thanks!
Your diverse talents are so inspiring, Mitch!
Thank you so much, Pam!
I can’t wait to watch your movie. How exciting!! I love faith-based films and this one looks fantastic.
Thanks, Meghan! Enjoy, and do have some tissues handy.
Thanks for the tip! I’m ready to be moved to tears by a great story.
God, I love it when a very talented person throws it all into the betterment of humanity! You GO, boy!
Aw, thank you, Ana!
I finally got to settle in to watch it last night, and loved it! Very powerful.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, RF (sorry, I don’t know your name)! If you wish, you can leave a rating and brief review at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Healing-River-Christine-Jones/dp/B088JPNPVR (The more reviews it gets, the more they recommend it). Also, you can rate it from 1 to 10 stars at IMDb – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5848326/reviews/?ref_=tt_ov_rt. Note: IMDb only recognizes the rating if you rate a few other movies, as well. Thanks and blessings!
I still want to see it, just have to figure out how buying a movie on Amazon Prime works. (I’ll get my kids to explain.) I’ve seen the trailer and think it looks terrific, but mostly I love the movie’s theme of forgiveness. That’s so important…and one of the main points of Christianity, I believe. Well done, Mitch!
Ann, your kids will know. ;>) Thank you!
Bill and I loved this movie, Mitch! Can’t believe it’s been that long. We need more movies like this. We cried through the whole thing.
I was curious to know what church the movie was filmed at. When I was in Cincinnati for my nephews funeral, I was impressed by all the beautiful old churches in the downtown area. I thought one of them might be where you filmed the scenes in a church. My nephew’s was at St. Peter in Chains Catholic church on 8th and Plum street.
Hi Mary. So glad you and Bill loved ‘Healing River.’ Even though it was filmed seven years ago, it wasn’t actually released until four years later in 2020, so it hasn’t been quite as long as it seems.
Yes, Cincinnati has some beautiful old buildings, including St. Peter in Chains. But ‘HR’ was actually filmed at a suburban church called Little Flower (St. Therese) a short drive outside of downtown. I live a block away and was able to just walk over on shooting days!
Okay, good to know that it was really only 4 years ago that we watched it.
How nice that you were able to walk to the church to watch the shooting!
It’s not true
What’s not true, Apotus360?
Congratulations on reaching this milestone! It must have been quite a journey. Looking forward to hearing more about your filmmaking process and future projects. Best of luck!
Thank you, and you too, new friend!
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