A Filmmaker’s Journal
Five years ago an independent production company agreed to finance my “compelling little story of forgiveness” as one of eight feature films for limited release to a faith-based audience. Thrilled, I wrote, directed, and produced the movie with the help of a wonderful cast and crew, but…
It soon became apparent that Healing River was not like the other films. It was darker, earthier, and more universal in its appeal. When a Hollywood distribution rep saw it, he said, “This one’s different—this is for everyone!”
We tested our not-yet-completed film at ICFF, the largest Christian film festival in the world. It was immediately nominated for Best Picture, Most Inspirational Picture and Best Score, receiving a special Honorable Mention award; the audience claimed it as their own, many calling it the most powerful inspirational movie they’d ever seen. (It eventually won over twenty film festival awards and nominations.)
The completed film had its official Premiere at Cincinnati’s historic Memorial Hall. The audience, this time made up of people from all walks of life, cheered as the end credits rolled. Here are some responses recorded afterward:
- “It captured what I’m going through. I cried so hard. But now I know I’m not alone.” (Mother of a heroin addict)
- “This is the most effective presentation on forgiveness I’ve ever seen.” (Cincinnati drug and family counseling director)
- “A remarkable theatrical experience: powerful, gripping, provocative, heart-breaking, moving, inspirational. You have created a masterpiece!” (Ray A. Smith, retired teacher)
- “Only Heaven will know the true ‘box-office’ returns of this film. My son and I had an excellent conversation about grief.” (Rev. Drew Smith, Presbyterian pastor)
- “I am overwhelmed with what I received and am taking away from this film. It was powerful on so many levels, both spiritually and emotionally. But even more drastic for me (was) the ethnic diversity. I don’t have words to describe how that aspect of the film impacted me. I’ve never seen a film with such an even display of racial justice. I’m blown away. Excellent!” (Rev. Dennis Hall, African-American Methodist pastor)
- “This isn’t just a great Christian film, it’s a great drama with Christian DNA. The script, acting, and music are all top-notch. Most importantly, it’s true to life. The emotions are so pitch-perfect that we know the characters are acting and reacting as we would in their circumstances. This isn’t a Hollywood production, but it could have been.” (Dan Andriacco, The Catholic Telegraph)
- “You don’t watch this movie, you live it. The characters are strong and vibrant. The movie will get inside you. It has moments so intense you forget to breathe. There are moments of gut-wrenching grief, there are moments of rage, there are moments of laughter. There is love. Healing River is about forgiveness, (but) it doesn’t just show you the way, it takes you there.” (S.M. Zang, blogger and reviewer)
Upon its release, Healing River became (and remains) the highest rated independent inspirational film in the history of Amazon Prime. You can see it uninterrupted there, or free-with-commercials at sites like Tubi and Roku. I would also encourage you to leave a brief review at Amazon (the more reviews it gets, the more they recommend it). Plus, you can rate it from 1 to 10 stars on IMDb (Note: IMDb only recognizes the rating if you rate a few other movies, as well).
This little light is still shining bright!
The Official Trailer
Wow – that’s powerful. Amazing work, Mitch!
Thank you, Wynne!
What a powerful movie, Mitch! It’s been more than two years since I saw it and I remember it as if it were yesterday. ❤️
Aw, bless you, Dora. That was when we met (virtually speaking), I believe.
Wow! GOod luck! I hope to see it soon!
Enjoy!
A very compelling film!
Thank you, Joy!
This still remains one of my favorite Christian films. I continue to buy and give away DVDs as gifts.
Aw, bless you, Manette.
Oh my goodness, I’m in tears just from watching the trailer!
Yes, it tends to have that effect, Lesley.
DANG! I cry during the trailer!
<3
How amazing. It looks incredible, based on the trailer!
Thank you, hope you enjoy it!
My wife and enjoyed it a lot. I told some people at church about it and they liked it.
Thanks, Max.
Can’t wait to check it out — thank you, Mitch! 😉
Enjoy, Victoria!
The songs in the movie seems awesome. I watch movies because I am fond of listening to music 🎵🎶. Music and songs 😍💐
Thank you!
Wow Mitch I feel like I’m talking to a celebrity right now. You are extremely talented, I can’t wait to watch this.
Oh, not really, Christina, but thank you. Enjoy the movie!
Impressive!
Fantastic. I will check it out!
Great. Enjoy!
That’s awesome mitch…let me check on prime ….
It might or might not be on Prime in your country (let me know). If it’s not streaming there it should be available from Amazon on DVD.
Saw it. Loved it. Fantastic message.
Thank you, Nancy.
Is it available on Amazon Prime? We finally joined that!
Yes, it is, Ann. Enjoy!
Thanks again, Mitch. I watched “Healing River” yesterday. Beautiful. I especially enjoyed the scenes with Ingrid and Alec…the dialogue rang true and Rupert Spraul as Alec, overall? What a talent…and I think his hair should get some sort of credit, too. 😉 Lastly, did you pull a “Hitchcock” and pop into the group session around 1:36? A “Mitch” Easter egg?
Appreciate you pointing us to your amazing work. Kudos in every way! 😊😊😊
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Victoria! And, yes, I did a Hitchcock (Mitchcock?) in the group session; stepped in last minute to replace an actor who’d gotten sick (but in ‘Notzilla’ I do 5 or 6 Easter egg appearances, just for fun). Rupert is indeed a brilliant young actor. The moment I saw his audition (this was his first film), I turned to my co-producer and said, “Well, we have our Alec!” He and Renika Williams, the gifted actress who plays Rose (also her first film) are both working regularly on Broadway and in films and televsion now. I’m so proud of them!
P.S. May I encourage you to leave a brief review at Amazon? (The more reviews it gets, the more they recommend it). Also, you can rate it from 1 to 10 stars on IMDb (Note: they only recognizes the rating if you rate a few other movies, as well). https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5848326/?ref_=tt_mv_close
I’d be happy to — the Amazon review might pop as coming from Paul Atkinson – the hubster – but no problem. I don’t think I’ve done an imdb review in ages, so I’ll need to do some work there so that praise for “Healing River” will populate. And…I forgot to mention how nice it was to see scenes from Cincinnati in the film. Fond memories, for sure. 😊
I almost did a spit-take with the “Mitchcock” nugget. Too funny! And yes — Renika as Rose was compelling — her face – expressions and eyes conveyed just the right amount of contempt in the scene where she came face-to-face with Alec. So wonderful that both she and Alec are doing well. And now…I’ll need to look for more Easter eggs in your other work. Fun! 😉
Bless you, my friend.
Amazon review done — but it did indicate it might take a day or two to appear. Happy to sing praises. 😉
I cannot wait to watch it, thank you for sharing it Mitch!
My pleasure, Kamina!
I will surely watch this movie.
Wonderful. Enjoy, Syed!
Reblogged this on Stories of Hope and commented:
http://www.mymovie2015.wordpress.com
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Congratulations Mitch…that’s amazing!.. I gave it 10 stars on IMDb
Aw, bless you, Karima! Did you rate some other movies while you were there too? (IMDb only counts ratings by people who’ve rated other movies, as well) Blessings.
I’m registered with them I rated two the day before… hope that’s sufficient. My pleasure Mitch.
Wow this is truly amazing. Continued blessings for you.
Thank you, Desiree.
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