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Key Films of the Fourth Wave Click on individual films for full details and history. This is a small sampling of the many films from this period, all of which can be searched from here. These films are chosen due to their quality, popularity, or influence. Some are listed because they represent innovations, major trends, or emerging genres. |
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| Cipher in the Snow |
USA; 1974; Keith Atkinson |
Classic sentimental Church film about a boy who dies of loneliness. Written by renowned Mormon author Carol Lynn Pearson. | |
| Homefront Ads |
USA; 1972-; Stan Ferguson |
Renowned series of public service announcements that have become a hallmark of public relations for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since the early 1970s | |
| The First Vision |
USA; 1976; David Jacobs |
Classic Church film portraying the quest and vision of Joseph Smith that began Mormonism. | |
| Brigham |
USA; 1977; Thomas McGown |
This biopic of Mormonism's second leader was an independently produced theatrical feature film. | |
| The Mailbox | USA; 1977; David Jacobs |
Well known sentimental Church short film about an aging woman neglected by her children. | |
| Reflections |
USA; 1978; Lynda Taylor |
Independent documentary about Mormon women in Southern California. | |
| Mormon Women and Depression |
USA; 1979 (?) | Television documentary treating seriously an important issue among Mormon women. | |
| The Mouths of Babes |
USA; 1980; T.C. Christensen |
Humorous documentary which interviews children on gospel subjects. | |
| Joseph Smith The Man | USA; 1980; T.C. Christensen |
Documentary linking children to the prophet Joseph Smith through a chain of hands that have touched. | |
| Mr. Krueger’s Christmas |
USA; 1980; Kieth Merrill |
Christmas TV film starring Jimmy Stewart. Significant as first effort by Church entity Bonneville Communications to reach a broad TV audience (apart from Homefront ads). | |
| Paradise Reclaimed |
West Germany; 1981; Rolf Hadrich (?) |
Independent adaptation of Icelandic Mormon novel features Icelandic convert who goes to Utah and returns home as a missionary. | |
| The Godmakers |
USA: 1983; Ed Decker |
Independent anti-Mormon propaganda film by a disaffected Mormon. It is renowned for being on the Christian film circuit despite denunciation from non-LDS Christians and Jews. | |
| Perilous Journey |
USA; 1984; John Linton |
Independent feature about a pioneer handcart company. Respectable production values for low budget film. Production procedure remarkable for its piety. | |
| The Faith of an Observer: Conversations with Hugh Nibley |
USA; 1985; Brian Capener |
Well-produced and popular biographical documentary about beloved and eccentric Mormon intellectual Hugh Nibley. | |
| How Rare a Possession: The Book of Mormon | USA; 1987; Russ Holt |
Excellent production values and parallel storytelling set apart this film about this dramatization of a few early converts coming to know and believe the Book of Mormon.. | |
| Together Forever |
USA; 1988; Michael McLean |
Glossy Church production innovates faux documentary style and relies on popular LDS singer Michael McLean's songs. Various family difficulties are resolved through the gospel and the Church. | |
| A More Perfect Union: America Becomes a Nation |
USA; 1989; Peter Johnson |
Pinnacle of educational films produced by BYU Motion Picture Studio. This patriotic film appeared widely on public television. | |
| Nora’s Christmas Gift |
USA; 1989; Michael McLean |
Well known sentimental tale of an older woman at Christmas, again featuring music of pop LDS singer Michael McLean. | |
| To This End Was I Born / The Lamb of God |
USA; 1992/1993; Russ Holt |
Depiction of the last week of Christ's life from a Mormon point of view. | |
| The Mountain of the Lord |
USA; 1993; Peter Johnson |
Church feature produced for the centennial of the Salt Lake temple. | |
| Legacy |
USA; 1993; Kieth Merrill |
Historical mini-epic (52 min.) shot on 50mm for exhibition at large screen visitor center theater in the Joseph Smith Building (former Hotel Utah), Salt Lake City | |
| Faith in Every Footstep | USA; 1997 | Commemorative film honoring sesquicentennial of Mormon pioneers. Premiered during Church's April General Conference and featured new hymn. | |
| The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd | USA; 2000; Kieth Merrill |
Immense scale production depicting Christ in the Old World and the New. Followed Legacy as principal film for the Joseph Smith Buildling in Salt Lake City. | |
Feedback: GideonBurton@byu.edu