"meet The Mormons"

[cinepro]

It was interesting to read this link.  Hmm.  I can't paste links for some reason.  Anyway, I was reading about it on lds.org and it said it wasn't originally intended to be in the theaters, but played at the visitors' center.  There was so much interest, this gave a lot more people the opportunity to see it without going to Utah. 

That makes a lot more sense to me. If the film was originally intended for Temple Square, then I don't really take exception to its production, and if people want to see it in theaters, then good for them. I only think it's a shame that the theater in the Joseph Smith building won't be showing a more "epic" type film on its big screen.

[Calm]

It was interesting to read this link.  Hmm.  I can't paste links for some reason.  Anyway, I was reading about it on lds.org and it said it wasn't originally intended to be in the theaters, but played at the visitors' center.  There was so much interest, this gave a lot more people the opportunity to see it without going to Utah. 

have lost track of where I've posted what so will just post some links without checking if repeat for this thread, the first link provides related other links:

 

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/theatrical-release-of-meet-the-mormons--has-exceeded-all-expectations-

 

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/meet-the-mormons-debut

 

Elder Holland explained the movie was moved to the big screen because “the film was so successful with test audiences.”

 

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/10/meet-the-mormons?lang=eng

 

https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-movie?lang=eng

 

Charged with producing the film for the Legacy Theater in Salt Lake City and for visitors’ centers across the globe, Brother Treu pitched the project to the First Presidency in late 2010. After the project was finished, Church leaders decided to expand the film’s release due to the positive response from both LDS and non-LDS sample audiences.

Brother Treu said the objective was to give the film broader reach, making it available to members and their friends on the big screen—in their own cities and towns—and then eventually on cable TV, Internet streaming, and in the Legacy Theater and visitors’ centers. The film will also be translated into 10 languages. Net proceeds from the commercial release of the film will be donated to charity.

Church leaders have a lot of confidence in their membership, he said. “They never once, not once, ever told us who or where or what to shoot,” he said. “We were tasked with one thing: ‘Try to capture, as best you can, who we really are.’ That is it. … They wanted us to be authentic and real.”

 

 

Edited October 13, 2014 by calmoriah

[Calm]

I would like to compare the old effort vs. the new we have the old still in the ward library.

 

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1981/12/news-of-the-church/meet-the-mormons-in-movies?lang=eng

 

 

Beginning in 1976 with Takin’ Care, which focuses on Latter-day Saints in Canada, Public Communications moved next to Britain with Mormons: Fact and Fantasy, to Korea with Mormons: People of Confidence and Joy,and to the Philippines with The Mormons, completing these in 1978. Since then the Church has produced films in Italy, Spain, Latin America, the Andes, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Australia, and New Zealand. Three more still in process are being filmed in Brazil, Venezuela/Colombia, and Japan.

“Meet the Mormons” films are produced to be marketed internationally to television stations, to educate broadcasters who might inadvertently promote erroneous concepts about the Church, and to motivate broadcasters to produce other television programs on the Church. The films are also to be used in non-broadcast situations—open houses, firesides, and other special presentations—by missionaries and members to gain the interest of nonmembers.

Already one of the films has achieved recognition. Mormons: Fact and Fantasy, narrated by non-Mormon radio personality Richard Baker, also features Lord Thompson of Fleet and Lord Cannon Bates of the Liverpool Cathedral, also nonmembers, who state the Church’s position in a positive, accurate manner. Out of 63 entries, this film placed second in the 1978 Canadian film festival. It also received a complimentary review in the Autumn 1980 issue of the British Journal of Religious Education.

Nonmember participation in the films has proven especially effective in attracting the attention of other nonmembers. The New Zealand film,Profile of a People—New Zealand, is narrated by Sir Edmund Hillary, a nonmember. The narrator in the Australian film, Profile of a People—Australia, is nonmember Ron Barassi, a nationally known rugby player and TV sportscaster.

What the film series does to accelerate missionary work is particularly noteworthy. The Canadian film, Takin’ Care, has become by far one of the most suitable means in Eastern Canada of introducing friends and investigators to the Church. It can prove especially effective if viewed by investigators early in their introduction to the gospel, as protection against erroneous concepts. The film brings many questions to mind and thus gets investigators interested in learning more.

The Korean film, produced along with the Philippine film, by Universal Studios for the Church, has also gained similar response. Shown at a fireside attended by 250 investigators, it made the difference in helping some of them commit to baptism.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the documentary films is their spontaneous straightforward approach. They provide an honest portrayal of members of the Church in their own culture and in some of their daily family and professional endeavors as well as in numerous Church and gospel-related activities.

 

 

 

 

 

i wonder if we will ever be able to exceed the misinformation out there,

[Stargazer]

Un-freakin'-believable!

 

 

 

You actually live where a cinema ticket is only $10.50???

I live where tickets cost $7.50

[Hamba Tuhan]

I live where tickets cost $7.50

 

Land of the (almost) free!

Edited October 13, 2014 by Hamba Tuhan

[Silhouette]

I paid $11.75 for my ticket for "Meet the Mormons" for the 5:35 p.m. showing.

[Tacenda]

I paid $11.75 for my ticket for "Meet the Mormons" for the 5:35 p.m. showing.

You're not in Utah then. Our before 6 pm showings are usually around $6.75.

[Silhouette]

You're not in Utah then. Our before 6 pm showings are usually around $6.75.

No, I'm in Northern California.

[Tacenda]

No, I'm in Northern California.

Cool, I have two sisters that live there. And my son served his mission there.

[Silhouette]

That's neat. I'm in a city called Tracy. It's inland, directly east of San Francisco.

[Tacenda]

Sounds beautiful! My sisters live in Gilroy and Morgan Hill.

[Silhouette]

Wow, we pass through both of those cities on our way to Monterey, which is sort of a getaway for us occasionally. It is, indeed, a small word. Morgan Hill is about 45 minutes away from us here. Gilroy about an hour.

[Tacenda]

Wow, we pass through both of those cities on our way to Monterey, which is sort of a getaway for us occasionally. It is, indeed, a small word. Morgan Hill is about 45 minutes away from us here. Gilroy about an hour.

If you're going to live in California, your town and theirs would be nice! Btw, how much is a movie ticket for the later shows in your town? Just curious...

[bluebell]

That's neat. I'm in a city called Tracy. It's inland, directly east of San Francisco.

 

I have a great aunt who lived in Tracy (i think she's still there but i'm not sure-she's an aunt thru marriage and my great uncle passed away a long time ago).

[EllenMaksoud]

I understand this was recently released to a few theaters here in the U.S. I wonder if anyone has seen it and what they thought of it. I also would like to know if anyone was able to bring along non-member friends and what their reaction was.

 

Are there any reviews out yet?

I just got home from seeing it. I am not sure if this was the church's intention but if they are serious, then this portends some changes in the church. If I remember right, there were six families in the movie and only one of them was from SLC, and they had a 1/2 white child that was hers. The rest were not white and that meant a lot to me.  They seemed to be saying that the church is for everyone, even if you do not fit the profile. There were several other messages in the movie, and if the church follows through, it will have a positive effect. Perhaps this movie was more for Mormons than Non- Mormons?

 

It had a big impact on me because they seemed to say very strongly that the church is very strongly cross cultural. I even saw a woman in church with a head covering, something that I felt really emotional about.

Edited October 14, 2014 by EllenMaksoud

[Svawd]

I am going to it on Sunday,so I can maybe do some missionary work.

[Silhouette]

If you're going to live in California, your town and theirs would be nice! Btw, how much is a movie ticket for the later shows in your town? Just curious...

Sorry, I just saw this. I'm not sure, to be honest. The theater is called Movies 14 in Tracy, California. I saw the movie in the next town over, called Manteca.

[wenglund]

Seems to me it is a long I am A Mormon add.  Really it just focuses on the fact that there are many diverse members of the Church... So what? That is nice  There are diverse members of most faiths.  It focuses on how the Church helps these people.  That is great.  So do other faith traditions helps others.

 

It really seems to me to be an odd advertising campaign.  Do you know of any other religion that needs to do a full length propaganda piece?  Meet the Catholics, Meet the Baptists, Meet the Muslims..... no such thing out there.

 

A friend of mine made the astute point that in a way most all movies, and documentaries in particular, may be considered as propaganda pieces, sales pitches, and ad campaigns. So, I am not sure that referring to "Meet the Mormons" in such terms is meaningful as a criticism, particularly in light of what is being comparatively offered up across the cinematic and TV spectrum. "Meet the Mormons" is peddling six inspiring stories of charity and love and growth and laudable achievements in the face of challenges. Oh, the horror! Compare that with the fear mongering of "An Inconvenient Truth" offered up by the religion of extreme environmentalism, or the dysfunction of the Jerry Springer Show .pandered to the cult of nosey neighbors, etc.

 

Having said this, and having watched and enjoyed the show, it should also be understood that "Meet the Mormons" is, ironically, an attempt to counter propaganda and false perceptions purported about Mormons. The intent is to dispel the distortions and give a more accurate depiction of members of the Church. So, in a way it isn't so much selling as it is correcting. 

 

Whatever the case, there is really little about the movie that is deserving of harsh criticism or sweeping dismissal, and much to be admired, though there will always be those whose ill sentiments towards the Church will motivate them to find the least pretense for negativity. So be it. 

 

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[cinepro]

Sorry, I just saw this. I'm not sure, to be honest. The theater is called Movies 14 in Tracy, California. I saw the movie in the next town over, called Manteca.

 

At least you don't live in "Los Banos".

[wenglund]

I paid $11.75 for my ticket for "Meet the Mormons" for the 5:35 p.m. showing.

 

My ticket was $6.00 for the 11am showing at the Cinemark theater in Orem, Ut. 

 

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[cinepro]

A friend of mine made the astute point that in a way most all movies, and documentaries in particular, may be considered as propaganda pieces, sales pitches, and ad campaigns. So, I am not sure that referring to "Meet the Mormons" in such terms is meaningful as a criticism, particularly in light of what is being comparatively offered up across the cinematic and TV spectrum. "Meet the Mormons" is peddling six inspiring stories of charity and love and growth and laudable achievements in the face of challenges. Oh, the horror! Compare that with the fear mongering of "An Inconvenient Truth" offered up by the religion of extreme environmentalism, or the dysfunction of the Jerry Springer Show .pandered to the cult of nosey neighbors, etc.

 

Having said this, and having watched and enjoyed the show, it should also be understood that "Meet the Mormons" is, ironically, an attempt to counter propaganda and false perceptions purported about Mormons. The intent is to dispel the distortions and give a more accurate depiction of members of the Church. So, in a way it isn't so much selling as it is correcting. 

 

Whatever the case, there is really little about the movie that is deserving of harsh criticism or sweeping dismissal, and much to be admired, though there will always be those whose ill sentiments towards the Church will motivate them to find the least pretense for negativity. So be it. 

 

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

 

So how much time and money would you spend on a movie called "Meet the Scientologists" that profiled six diverse Scientologists from around the world in a way similar to "Meet the Mormons"?  Did you see "Battlefield Earth" the weekend it opened along with all the other Scientologists who bought tickets?

[wenglund]

So how much time and money would you spend on a movie called "Meet the Scientologists" that profiled six diverse Scientologists from around the world in a way similar to "Meet the Mormons"?  Did you see "Battlefield Earth" the weekend it opened along with all the other Scientologists who bought tickets?

 

Since I am not a big movie-goer (as best I can recollect, "Meet the Mormons" is the only movie I have paid to see in the last three years, and that only because the person for whom I am caretaking wanted to go and needed my assistance), it is unlikely that I would be motivated to pay to see your hypothetical movie, though primarly because I am a tightwad and not for lack of interest. And, no, I did not see "Battlefield Earth." Until you mentioned it, I was entirely unaware of its existences.

 

However, I have watched with interest televised documentaries on Scientology. So, what, if anything, is your point?

 

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Edited October 14, 2014 by wenglund

[Silhouette]

At least you don't live in "Los Banos".

LOL I have friends that live there...

[Stargazer]

I just got home from seeing it. I am not sure if this was the church's intention but if they are serious, then this portends some changes in the church. If I remember right, there were six families in the movie and only one of them was from SLC, and they had a 1/2 white child that was hers. The rest were not white and that meant a lot to me.  They seemed to be saying that the church is for everyone, even if you do not fit the profile. There were several other messages in the movie, and if the church follows through, it will have a positive effect. Perhaps this movie was more for Mormons than Non- Mormons?

 

It had a big impact on me because they seemed to say very strongly that the church is very strongly cross cultural. I even saw a woman in church with a head covering, something that I felt really emotional about.

That was the thing that occurred to me about 1/3 of the way through the movie. That the film was for the denizens of Happy Valley.

My wife and I saw it tonight, and it was the 7:35 pm showing. I am here to tell you that the place was packed, and it looked almost like stake conference. We're in Washington state.

[mormonnewb]

I just got home from seeing it. I am not sure if this was the church's intention but if they are serious, then this portends some changes in the church. If I remember right, there were six families in the movie and only one of them was from SLC, and they had a 1/2 white child that was hers. The rest were not white and that meant a lot to me.  They seemed to be saying that the church is for everyone, even if you do not fit the profile. There were several other messages in the movie, and if the church follows through, it will have a positive effect. Perhaps this movie was more for Mormons than Non- Mormons?

 

 

I recently heard someone else express this theory and it makes a lot of sense.  In fact, I welcome such a message of inclusiveness in the Church.  In some areas, I think we tend to confuse traditional Mormon protocol (e.g., Eagle Scout before driver's license, Disney movie date nights, etc.) with strict Gospel commandments.  And for those who don't fit the mold, there can be a feeling of not fitting in.  Although I've found that this is separation is more imagined than real as most members are either too compassionate (or busy) to be judgmental about the little things.  Needless to say, another reminder never hurts.

 

However, if the point was to simply preach to the converted, then why use a theatrical release to do so.  Isn't that the point of General Conference, The Ensign, the Twilight series of books, etc.?  Seriously, with all of the forms of messaging available, it would be odd for the Church to use motion pictures to communicate with the saints.  But hey, I'm always hearing that things are supposed to get weird in these latter-days, so why not?