Film: “Something We Don’t Talk About”
The Video Team: Asaph pictured in front
When the Lumiére brothers presented their 46-second film—“Workers Leaving the Lumiére Factory”—in Paris (1895), they were surprised to discover that the moving black-and-white images captured the audience even more than the still, color photos of the same content. And since that time, the rapid developments in motion-picture technology have continued to prove that video is a powerful medium!
At Moody, we know that tools like video can be utilized to impact people and glorify God. Moody’s Video Practicum Team seeks to do both. Led by Professor Bob Gustafson, this team offers students the opportunity to develop their skills behind the camera and in the editing suite. Students also carefully consider how to tell stories with a biblical worldview.
The Video Team project for this semester reflects that mission in a big way.
Asaph de Nazare, a Communications Program Senior and President of the Video Team, has been intimately involved in the content creation and collaboration involved in their newest short film titled Something We Don’t Talk About. The film focuses on a Christian man trapped in a cycle of pornography, and it addresses the taboo nature of this topic within the church. Asaph made connections to his own story and drew from personal experience to portray the shameful and circular nature of a pornography addiction. Many people in the church struggle with pornography. Asaph has discovered this as he shared his story privately and met others who resonated. Yet, as the film title suggests, we (the church) don’t talk about it. Asaph wants to use this platform to bring the conversation out into the open. He explains:
“My hope for this film is that people watching…will understand the seriousness of pornography and be able to open up to their friends and seek help from the body of Christ. I desire that this be made with excellence and to the best of our ability (which we have done). I hope that a lot of people get to watch it, both believers and non-Christians.”
Asaph is passionate about spreading awareness through video, and he instills the same passion in his team members. The Video Team is made up of writers, producers, videographers, and editors. Yet the scope of collaboration for this film has expanded even further! For Something We Don’t Talk About, the Video Team has also collaborated with our recording practicum team, XN Records, as well as our Moody Campus Orchestra (MCO), conducted by Dr. Daniel Mattix. Together, XN Records and MCO have record an original score for the film composed by Dr. Mattix himself. Asaph says, “This whole partnership has been amazing and wonderful. Dr. Daniel Mattix and Drew Frice are amazing and really have made this dream work.” The team recorded the original score on March 9, and they are now in the process of editing the film.
Photos from recording the original score with the help of MCO and XN Records
The film will premiere on April 19 (8 p.m.) in Dryer Auditorium on Moody’s campus. Asaph’s desire is to submit Something We Don’t Talk About to three movie festivals. About his team, Asaph says, “They have taken this problem seriously and used this as an opportunity to create prayer meetings, share testimonies, and spiritually encourage one another. They have taken this problem to heart and fought this with valiant effort.”
Throughout this whole experience, Asaph has been mentored by Executive Producer and Faculty Advisor, Professor Bob Gustafson. To Professor Gustafson, Asaph voiced his appreciation: “He has been such a good mentor in guiding our group and coaching me through everything. He has really encouraged me and pushed me during this project, and I am grateful for how much he has impacted this production.”
A short film can do big things, and we know Something We Don’t Talk About will be one of those films; urging its viewers on towards greater vulnerability, repentance, and freedom that is found in Christ alone!