Forevergreen
I am not the person who is always plugged in to the most recent comings and goings in Hollywood. The latest and greatest movies just aren’t my thing. But I did hear that last night the “Who’s Who” of Hollywood got together for a big celebration of the silver screen. It was the night of the 98th Annual Academy Awards, highlighting all the movies that a select group of movie influencers deem the best of the year. I didn’t watch the event, but I’m sure for those who really enjoy cinema, it’s an exciting night.
Just the other day, I heard about a movie that was up for nomination. It’s a short film, and it’s animated. It’s a 13-minute movie titled Forevergreen. While most modern movies don’t set out with a primary objective to honor the Lord or to proclaiming the gospel, this little film was different. In a subtle, yet quite clear way, Forevergreen seeks to highlight the truth of the gospel. But it’s not a preachy movie. In fact, I don’t believe there are any words spoken in the movie. But if you watch it, I am confident that you’ll see such obvious gospel themes presented. That isn’t by accident. The writers wanted to present the gospel themes in a way that evokes wonder and maybe that even would help some to have clearer eyes to see the beauty of the good news of Jesus’ sacrifice to save us.
You may or may not be familiar with the term “evergreen content”. It is a moniker used to describe content (stories, books, teachings, etc) that remains relevant for many years beyond when they were made. It’s safe to say that the themes of the gospel represent “evergreen content”. The movie is set in a forest, so the title Forevergreen fits in the most obvious of ways. But I have to assume that the creators also recognized they were telling a story that carries themes that will never go out of style. Instead, the themes of this short film represent the longing of all human hearts.
And, it turns out, when you do high quality work it garners attention, even from an unbelieving world. Forevergreen was nominated for an Oscar in the Animated Short Film category. No, it didn’t end up winning. But it made a mark. I’d encourage you to give it 13 minutes of your time. It is a moving tale that takes its cues directly from the most transformative story of all time.
You can watch Forevergreen for free on Youtube at this link.
If you would like to read more from the creators of Forevergreen, there is an interview you can read here.
Ryan Donovan
PS – Although I don’t watch a lot of movies in the theater, it’s ironic that I’m writing about movies, since we are going as a family to a movie theater this Thursday night to watch the new animated movie, Hoppers. It is a gift for Mabel for her 13th birthday (don’t tell her!). Apparently, though, the central character in the movie is named Mabel. We bought advance tickets for the show… using a movie gift card that we’ve had for at least 10 years!
PPS – While the movie Forevergreen beautifully presents wonderful themes of the gospel of Jesus Christ, it isn’t quite a substitute for sharing the good news Jesus with others. But it could be a good tool to help open doors for gospel conversations, helping people to see their own need for rescue and helping them see the glory found in Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the tree.
Categories: Evergreen Connection