"Jesus never tapped out" is a phrase you'll hear a few times in the documentary "Fight Church," and it's confirmation that Christianity has seeped into the mainstream—and vice versa. From arena-sized places of worship to faith-based box office hits to even modest churches boasting sound and light shows, being a Christian is practically cool, and with the addition of mixed martial arts, enticingly dangerous. Director Bryan Storkel has made the intersection of Christianity and offbeat niches something of a specialty, helming "Holy Rollers: The True Story Of Card Counting Christians" (review here) and producing the Bible Belt true crime tale "Little Hope Was Arson" (review here). While the films may walk in the realm of religion, they don't push an agenda, with the filmmaker seemingly genuinely fascinated by the contradictions of contemporary Christian life. That's true too of "Fight Church," co-directed by Oscar winner Daniel Junge,...
- 9/16/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Exclusive: Lionsgate and Morgan Spurlock’s Warrior Poets banner have sealed separate deals for Fight Church, the feature documentary tracking a group of Mixed Martial Arts-fighting pastors whose violent practices have sparked controversy within the Christian community.
Co-directed by Oscar-winner Daniel Junge (Saving Face, Beyond The Brick: A Lego Brickumentary) and Bryan Storkel (Holy Rollers: The True Story Of Card Counting Christians), Fight Church follows several Mma-battling ministers who preach from the pulpit and the octagon and even train fighters using the teachings of the Bible. Lionsgate sprang for North American VOD rights and will debut the film on iTunes and additional digital platforms on September 16, while Netflix will premiere it in multiple territories this Fall.
Given the success of faith-themed content and the controversial subject matter the topic is ripe for exploration; after Deadline premiered the trailer this spring, the film made headlines and drew heated debate online. Oscar-nominated...
Co-directed by Oscar-winner Daniel Junge (Saving Face, Beyond The Brick: A Lego Brickumentary) and Bryan Storkel (Holy Rollers: The True Story Of Card Counting Christians), Fight Church follows several Mma-battling ministers who preach from the pulpit and the octagon and even train fighters using the teachings of the Bible. Lionsgate sprang for North American VOD rights and will debut the film on iTunes and additional digital platforms on September 16, while Netflix will premiere it in multiple territories this Fall.
Given the success of faith-themed content and the controversial subject matter the topic is ripe for exploration; after Deadline premiered the trailer this spring, the film made headlines and drew heated debate online. Oscar-nominated...
- 9/2/2014
- by Jen Yamato
- Deadline
Following last week’s first wave of programming announcements, the Fantasia International Film Festival has revealed its second wave of programming, which includes a screening of Ju-On: The Beginning of the End and a 40th anniversary screening of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, where Tobe Hooper will be presented with a lifetime achievement award:
“Official Closing Film – Abel Ferrara’s Welcome To New York
Fantasia will close its 2014 edition with the North American Premiere of Abel Ferrara’s Welcome To New York, the controversial latest from the legendary filmmaker behind such landmarks as Bad Lieutenant, King Of New York, New Rose Hotel and the recently re-released Ms 45.
Welcome To New York is loosely based on the Dsk scandal and stars the iconic Gérard Depardieu in one of the bravest performances of his career. Co-starring is the equally sensational Jacqueline Bisset.
Abel Ferrara will be on hand to host this special evening,...
“Official Closing Film – Abel Ferrara’s Welcome To New York
Fantasia will close its 2014 edition with the North American Premiere of Abel Ferrara’s Welcome To New York, the controversial latest from the legendary filmmaker behind such landmarks as Bad Lieutenant, King Of New York, New Rose Hotel and the recently re-released Ms 45.
Welcome To New York is loosely based on the Dsk scandal and stars the iconic Gérard Depardieu in one of the bravest performances of his career. Co-starring is the equally sensational Jacqueline Bisset.
Abel Ferrara will be on hand to host this special evening,...
- 6/27/2014
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
We're back with more titles heading to the 2014 Fantasia Film Festival as well as a few new images and word on a Lifetime Achievement Award for Tobe Hooper. Read on for all the details!
From the Press Release:
Following last week’s first wave of programming announcements, the Fantasia International Film Festival is proud to unveil additional highlights to rev you up for our July 10th Press Conference, where our full 2014 film lineup will be revealed.
Official Closing Film - Abel Ferrara’s Welcome To New York
Fantasia will close its 2014 edition with the North American Premiere of Abel Ferrara’s Welcome To New York, the controversial latest from the legendary filmmaker behind such landmarks as Bad Lieutenant, King Of New York, New Rose Hotel and the recently re-released Ms 45.
Welcome To New York is loosely based on the Dsk scandal and stars the iconic Gérard Depardieu in one of...
From the Press Release:
Following last week’s first wave of programming announcements, the Fantasia International Film Festival is proud to unveil additional highlights to rev you up for our July 10th Press Conference, where our full 2014 film lineup will be revealed.
Official Closing Film - Abel Ferrara’s Welcome To New York
Fantasia will close its 2014 edition with the North American Premiere of Abel Ferrara’s Welcome To New York, the controversial latest from the legendary filmmaker behind such landmarks as Bad Lieutenant, King Of New York, New Rose Hotel and the recently re-released Ms 45.
Welcome To New York is loosely based on the Dsk scandal and stars the iconic Gérard Depardieu in one of...
- 6/26/2014
- by Debi Moore
- DreadCentral.com
The 18th Fantasia International Film Festival’s second lineup of films was unveiled Thursday, and it features the closing night film on August 5, Welcome to New York directed by Abel Ferrara (Bad Lieutenant, Ms. 45).
Ferrara will be present to talk about his latest film, starring Gérard Depardieu and Jacqueline Bisset. The film was received with warm reviews after appearing out of competition at Cannes and at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
The Fantasia Film Fest runs July 17 to August 5 in Montreal, and the full lineup of films, in addition to the ones already announced, will be released July 10.
View the whole press release of second wave lineup announcements below.
****
Fantasia Announces Second Wave
Of 2014 Programming Montreal, Thursday June 26, 2014 – Following last week’s first wave of programming announcements, the Fantasia International Film Festival is proud to unveil additional highlights to rev you up for our July 10th Press Conference, where...
Ferrara will be present to talk about his latest film, starring Gérard Depardieu and Jacqueline Bisset. The film was received with warm reviews after appearing out of competition at Cannes and at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
The Fantasia Film Fest runs July 17 to August 5 in Montreal, and the full lineup of films, in addition to the ones already announced, will be released July 10.
View the whole press release of second wave lineup announcements below.
****
Fantasia Announces Second Wave
Of 2014 Programming Montreal, Thursday June 26, 2014 – Following last week’s first wave of programming announcements, the Fantasia International Film Festival is proud to unveil additional highlights to rev you up for our July 10th Press Conference, where...
- 6/26/2014
- by Brian Welk
- SoundOnSight
The documentary Fight Church looks at the intersection of Christianity and mixed martial arts, and how pastors training fighters can reconcile their faith with a violent sport. The film premiered at IFFBoston. Co-director and editor Bryan Storkel previously directed and edited Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians, which examined a devout blackjack team. Filmmaker: How did you get into filmmaking? Storkel: I went to school for media, but I never made my own stuff until after I really became a fan of documentaries. I started watching documentaries and going to film festivals. I think I went to […]...
- 4/30/2014
- by Michael Murie
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
The documentary Fight Church looks at the intersection of Christianity and mixed martial arts, and how pastors training fighters can reconcile their faith with a violent sport. The film premiered at IFFBoston. Co-director and editor Bryan Storkel previously directed and edited Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians, which examined a devout blackjack team. Filmmaker: How did you get into filmmaking? Storkel: I went to school for media, but I never made my own stuff until after I really became a fan of documentaries. I started watching documentaries and going to film festivals. I think I went to […]...
- 4/30/2014
- by Michael Murie
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
"Jesus never tapped out" is a phrase you'll hear a few times in the documentary "Fight Church," and it's confirmation that Christianity has seeped into the mainstream—and vice versa. From arena-sized places of worship to faith-based box office hits to even modest churches boasting sound and light shows, being a Christian is practically cool, and with the addition of mixed martial arts, enticingly dangerous. And director Bryan Storkel has made the intersection of Christianity and offbeat niches something of a specialty, helming "Holy Rollers: The True Story Of Card Counting Christians" (review here) and producing the Bible Belt true crime account, "Little Hope Was Arson" (review here). And while the films may walk in the realm of religion, they don't push an agenda, with the filmmaker seemingly genuinely fascinated by the contradictions of contemporary Christian life. And that's true too of "Fight Church," co-directed by Oscar winner Daniel Junge,...
- 4/25/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
0:00-2:50 – Introduction
2:50-19:50 – “The Avengers” review
19:50-27:40 – Qotw (what team of movie characters would you assemble, and what problem would they fight)
27:40-29:20 – Next week’s Qotw
29:20-31:40 – Snider wrote something about girls and “The Avengers”
31:40-32:40 – Bayer is in San Diego; there is some innuendo
32:40-48:40 – Bayer and Snider’s summer box office challenge
48:40-50:45 – Bayer’s philosophy on competition
50:45-54:45 – “Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians” review
54:45-58:00 – Wrap-up and goodbyes
Qotw: In honor of the latest Tim Burton/Johnny Depp collaboration (“Dark Shadows”), what director/actor combo do you think should work together?
“Every Girl’s Guide to ‘The Avengers,’” by Quartney Vagington.
Here’s the video of what happened after last year’s summer box office challenge.
Here’s more about “Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians...
2:50-19:50 – “The Avengers” review
19:50-27:40 – Qotw (what team of movie characters would you assemble, and what problem would they fight)
27:40-29:20 – Next week’s Qotw
29:20-31:40 – Snider wrote something about girls and “The Avengers”
31:40-32:40 – Bayer is in San Diego; there is some innuendo
32:40-48:40 – Bayer and Snider’s summer box office challenge
48:40-50:45 – Bayer’s philosophy on competition
50:45-54:45 – “Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians” review
54:45-58:00 – Wrap-up and goodbyes
Qotw: In honor of the latest Tim Burton/Johnny Depp collaboration (“Dark Shadows”), what director/actor combo do you think should work together?
“Every Girl’s Guide to ‘The Avengers,’” by Quartney Vagington.
Here’s the video of what happened after last year’s summer box office challenge.
Here’s more about “Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians...
- 5/6/2012
- by Jeff Bayer
- The Scorecard Review
Holy Rollers screened at the American Film Festival in Wroclaw, Poland this past November. Directed by Bryan Storkel, and distributed in the U.S. by Gravitas Ventures, Holy Rollers, follows the rise of arguably the largest and most well-funded blackjack team in America-made up entirely of church going Christians as they succeed in taking millions from casinos and manage to find a place for faith and God in the arena of high stakes gambling. Their story made it to the front page of New York Times.
The film's popularity is growing almost as fast as the Holy Rollers count cards, currently the film is the #4 Documentary on iTunes and the #5 Independent film!
Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians - Trailer...
The film's popularity is growing almost as fast as the Holy Rollers count cards, currently the film is the #4 Documentary on iTunes and the #5 Independent film!
Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians - Trailer...
- 3/15/2012
- by SydneyLevine
- Sydney's Buzz
Holy Rollers screened at the American Film Festival in Wroclaw, Poland this past November. Directed by Bryan Storkel, and distributed in the U.S. by Gravitas Ventures, Holy Rollers, follows the rise of arguably the largest and most well-funded blackjack team in America-made up entirely of church going Christians as they succeed in taking millions from casinos and manage to find a place for faith and God in the arena of high stakes gambling.
The film's popularity is growing almost as fast as the Holy Rollers count cards, currently the film is the #4 Documentary on iTunes and the #5 Independent film!
Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians - Trailer...
The film's popularity is growing almost as fast as the Holy Rollers count cards, currently the film is the #4 Documentary on iTunes and the #5 Independent film!
Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians - Trailer...
- 3/14/2012
- by SydneyLevine
- Sydney's Buzz
Chicago – One of the best things that can be said about Bryan Storkel’s documentary, “Holy Rollers,” is that it features Christians who don’t fit the profile of religious stereotypes. Their morally questionable line of work does raise some provocative questions, but Storkel resists any opportunity to condescend to his human subjects. His evenhanded approach results in a picture that could be interpreted by some as a recruitment video and by others as a cautionary tale.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Not to be confused with Kevin Asch’s 2010 crime drama of the same name (about an Orthodox Jewish youth-turned-ecstasy dealer), this film centers on the real-life escapades of an all-Christian blackjack team that took millions of dollars from casinos throughout North America. These players voice their hatred of casinos and yet they choose a career devoted to high-stakes gambling. Their victory is ultimately a hollow one since it amounts to little more than personal gain,...
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Not to be confused with Kevin Asch’s 2010 crime drama of the same name (about an Orthodox Jewish youth-turned-ecstasy dealer), this film centers on the real-life escapades of an all-Christian blackjack team that took millions of dollars from casinos throughout North America. These players voice their hatred of casinos and yet they choose a career devoted to high-stakes gambling. Their victory is ultimately a hollow one since it amounts to little more than personal gain,...
- 3/6/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
"But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day." Deuteronomy 8:18
The word of the Bible versus its actual intent has been the manna for religious leaders and their followers for hundreds, if not thousands of years. The result has been interpretations that run the gamut from the radical, to the conservative to the open-ended. But for most Christians, their concerns with the Bible and how it applies to them runs to the purely practical, and within those pages they seek guidance on how to navigate the murky waters of everyday life. A relationship with God is a constant negotiation, and the documentary "Holy Rollers: The True Story Of Card Counting Christians" (not to be confused with the Jesse Eisenberg movie of the...
The word of the Bible versus its actual intent has been the manna for religious leaders and their followers for hundreds, if not thousands of years. The result has been interpretations that run the gamut from the radical, to the conservative to the open-ended. But for most Christians, their concerns with the Bible and how it applies to them runs to the purely practical, and within those pages they seek guidance on how to navigate the murky waters of everyday life. A relationship with God is a constant negotiation, and the documentary "Holy Rollers: The True Story Of Card Counting Christians" (not to be confused with the Jesse Eisenberg movie of the...
- 3/5/2012
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
"Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians" took home the top honors and a check for $10,000 at ArcLight Cinemas' inaugural Documentary Festival. Over 150 films from across the States competed for the prize. The top ten finalists were selected by popular vote based on the trailers on the ArcLight Cinemas YouTube channel. The final ten were screened and judged by a panel including Rebecca Cammisa, Academy Award nominee for “Which Way Home;” Rhadi Taylor, Associate Director, Documentary Film Program at the Sundance Institute; Marjan Safina, board of directors for the International Documentary Association; and Gretchen McCourt, Festival Executive Producer. Here's the trailer for "Holy Rollers": Full release below:...
- 11/14/2011
- Indiewire
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