3 Film Packages, 1 DVD

One DVD offers three film packages each including materials for weeks of group discussions.

     The three prototypes of the short art films used in the Film Gallery Cafe are now available together on one DVD.

       This is not just a DVD with some films on it.  Each film is a complete package useful for both personal contemplation and group discussions which could extend for a series of weeks.  The inspiration and creativity that will result could be monumental.
     Each film plays in widescreen and offers bonus materials unique to each including stills of the art used in the film, the text of the poetry, and conversation frames with which to explore the meaning of the film.  

Special Offer On Our Newsletter 

     The DVD may be purchased on the products page of our web site for $32, shipping included. For a limited time you may purchase it for $25 and free shipping, by joining our e-newsletter.  Put your e-mail address in the box in the right hand column and we will send you the March issue where you can find the PayPal button for the special price.  Besides that, you will then be in touch with all the great developments of Horizon Gate.

     Each film can be purchased individually on the products page of our web site for $15 apiece plus shipping.
     

     Your purchase helps keep us creating more art and films to stimulate significant conversations drawing people to God.

Film: "A Prayer for Beauty" Gives First Preview

Donna Turner presents our newest film to the St. Paul's Cathedral Women Together.

     The third film in our Film Gallery collection was previewed for the first time February 2nd at the Women Together program of St. Paul's Cathedral, San Diego.
     Entitled "A Prayer for Beauty", Mark began production in 2005 based on his poem"Beautify Oh". He had produced a limited edition book of digital illustrations which he began animating with motion graphics. 
     This was the first attempt in the genre which combines visual arts, motion graphics, spoken word, music and sound effects. It is the only film, so far, in which he weaves the text of the poem into the visuals. 

Mark Turner modeled his film score after masters such as Maurice Ravel and Bela Bartok.

A Rich and Complex Sound Track

     The sound track also became the most complex of all three films. Mark scored the music based on models of masters Maurice Ravel, Bela Bartok, Samuel Barber and Gustav Holst. Donna joined her voice with his in both choral singing and verse choir. Even a nightingale, a flycatcher and a blue jay sang along with the wind and waterfall. 

Project Resurrected

     In 2005 other projects forced this to the back burner until last September Donna was invited to present our ministry to the Women Together and we needed a third film sooner than one started from scratch.  Production recommenced full time for five months leading up to the first DVD burn the day before the event.

Well Received 

     Audience reception was very enthusiastic as Donna led a full demonstration of the Film Gallery Cafe including the films, tangible art used to make them and table conversations after each film. Participants commented that they could have spent the whole evening discussing just the one new film. One person said full discussion would require a book to be written. The room was buzzing with intense conversations after each film. 

Composition 12 from the film "A Prayer for Beauty"

Next Stage in Development 

     Work is commencing immediately on the DVD of the film complete with menus of the poem text, stills of the artwork, and conversation cards. The next preview of the new film will be at our Artist Support Group meeting, February 19th. Artists and arts supporters are invited to join us.

Choosing the Next Art Film Script

Because of the interest of two possible venues in our "Film-Gallery-Café" idea, we are encouraged to begin reviewing several screenplays which have been on hold.
Our vision is that the production process itself, this Spring and Summer, will help form a circle of collaborators which will nurture one another toward greater productivity.
We hope that this fall we will be able to premiere one to three new films in a setting which combines the qualities of a home theater, an art gallery, and a café.
We are concentrating on short films using physical visual art accompanied by rich soundtracks. These films would be shown in the same gallery as the art used to make them.
Among the scripts being considered are
"The Gateway" using a painting and poem about using your imagination in prayer,
"Here On the Stone" exploring Lazarus' point of view of dying and being resurrected,
and
"Beautify Oh" using photo montages to amplify a poetic prayer for beauty.
We want the films to be conversation pieces and to encourage viewers to talk about the truth being presented. We trust God to draw people closer to Himself through these films and conversations.