Category Archives: Movies

Writers: Use Your Stories to Heal!

Posted on August 25, 2025 by mitchteemley

Thought for the Week In my fantasy novel The Wishing Map, a fierce impromptu battle breaks out between two groups of naims (gnomes) in the midst of a storytelling contest. One beloved old naim, Tuber, is fatally injured while trying … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Culture, Movies, The Wishing Map, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

It’s Knowing That Leads to Healing

Posted on August 18, 2025 by mitchteemley

Thought for the Week It’s easy to vilify names, faces and images. On social media, in the news–real, fake or a mix of both. But the only way to know the truth is to know someone. To listen, to learn, … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Movies, Videos | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

In Praise of the Almost-Ordinary

Posted on August 14, 2025 by mitchteemley

Five years ago this month, in the midst of a pandemic summer, my wife and I passed a milestone. One that wouldn’t have even been an inchstone before 2020. Is there such a thing as an “inchstone”? Well, no, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Memoir, Movies | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 33 Comments

The Year Guitars (and I) Were Born

Posted on August 7, 2025 by mitchteemley

(⇐ Me with a “Strat” at age 14) I often refer to music as “my other love.” Like many musicians, I started out playing in bands. And, although I play keyboards a little, it all began with guitars. To me as … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Memoir, Movies | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 57 Comments

Yay, I’m 11 Years Old Today!

Posted on July 29, 2025 by mitchteemley

Actually, it’s my 11th blogiversary! I had no idea when I started eleven years ago that: 1) I’d ever have more than a handful of followers; 2) I’d develop real and meaningful friendships in the process and; 3) That I’d … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Memoir, Movies, Story Power, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 171 Comments

In Memory of a Wonderful Mentor

Posted on July 24, 2025 by mitchteemley

Twenty-six years ago today, my mentor Janet died in the most unthinkable of ways. But I’d rather focus on how she lived. On her kindness and wisdom. I launched my filmmaking career with an internship in L.A.’s Fox Plaza tower, … Continue reading →

Posted in Memoir, Movies, Popular Culture & Entertainment | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 56 Comments

The Funniest Monster Movie Ever Made?

Posted on July 18, 2025 by mitchteemley

What’s that, you’ve never seen Notzilla, the “cult classic comedy” (MovieWeb) I wrote and directed? Inconceivable! Or you say you’ve seen Notzilla, “one of the funniest movies ever made,” only once? Not enough! Round up your family, friends and pets to … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Movies, Popular Culture & Entertainment, Videos | Tagged , , , , , , , | 29 Comments

Sharing the Redeeming Power of Love

Posted on July 9, 2025 by mitchteemley

Two Delightful Summer Stories! Preachers, teachers and drama groups: Are you looking for fun, family-oriented illustrations to set up talks on the redeeming power of love? If so, these may be just the thing! To learn more, or to order the … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Humor, Movies, Videos | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Fame Fades. But Flames Spread.

Posted on July 3, 2025 by mitchteemley

A Filmmaker’s Journal “Fame! I’m gonna live forever!” Those lyrics are from the title song of a once-famous movie that, ironically, most people under 30 have never even heard of. Five years ago, Healing River, my first feature film as … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Movies, Popular Culture & Entertainment, Videos | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 40 Comments

July the 4th is Almost Here!

Posted on July 2, 2025 by mitchteemley

Preachers, teachers and group leaders: If you’re looking for a brief-but-powerful illustration about what patriotism means, especially for people of faith, my 2 1/2 minute video may just be it. In the film, four ordinary people remind us it means … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Movies, Popular Culture & Entertainment, Videos | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments