September 15, 2018 at the historic Eloia Theater
in Calvert, Texas
Tenderheart Film Festival
Echo
When a boy is given his mother’s old
cassette player to fix, he hears his father’s absent voice for the first time, bringing out repressed feelings of abandonment.
Created by Alexander Rosales
Unalii
Inspired by Chris Johnson, Unalii is a ficticious tale that tells the story of Steve, the head of security at the local boys and girls club. Steve’s only job is to open the building in the morning and lock the doors each night. During the rest of his day at work, Steve fills his time by making craft animals. Despite spending every day around people, Steve is
alone. Is it his lack of social skills and awkward demeanor that hold him back, or do they reveal the best part about him that is waiting to be discovered by the right person?
Tenderheart
The story of Chris Johnson. This is the marquee film in our program this evening, centered around our honored guest and moderator of the festival. At the age of
five, Chris was diagnosed with a brain tumor which was removed with surgery and radiation therapy. Chris overcame both but
struggled to learn how to read, write, spell, and count. At age thirteen, Chris attended a camp where he learned to craft lanyards using a plastic material called Rex Lace. Continuing to experiment over the years, Chris has built a ministry making figures which he shares with kids and people of all ages. Chris currently teaches his craft and has been a featured instructor at institutions that include Grand Avenue Presbyterian Church, Austin College, Camp Gilmont, Grace Presbytery, and Saint
Stephens Presbyterian Church.
Program Highlights from 2016
The evening signified the premiere of the Tenderheart Film Festival. Inspired by Chris Johnson, the films included in our program reflected the qualities of friendship, kindness, and compassion. Below are highlight films from the inaugural festival...
Condition of the Heart
Created by members of the Coppell High School Film Production Club, Condition of the Heart is a story about two young drivers involved in a car wreck versus each other who just happen to end up in the same hospital
room.
Phoenix House
Phoenix House treats adolescents between 13 and 17 years of age for alcohol and substance abuse right here in Dallas. Their unique treatment program is designed for success. Created by Melissa
Weyer and Judy Philips of Beyond Films.
Beyond the Big Screen
A sneak peek at the filmmaking process from the crew at Film Patterson on the set of their short film Unalii, which took two days to shoot.