Contact: Wesley Strackbein, Vision Forum, 210-340-5250, ext. 222, press@visionforum.org  

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 11 /Christian Newswire/ -- The fourth annual San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival and Jubilee Awards, to be held in the Alamo City on October 25-27, will feature films which tackle some of most controversial themes in Christendom, including feminism, abortion, and real-life martyrdom, along with uplifting films that encourage the family. The 35 semi-finalists chosen were narrowed down from a field of over 120 entries, including submissions from professionals, first-time filmmakers, as well as graduates from Vision Forum's Christian Filmmakers Academy. The "Best of Festival" winner will receive a beautiful Jubilee Award and a prize check worth $10,000.

"America is in culture war, and for decades, Hollywood studios have been churning out movies that attack the Christian foundations that once made our nation strong," remarked Doug Phillips, president of Vision Forum Ministries and founder of the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. "But now young Davids are rising up to challenge the Hollywood giant, and we are pleased to be able to showcase the efforts of such courageous filmmakers at this year's film festival."

The film shorts chosen as 2007 semi-finalists cover a broad range of critical themes. "We were inundated with films with topics ranging in diversity from the quest of two sons to honor the message of their beloved father, tragically martyred by Islam, as featured in 'A Cry from Iran'; to the controversial film, 'The Monstrous Regiment of Women,' a documentary which shows the bankruptcy of the modern feminist movement and the harms it has caused to untold millions," Phillips commented.

"We received dramas that explore such timeless themes as the defense of women and children, as seen in the thrilling, 'good guys vs. gangsters' Prohibition-era film, 'The Photographer'; and documentaries that address thorny issues surrounding medical decision-making and the quality of life, such as 'Joel's Journey,' the true story of a young boy with brain cancer whom the doctors gave up on, advising his parents to pull the plug.

"Yet even as hard-hitting themes as the horrors of abortion are squarely addressed by our semi-finalists, hopeful themes are also explored," Phillips observed. "In 'Heartstrings,' the power of fatherhood and generational faithfulness is illustrated in an adventure-comedy that the whole family can enjoy."

Each semi-finalist will compete for the "best-of" award in one of the following three categories: Documentary, Narrative, and Biblical Family. In addition, each semi-finalist is eligible to win the "Best of Festival Award" -- a $10,000 Grand Prize. Awards for Best Young Filmmaker and Best Trailer will also be given as part of the Jubilee Awards Ceremonies. To view all the semi-finalists, visit http://www.independentchristianfilms.com/program/.

"George Washington once called his fellow countrymen to 'raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair,'" remarked Phillips. "Many of the semi-finalists at this year's festival are doing just this: they are championing biblical standards and decrying the false philosophies put forward by those at war with the God of the Bible. They are lifting high a noble banner under which other aspiring Christian culture changers can rally behind."

The San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival aspires to offer a joyful vision of victory to both amateur and professional filmmakers who are committed to advancing the work of Jesus Christ through the medium of film. Festival passes are $75 for adults, $65 for students. Passes afford access to all the festival events. Space is limited. For more information on the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival and Jubilee Awards, please visit the festival Web site at: www.independentchristianfilms.com.

To interview Doug Phillips about his vision for the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, contact Wesley Strackbein by e-mail at wesley@visionforum.com or by phone at (210) 340-5250, ext. 222.