First Look: Christian Vuissa and Maria Augustina Perez

The "First Look" series exists to highlight up-and-coming Mormon filmmakers and to show and discuss their work. This episode focused on the creators of "Roots and Wings," a short film made in 2002 as a student project at BYU. The director and the writer of the films were interviewed (both of whom served as the film's producers as well) and answered questions concerning the film. As it appears, they were the recipients of a generous grant from the MPS which allowed them to make the movie they had pitched as seniors at BYU. The film was then picked up by Thomson Productions and distributed on video.
Though this film certainly wasn't my favorite, I can really appreciate what it's trying to do. The story is one we've all heard before but told from a unique perspective: the man who DOESN'T get converted to the gospel. It is his journey of understanding and eventually accepting the decisions of his wife and children that is particularly captivating. This is a story about charity, about understanding and tolerance. This man progresses and brings his family closer together as a result. The production values were relatively low and I thought a lot of the cinematography was misdirected. I felt disoriented for much of the film and the overall aesthetics left me wanting in that department. However, I think this was a bold move and an important step in the process of defining Mormon Cinema. It's about family, about love, about acceptance, and about a variety of perspectives.