The past

This is the second year for The Pitch. The winner and the runners up of the 2009 competition are below. Beneath these are two short films, Unscripted and Home, produced in other contexts that give some idea of where using the Bible for inspiration might take you.

2009 Winner: A Runaway Slave

The Pitch winner of 2009: Simeon Lumgair

The 2009 Runners-up 

2009 Runners up were:

Three Days
by Mr Gavin Bryce

Eleventh Hour
by Mr Daniel Parkes

Also see the 2009 Competition Finalists

Unscripted

Unscripted was filmed in 2009 and is based on Luke 3.21–22: ‘When all the people were being baptised, Jesus was baptised too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”’ (NIV) The film makers considered this verse as an affirmation of Jesus, not for what he would do (his ministry had not started at this point) but for who he was, i.e. a beloved child. From this came the story of Unscripted which considered the issue of affirmation amongst family members.

Director: Paul Burbridge

Writer: Nigel Forde

Producers: Jonathan Brown, Jackie Sheppard, Luke Walton

Executive Producer: Luke Walton

A Reel Issues Films/Riding Lights Production

Home

Home was shot in 2008 and is based on Psalm 126.1: ‘When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.’ (NIV) The film tackles the issue of a homecoming under difficult circumstances and the emotions attached to returning to a familiar place; and the impact that a homecoming might have on those waiting expectantly.

Director: Debs Gardner Paterson

Writers: Chloe Austin, Debs Gardner Paterson

Producers: Mark Blaney, Jackie Sheppard

Executive Producer: Luke Walton

A Footprint Films Production

168 Hollywood Film Project Festival

Both films were entered, in respective years, to the 168 Film Project Festival in Los Angeles – an international film contest which challenges teams to create a film of no more than 11 minutes, based on a Bible verse, within 168 hours (one week).  

In 2008 Home received 12 nominations and won Best Director and Best Supporting Actress. 

In 2009 Unscripted received 14 nominations and won 4 awards, including Best International Film and the Best Drama Screenplay.