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Carole Mikita reportingAn area of Utah's West Desert has been the backdrop for a series of Bible films. What makes this project so unusual is the collaboration of filmmakers from two faiths, who disagree on many points of doctrine. However, their art has enabled them to focus on what they have in common.
The prophet Abraham leads his people, this time across the West Desert. Evangelical filmmakers are behind the project. Their friends, Latter-day Saints who also make movies, said, "Come to Utah."
"When we came out here, and they brought us out here, to Five Mile [Pass] and we looked around, and I thought I was in another country. I mean, it was absolutely some of the most spectacular scenery I've ever seen. So, it's been wonderful," said Andy Erwin, co-director of "Crowning His Poorest."
An evangelical, nonprofit group hopes to reach those who cannot read the Bible by distributing six short films around the world. First stop, Africa.
"We have one remote village that will show the film using a car battery, and they are already inviting people for its premiere release in a village where there's no electricity for 300 miles," said Chuck Bently, CEO of Crown Financial Services.
For two Christian faiths usually perceived at odds with one another, each side says this has been a great coming together. "It's exciting to see some bridge building happening and be able to focus on our commonalities and our belief in the Bible," said Adem Abel, producer for Go Films.
Erwin said, "The producers come from the evangelical-Christian world, and the resources come from the Mormon Church, and certainly there's things that those two worlds disagree on. So, it's great to see something that we can both agree on."
The evangelical filmmakers also praise the Utah-based crew and cast. One of those actors says this goes beyond religion. "I think this past election year has brought a lot of attention to ‘Do we focus on the similarities or do we focus on what divides us?' If what we're doing is all kind of helping the country be a better place, then I think we ought to get together," said Michael Buster, the actor playing Lot.
The series of six biblical films from Crown Financial Ministries should be ready for worldwide distribution this fall. Adam Abel and his partner, Ryan Little, of Go Films have a film premiering this September: "Forever Strong."
For more information on these new films, click the related links.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com,
