THE BLOOD OF JESUS (1941); Panel on Film Archives/Preservation #ICFTXFF
“The Making of a Classic” (Short film, 2024)
Director: Stephen Robinson (in attendance)
Filmed in Bastrop, TX
Also in attendance: Martin C Jones (producer)
“The Making of a Classic,” part of the Forging Texas video series, offers an intimate look into the production of Spencer Williams Jr.'s THE BLOOD OF JESUS. Set during the 1941 classic movie's filming, it explores the behind-the-scenes journey of filming a pivotal scene.
“The Making of a Classic” illuminates Williams' unwavering commitment and humility as he skillfully maneuvers through the emotional intricacies of the production process. Screenwriter A.J. Edwards masterfully captures the story based on true events. With standout performances by Marcus Henderson (Jordan Peele’s GET OUT) and Erica Ash (Starz’s “Survivor’s Remorse”), the short film honors the enduring legacy of Spencer Williams, Jr.
THE BLOOD OF JESUS (1941)
Director: Spencer Williams
Filmed in Dallas, TX
Housed at the G. William Jones Film and Video Collection, Southern Methodist University
In attendance: Dr. Rick Worland (SMU Film Professor; Film Historian)
THE BLOOD OF JESUS is among Spencer Williams’ notable works, where he served as director, writer, and star, pioneering independent cinema and impacting the industry. Rediscovered in the 1980s, THE BLOOD OF JESUS was unearthed from a warehouse in Tyler, TX, alongside a collection of film prints. It was the first Texas-made film entered into the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry in 1991. Twenty-five films are selected each year to showcase the range and diversity of American film heritage and increase awareness for its preservation.
THE BLOOD OF JESUS tells the story of an atheist who accidentally shoots his wife. When she dies, she ends up at the fabled crossroads of Hell or Zion, where the devil tries to lead her astray. (IMDb)
Panel Discussion
This panel discussion will feature SMU film studies head Dr. Rick Worland discussing the historical and artistic significance of THE BLOOD OF JESUS. He’ll also detail how its last-known film reels were found in a warehouse in Tyler, TX, and how the film came to the SMU Film Archives in the late 1980s.
Additionally, Dr. Worland and Elizabeth Hansen of the Texas Archives of the Moving Image (TAMI - http://texasarchives.org) will talk about the importance of film preservation and archiving.
The IT CAME FROM TEXAS Film Festival makes its triumphant return to the Plaza Theatre in Garland, located at 521 W. State Street. The second annual IT CAME FROM TEXAS Film Festival, which celebrates films made either wholly or in part within the Lone Star State, will kick off on Friday, September 13 and continue through Sunday, September 15, taking place entirely within the Plaza Theatre, on the recently remodeled square in downtown Garland. As with last year’s inaugural edition of this new fest, IT CAME FROM TEXAS will be sponsored by the City of Garland and Garland Cultural Arts.
