The Student Body movie coming to the screen

 “INSPIRING”                  

 “ENLIGHTENING”

“A tribute to student journalism and the power of investigative reporting.”

-Common Sense Media

Acclaimed filmmakers Michael and Bailey Webber will be present for a special-event screening of their ground-breaking new documentary The Student Body. Winner of the 2016 Independent Spirit Award, The Student Body tackles the heated topic of childhood obesity and the efforts to solve this national epidemic. 

Hosted by The National Eating Disorders Association, The Student Body will screen on October 5^th at the Regal E-Walk Theatre off Broadway where the award-winning father/daughter filmmaking team will participate in audience engagement while exploring issues of health, student activism, leadership, lawmaking, and other topics of importance to youth and adults around the country.

The Student Body follows the inspiring story of Bailey Webber, a brave high school student turned journalist who seeks justice for her peers.  In many states throughout the country, laws have been enacted requiring schools to send notification letters to students whose body mass index (BMI) do not fall within a narrowly “acceptable” range—essentially telling children, even as young as kindergarteners, that they are fat.  The documentary illustrates how youth can use their own passion and voice to engage lawmakers in order to advocate change.  The Student Body will release in select theatres throughout the year.

Synopsis:  In an effort to address the obesity problem among American youth, lawmakers in dozens of states have passed controversial mandates forcing schools to perform BMI tests on students.  What soon followed sparked a heated national debate.  Coined the 'Fat Letters' by students, notification letters were sent to kids whose body mass did not fall within a narrowly acceptable range; essentially telling children, even as young as kindergarteners, that they are fat.  When a determined sixth grader in Ohio voices her protest against the letters, student journalist Bailey Webber is inspired to take up her fight.  Convinced that her fellow students are being unfairly profiled and bullied by the government, Bailey's investigation soon turns into a battle of wills between herself and the bureaucrats who passed the law.  The Student Body is a true underdog story of two brave girls who take a stand against government intrusion and hypocrisy while exploring the complex and controversial truths of the childhood obesity debate.

I'm not one to watch documentaries, but this one was most enlightening to say the least.  I live in one of the 20 states that has the BMI testing laws.  I work in a school as a paraeducator and never even known my state had these BMI laws.  I'm going to have to dig into this more in my school system here.  This movie has definitely opened my eyes. I was awed and appalled at what some states are doing sending out "fat" letters.  WoW!   I was doubly appalled at the way this Ohio Congressional office treated this young girl.  My daughter works in a DC office I hope and pray she isn't rude to those that call into our Congressional office as those from OH were to this young girl.  This was eye-opener for sure.  This movie was very well documented and put together.  There was a lot of work put into this movie to get our eyes opened up. 

About Bailey Webber Bailey Webber is a student investigative journalist, writer and co­director of The Student Body. Her story of courage and activism has been featured in numerous newspaper and online articles. She has been honored by the National Association of University Women for her advocacy work, is an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association as well as Proud to Be Me in which she has written several articles, blogs, and has participated in panel discussions. Bailey is also an up-and-coming public speaker and has appeared as a guest on several television and radio shows. Bailey is the daughter of Michael Webber, a motion picture producer and renowned documentary filmmaker. As such, she has grown up around movie making and has storytelling in her blood. The Student Body is her directorial debut.

About Michael Webber:  Michael Webber is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and producer/co­director of The Student Body. Webber has produced numerous theatrical films for studios such as 20th Century Fox and Lionsgate. Eventually applying his storytelling skills to non­fiction filmmaking, Webber would go on to produced/directed his “passion project” ­ the hit documentary The Elephant in the Living Room. The film was praised by critics as one of the best films of the year, winning 5 Best Documentary awards and opening as the #1 independent film in the US.  Michael has been guest on countless radio and television talk shows around the country, including appearances on The Today Show, ABC World News Tonight, NBC Nightly News and Nightline. He was also the subject of an ABC 20/20 special by Emmy Award Winning journalist Jay Schradler

A code to view this movie online was provided in exchange for my honest review by....

Living Hope

I'm not real big on documentaries, but this one was awesome.  I didn't feel like I was watching a documentary.  The actors keep you very engaged.  A very informative 1:30.  Living Hope gives Hope and inspiration to those  in despair and seeking.  When we are at our lowest point and no place to turn, only one direction to look and that is up.   A beautiful work that is being accomplished through this organization.  I have a niece going to Zambia this summer on a missions trip.  I'm passing this along to her maybe she'll be able to watch it before she goes.  



LIVING HOPE is the story of three extraordinary individuals who have devoted their lives to serving the poor in South Africa. It is a feature length documentary created by the filmmakers behind Journey to Everest, Apostles of Comedy, and Honoring a Father’s Dream: Sons of Lwala.  John Thomas, a pastor who is leading his church to serve the sick, hungry, and dying in the communities that surround them. Journey beside John through the neighborhoods where they work, meet the people their ministry has impacted, and hear from his heart why they chose to make a stand for the poor.  Joey Lankford, a businessman and father of four who moved his young family from the United States to Cape Town. Journey beside Joey as he equips men and women with job skills, and leads them out of the bondage of poverty.  Leonie Rustin, a single mom and nursing assistant, who turned from a life of crippling drug addiction to follow Christ. Journey beside Leonie as she attempts to help other in her community unshackle the chains of addiction and prostitution.


A copy of this DVD was provided in exchange for my honest review by....

Jesus Boat dvd

Synopsis: The astounding prophetic rebirth of Israel is told through the discovery of an ancient and unlikely artifact found under the shores of the Sea of Galilee. A first century fishing boat, identical to the boat Jesus sailed upon with his disciples, was destroyed in the years Israel was destroyed by the Romans, but found 2000 years later in a series of astonishing events that even scientists called a miracle. Mirroring Israel's own story of devastation and survival, the boat from the time of Jesus, would rise against all odds and float upon the Sea of Galilee once more as the oldest surviving freshwater boat in the world. Featuring commentary from some of the great theologians of our day including Franklin Graham, Joel Rosenberg, Jay Sekulow, Skip Heitzig, Chuck Smith and more.

This dvd is a narrative, exposition, documentary of  an ancient artifact found in the Middle East.  It was interesting.  It is about 65 mins. in length.  They present this information in an excellent manner.  If you are interested in World History, Middle Eastern history or 1st Century History and most of all Biblical History then this would be a dvd you would enjoy.   Visit here to learn more about this movie.



*I was given a complimentary copy of this DVD for my review. All opinions are my own.*

The Veil of Tears DVD

I'm not real big on documentary films, but this one was truly an eye opener.  It is very well done and will keep the attention of most anyone interested in mission work and wanting to make a difference in a culture that is seeking for a new way of life, a culture that needs hope, a culture that needs the Lord.  It is a movie that would be worth the while to show to a youth group seeking to do a mission work in a needy place. 

ABOUT VEIL OF TEARS
This gripping new documentary film tells the untold story of millions of women in India who are culturally oppressed for no other reason than the fact that they are women. However, despite the centuries of oppression, there are those who are reaching out and bringing hope to these women.

These are the faces of true survivors. Those who have withstood a lifetime of adversity in the face of a culture stacked against them. Take a heartfelt journey through the eyes of these women, and others, who unveil their personal stories of persecution, rejection, abandonment, tragedy and even triumph. Get a glimpse of the true resilience of the human spirit and the hope that has changed the lives of millions like these and is helping change millions more.

Narrated by Grammy-Nominated Recording Artist Natalie Grant, this film was shot on-location across the stunning nation of India in some of the most remote tribal villages in the world today. This is a journey where few outsiders have gone before.

While the film, "Veil of Tears", brings into focus the truth behind a dark reality existing in the world today, we are excited to highlight the hope being given to countless millions of women each day through the work and ministry of GFA.



Visit the Veil of Tears web site here.

A copy of this dvd was provided in exchange for my honest review by Edify Media

Unstoppable DVD with giveaway

ABOUT UNSTOPPABLE

Inspired by the death of Cameron’s close friend who succumbed to cancer at the age of 15, Kirk Cameron takes viewers on an inspiring and hope-filled visual journey to better understand the biggest doubt-raising question in faith: “Where is God in the midst of tragedy and suffering?”

Going back to the beginning—literally—Kirk investigates the origins of good and evil and how they impact our lives … and our eternities. UNSTOPPABLE will prompt audiences to consider the role that pain and suffering has in our lives, as they affirm their personal views on faith, and encourage conversation starters about God, suffering, and hope. 

In theaters for only two weeknights (Sept 24th and Oct 3th, 2013), UNSTOPPABLE: A Live Event with Kirk Cameron sold a staggering 260,000 tickets and reached a theatrical gross of over $3.2 million dollars. In just two nights this independent project sent a loud message – audiences want thought-provoking and meaningful entertainment.   

Kirk Cameron is best known for his memorable role as “Mike Seaver,” a cultural icon of the 80's, with his mullet hairstyle, cool glasses, and wisecracking comebacks. More recently he enjoyed much success with the No. 1 grossing inspirational film of 2008, Fireproof, and his recent documentary, Monumental. Kirk and his wife, Chelsea, were on-screen sweethearts during their Growing Pains years and are the founders of Camp Firefly, where terminally and seriously ill children and their families are provided an all-expense paid retreat (www.CampFirefly.com). Together, Kirk and Chelsea live in California with their six children.

Visit the official website: http://unstoppablethemovie.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unstoppablethemovie

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/UnstoppableDVD

About Provident Films: 

Provident Films, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, produces, markets, and distributes faith-based films. The company is part of Nashville-based Provident Music Group, which has been one of the world’s leading Christian entertainment companies for more than three decades.  Films from the company have included Courageous, October Baby, Fireproof, and Facing the Giants. More info is available at ProvidentFilms.org.

Unstoppable is a very thought provoking documentary.  60+ minutes with Kirk Cameron and he takes you from the beginning of creation, through the flood and on to the death of Christ on the cross.  Myself I think he just scratches the surface on these areas Biblically, he doesn't get deep into them.  I guess that is where you as a watcher can do your own research.  There were a few areas I questioned because I don't exactly believe the way he presented the gospel.  We are not going to agree 100 % with everyone in everything and we must make our own decisions on what we feel to be the right beliefs.

Want to win a copy of this dvd leave a comment telling me where you live.  Please US/Canada mailing addresses only.  Thanks.  I 'll draw a winner on Feb. 15.  Be sure to leave a way to contact you.  

A copy of this DVD was provided in exchange for my honest review by...

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.