Meet filmmaker Sharon Wilharm: Writer/Director of Providence

Sharon Wilharm always envisioned a life of missionary service. Instead, God called her to writing and filmmaking, allowing her films to minister to individuals around the world.  She and her husband, Fred, travel the southeast and midwest promoting their movies and speaking at film and church events. 

Sharon's passion is encouraging individuals to listen to God and discover the unique path He has destined for them. 

Recently their film, Providence, won ICVM’s Gold Award for Best Drama of 2016 (under $250,000), as well as ICVM's Bronze for Best Picture (overall); Silver for Best Evangelistic; and Bronze for Best Youth Picture.

On your Faith Flix website, you wrote that “I never intended to be a filmmaker.” What got you started?

Fred always wanted to be a filmmaker and got his degree in broadcast communication, but at the time we started dating, he was a businessman with a chain of coin laundries and I was a school teacher. Then he started working on a local history documentary and before I knew what was happening, it transformed into a faith-based feature with me writing the script, directing, and playing the lead role. I didn't have a clue what I was doing so I hated it. I swore I'd never ever do another movie, but God had other plans.

You began your career as an educator (teaching elementary, middle and high schoolers). Did you teach drama and film from the beginning?

I started off as a 5^th grade school teacher then when our daughter was born I homeschooled her from preschool through graduation. When she was in middle school I started teaching drama and film at her homeschool tutorial. I've always loved drama and directed my first children's musical when I was a freshman in high school. Through the years my primary ministry at church has been directing drama for children, youth, and adults.

What is the appeal of film? Why does this particular method of communication attract you?

Film didn't initially appeal to me. I much preferred live theater. But as I found myself involved in Fred's projects, it grew on me. Now I love it! I love the brevity and the simplicity of screenwriting. I love visual storytelling, especially incorporating costume, color, and composition to make for beautiful and powerful images.

Do you have any favorite filmmakers or films?

I like character driven films like Driving Miss Daisy, Because of Winn Dixie, and Legally Blonde that are distinctly feminine and funny but also reveal much about human nature. My favorite tv show is Joan of Arcadia. It is brilliantly written and shot and can have me pondering it for weeks afterwards. It incorporates a Christian worldview in such an artsy way. I hate that it only lasted 2 seasons. It has probably inspired me as a filmmaker more than anything else.

Your most recent film, Providence, has no dialogue. Why did you make this choice? Were any other of your films made this way?

Providence is our second silent film. Our first was The Good Book. We were trying to avoid the cheese factor and to literally show, not tell. At first, no one had a clue how to respond to The Good Book. But then it started doing well in film festivals and we discovered that we were better at telling a story visually than with dialogue. We didn't think it would be possible to do it again, but then when I started writing Providence, I quickly discovered that it lent itself best to visual storytelling as well. If/when we do another movie, though, it will be a talkie and I'll take all that we've learned from The Good Book and Providence and apply it to a more traditional script.

Looking back on your life why did you choose an education major when you were in college? Do you see any crossover into filmmaking?

I majored in education because I couldn't come up with anything better. I always saw it as temporary and figured it would be good prep for whatever more exciting work God had in store for me. And it has done just that. Perhaps the best skills I learned from being a teacher that has helped in filmmaking is the ability to organize and to quickly learn names.

Can you describe your filmmaking process? (How long does it usually take to write the script? Decide on location? Choose cast? Shoot? Edit?)

From initial idea to finished script generally takes between 4-8 months. Actually, the more experienced we get, the longer it takes because I've gotten more meticulous. Locations are easy since we film the majority of our movies in our house or locations in our small town. When I'm writing a script, it's written with our available locations in mind. Casting takes several months. Shooting several months. Editing, several months. Pretty much once we have a finished script, it takes us about a year to cast, shoot, edit, and get ready to release.

What’s your favorite part about the filmmaking process itself? What’s the most challenging?

Writing and planning is what I enjoy most, imagining all the possibilities and figuring out how to make it happen. Originally filming was my most challenging, but as I've learned and grown, it comes a lot more naturally now. Editing is frustrating for me because once I finish filming I'm ready to just relax and not think about it for a while, but I can't because my input is needed for the editing process. I tend to be pretty grumpy during the post production time because I'm just so worn out by that point.

Your films have won numerous awards, including ICVM's Gold Award for Best Picture 2016 (under $250,000). Do any of the awards stand out to you for their significance?

At last count we had accumulated 78 festival accolades, but each one holds some significance.  They each represent a group of people who appreciated our movie enough to make it available for others to enjoy. The true value of festivals is that they help attract new audiences and provide validation that this is a movie that is worthy of being watched. Now, getting back to your question, if I had to narrow it down, I would say Pan Pacific Film Festival was really special because it was in Los Angeles. So it was exciting to travel to L.A. and be a part of the red carpet experience. The greatest honor, though, was having Providence nominated for four Crown awards at the ICVM awards, including being up for Best Picture alongside War Room, Beyond the Mask, and Until Forever. That is just mind boggling to me that our little silent film could even be considered in the same breath as such incredible films. Isn't God amazing?

Can you describe how you and your husband Fred work together on your films?

When we first starting filmmaking together we tended to get on each other’s nerves a lot. We would each try to be in control and not listen to the other one. Then we'd get frustrated when the other did something different than what we wanted. But over time we've learned what our strengths and weaknesses are and we use that to advantage. We communicate a lot initially, planning the shots, and making sure we're each on the same page. Then we trust each other to each do our job and to do it well. Now by the time everyone else arrives on set, we know what we're doing and we work together to get it done.

Do you have any words of wisdom to offer for new filmmakers? Or those thinking of getting into filmmaking?

If you're thinking about making movies so you can get rich and famous, find something else to do. Filmmaking is hard work and little money. The only reason to do it is if this is what God has called you to do, and even then, you need to be on your knees in prayer the whole time because it's a tough business. If you go into it as a calling, as a way to minister through film, God can use you. But if you come in with a giant ego, that ego will quickly get deflated.

How can readers get a copy of/view your films?

All our movies are available online at Christian Cinema. Providence is also available at Faith Flix online and at LifeWay Christian Stores. The Good Book is available at most Christian retailers. Flowers for Fannie is available at some Family Christian Stores and online at iTunes and a number of other online sites.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

To learn more about our movies, visit our website at www.faithflix.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. In addition, each of our movies has a Facebook page and a Twitter account.

The mystery is this!

Within Paul's letter to the Colossians, there's a magnificent description of who Jesus is. (Col. 1:15-20).

Jesus is described in the following ways:

. the visible image of the invisible God (vs. 15)

. existing before anything was created (vs. 15)

. creating everything through God (vs. 16)

. holding all things together (vs. 17)

. head of the church (vs. 18)

. reconciling us to God (vs. 20)

. making peace with everything in heaven and on earth (vs. 20)

As if this wasn't powerful enough, there's a little gem tucked a bit further down the letter. Paul mentions a "secret." He goes on to share what it is;

"For God wanted them (us) to know that the riches and glory of Christ is for you Gentiles too. And this is the secret; Christ lives in you." (vs. 27 NLT)

The NKJ version says it this way:

"To them (us) God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Wow.

Spiritually speaking, we have Victoria Falls flowing in us.

God's Son somehow dwells in us.

It's pretty straight forward and very powerful. In fact, it's potentially one of the most explosive scriptures in the Bible.

So, if it's true, why don't more people, especially believers, live like it? (Remember that Paul was writing this letter to people who professed belief in God and God's Son.)

1. We really don't believe it.

This is perhaps the most obvious. Even those who attend church on a regular basis may go out of habit and not because of relationship. 

2. We really don't understand it.

Not so obvious. It's sort of like looking at the universe of US citizens. I would wager that most of us don't have a basic understanding of the Bill of Rights. Even to the point of being able to answer: "What is the Bill of Rights?"

Similarly so, many of us who call ourselves Christian have no idea of the full scope of who Jesus is (according to Paul's description above). So our view of God's Son would be quite limited.

3. We can't grab hold of the significance of it.

This is a little different that understanding. It's sort of like knowing that there's such a thing as gravity, but not having a clue as to its significance. (In case you're wondering, gravity is a big thing. God uses it to keep the entire universe in place, for openers).

4. We don't spend time meditating on it.

This is huge!

We can't truly understand the significance of God's Son unless we think about God.

Many of us are quick to dismiss a not-so-well-thought-out concept of God and God's Son. 

I'm the first to admit that I haven't spent a ton of time meditating on the description of God's Son written in Colossians. But if I were to dismiss God's Son without at least spending time meditating on those verses I'd be spiritually short-changing myself.

5. So, the secret that Paul writes about remains a secret!

We can fail to grab hold of the very essence of the gospel and the Bible. 

Is it any wonder that US church attendance is shrinking? Why would you bother to spend an hour on Sunday with someone that you don't know very well?

In this kind of a situation, our focus can easily be taken off God and God's Son. We become centered on ourselves and become bored, confused and tired of encountering an extremely watered down, ineffective version of a very powerful God.

Or we can invent our own story, substituting who we think God is for who God may actually be.

Either way, we're not living aware of the spiritual reality of God's Son living inside us.

But what if it's true that God's Son is as magnificent as those verses in Colossians say God is?

What if the secret to a successful life is captured with the secret that Paul describes?

And what if we really do have direct access to the awesome Creator of the Universe each day?!

What then?

Interview with Rik Swartzwelder, Director/Writer/Producer

Rik Swartzwelder is a writer-producer-director whose films have screened at over 145 film festivals worldwide and garnered over 50 major awards, including two CINE Golden Eagles, four ITVA-DC Peer Awards, and the Sprint PCS Filmmaker of the Future Award.

His feature-length directing debut, OLD FASHIONED, broke a limited release box office record in its opening weekend (Valentine’s Day 2015), hit the #1 Best Seller/Romance spot on Amazon, and has since amassed a sizable online following.  The film also inspired both a novel and official companion book, both of which are currently available through Tyndale House Publishers.

He grew up in New Philadelphia, Ohio, a small town in the northeast corner of the state. He earned his MFA in Motion Picture Production from The Florida State University and was honored with a gubernatorial appointment to the Florida Institute for Film Education.

He became a Christian in college after a girl he was dating gave him a Bible as a gift; he read it and the entire direction of his life was changed completely.  Following a period of extensive travel and soul searching, he went on to actively participate in both drama/media and singles ministries in Maryland and Florida, prior to moving to Los Angeles to pursue filmmaking full-time.

Awards OLD FASHIONED has won:

·         WINNER - JBM/Best of Fest Award - Mt. Hood Independent Film Festival

·         WINNER - Best Picture and Best Drama over $250,000 - ICVM Crown Awards

·         WINNER - Best Christian Film of 2015 - Plugged In Movie Awards

·         FINALIST – TCFF Indie Vision: Breakthrough Film Award – Twin Cities Film Festival

How important was earning the ICVM Best Picture Award?

RIK SWARTZWELDER (RS): Any kind of award or critical affirmation is always a blessing, no question.  It’s a validation of your work by professional colleagues and/or journalists and those kinds of endorsements definitely help to widen your audience and keep interest in your film alive.  But still, the greatest encouragement (for us) remains the direct connection we have with the everyday fans of OLD FASHIONED.  The nurturing and supportive community that has evolved around our film continues to amaze and inspire.

Old Fashioned was shot in/near New Philadelphia, Ohio (Tuscarawas County). What was the reasoning behind that decision?

RS: We were looking at shooting the film in Tennessee, Michigan, or Ohio.  I grew up in Tuscarawas County, which is a beautiful nook of rolling hills and small town charm in the northeast corner of Ohio.  At the end of the day, the overwhelming community support and sentimental draw for me were just too much to deny.  It’s where the film had to be shot.

If there was one thing you’d like viewers of Old Fashioned to take-away from the film, what would that be, and why?

RS: It’s so hard to pick just one thing… and it all depends on the viewer, really.  Each and everyone one of us bring an infinite variety of baggage, experiences, and perspectives when we sit down to watch a movie.  These things sometimes entrap us and sometimes free us when it comes to what we take away from a cinematic experience.  Not trying to dodge the question, but I genuinely believe the answer would vary a great deal from person to person.  To give on universal idea, I simply quote from Amber in the film: “The world has enough greatness, not enough goodness.  That’s my theory.”

Can you describe your screenwriting process?  Do you have a routine? Or special place? Or time of day that works for you?

RS: It depends on the project.  When I’m in my routine, I generally like to write in the mornings.  In terms of locale, I can write anywhere, but… it needs to be quiet and absent of human distraction.  The whole “coffee shop” writer thing has never really worked for me.

In another interview you mentioned that, as a filmmaker, you’re not only interested in the filmmaking process, but also in the welfare of the actors in the film. Can you explain?

RS: When it comes to “faith-based” or “Christian” films, so much of the discussion centers around content - what we should or shouldn’t watch.  I’m much more interested in the process of filmmaking… and how we should strive to honor Christ in that process.  This could apply to interactions with the crew and cast both, in all kinds of ways.  One example would be the idea of not asking an actor to do anything that you wouldn’t ask Christ to do (if He were an actor).  That’s a pretty aggressively outside the box idea in our current times, but… I think it’s worth asking.  The process of acting is psychologically tricky business and I think producers and directors should seek to protect the spiritual realities of their casts (and crews) as well as entertain audiences.

There have been a number of collaborations involved with Old Fashioned. The novelization with Rene Gutteridge. A resource book (The Old Fashioned Way) written by Ginger Kolbaba, and the Facebook page spinoff (An Old Fashioned Discussion about Love,Courtship and Marriage) hosted by Gretchen Eicher. What do you think about so much activity linked to your film?

RS: Without a doubt, the biggest blessings of the whole OLD FASHIONED journey have been around these spin-off communities.  I mean, here we are—more than a year later—and those communities are still blossoming, and lasting impact and ministry is still happening.  It’s humbling to know that a small and very imperfect film like ours can so engage people at such a deep, spiritual level.

Do you have a favorite scene in Old Fashioned? Or a scene that you’re especially proud of?

RS: This one really is impossible to answer.  I haven’t seen the film in a long time now, but back when I was watching it over and over as we finished… my favorite moments would never remain the same.  A lot of people did a lot of good work in OLD FASHIONED… just can’t single one out.

Looking back, a year after Old Fashioned’s release date, how did you grow personally, and what did you learn professionally in the process of making your film?

RS: Personally, at a deep level that I’d never approached before (even though I’ve been a Christian for many years), I’ve come to understand the idea of finding our “identity in Christ” in ways that have been profound and remarkably freeing.  Professionally, I have a new respect and appreciation for the challenges of exploring explicitly spiritual themes in film and the nuance and wisdom needed in releasing those kinds of stories into the reality of today’s culture and increasingly non-stop cyber-existence.

Do you have any words of wisdom for new filmmakers? Especially those who would like to make films that appeal to faith-based audiences?

RS: Wisdom, I don’t know.  Bruised and bloodied lessons from the trenches?  More than we probably have room for right now.  Just a few thoughts…

Practice.  It’s never been easier or less expensive to make films.  Get your hands on some gear and practice.  Make as many mistakes and fail as much as possible while the stakes are still low and you are off the radar.  Legend has it that Frank Capra made over 100 “one-reelers” (appx. 10-minute shorts) before he directed his first feature.

Know your audience.  The “faith-based” audience can be fickle and the entire process of getting approval from “gate keepers” and the unique concerns of the genre are ignored at your own peril.  If your goal is to reach this audience (and it doesn’t have to be, but if it is) you simply can’t afford to not educate yourself in advance on these issues.  Granted, this audience is rapidly evolving… all the more reason to do the research in advance.  In the long run, you will save yourself a lot of frustration, time, and… money.

Know the times.  Beware of creating your film in a “Christian” bubble.  Even if your primary audience is faith-based, ultimately the film will live in a world in which everyone will not likely agree with all of your film’s themes and ideas.  Without compromising or denying orthodoxy, we should remain aware of “the spirit of the age” and be creative in how we develop and unfold our stories.  I’m consistently trying to get better at this myself and learn from others who are also seeking to grow along these lines.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention? Any projects in the works?

RS: We are currently considering several new projects and trying to discern which one to proceed with first.  We also remain very committed to our existing OLD FASHIONED community and want to continue to engage with them and develop new content that will be a genuine blessing to them.

If you haven't yet had an opportunity to see OLD FASHIONED, here's the trailer. 

Photo Credits:
top - Rik Swartzwelder at Northampton International Film Festival
bottom - Rik Swartzwelder (center) conferring with crew on set of OLD FASHIONED