|
By Kent Larsen
Excel to Distribute Film About Elder Groberg
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- Filmmaker Mitch Davis has announced that his
forthcoming film on the missionary experiences of Elder John H.
Groberg, now a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be distributed by
Excel Theatrical Distribution. The announcement also indicated that
the much-anticipated film could be in theaters for Christmas. Excel
is the same company that distributed the breakthrough film "God's
Army."
Titled "The Other Side of Heaven," Davis' movie is based on Elder
Groberg's 1994 book "In the Eye of the Storm," which tells the story
of his LDS mission in Tonga during the 1950s. Elder Groberg told a
press conference on the movie last week that he was surprised that
someone would want to make a movie of his life, "It was a shock to
have someone who was interested to do a movie. It was also a little
bit intimidating. As a family, we tend to be quiet and not make a big
splash," Groberg said. "But I felt confidence in these people [the
filmmakers]. They have been true and maintained the spirit [of the
book]."
Like Richard Dutcher's movie"God's Army," "The Other Side of Heaven"
will also test the market for LDS-themed films. Its the first movie
since "God's Army" made by a different director, and its success
could show that "God's Army's success can be duplicated and could
demonstrate an audience for LDS-themed films is developing.
But Davis' film is only one of several LDS-themed films being
prepared. High-profile film projects include "The Single's Ward,"
which is reportedly in post-prodution and scheduled for a January
release, "Charly," an adaptation of Jack Weyland's novel planned for
March 2002, and Richard Dutcher's "The Prophet," planned for Spring
2003. In addition, several other films have been announced for the
next few years.
Sources:
Mission Improbable Now a Movie
Salt Lake Tribune 4Oct01 A2
By Vince Horiuchi: Salt Lake Tribune
Film depicting Elder Groberg's mission to Tonga to open in December
BYU NewsNet 3Oct01 A2
By Caroline Jensen: NewsNet Staff Writer
'Other Side' tells of LDS mission to Tonga
Deseret News 5Oct01 A2
By Jeff Vice: Deseret News movie critic
Church leader's story comes to life on big screen
See also:
More about "In the Eye of the Storm" by Elder John H. Groberg at
Amazon.com
|
