Reviews and Testimonials of Stephen Williams' Films

Pro Text Films would like you to see how "Blessing" has been received by and moved audiences at screenings and film festivals worldwide.  Some of those testimonials and reviews are presented here.  We hope you enjoy reading these testimonials and reviews.  If you would like to leave comments about this site or your experience with "Blessing" please visit our Blog.

"Blessing" is a powerful, short film about the nuances encountered in typical LDS families with gay members.  Mr. Williams has done a masterful job in laying bare the subtle and not so subtle forms of discrimination within a family that is obviously trying to be tolerant while not showing approval for an out gay family member they don't understand or approve.  The film utilizes a particularly poignant interaction in the relationship between a father and his gay son, their ecclesiastical leaders and other family members to serve as an example of the tension that exists when unconditional love and tolerance are not proffered.  It is a beautiful film with a great message for everyone. - Gary Watts

"The Blessing" is a deeply moving story of love overcoming fear and prejudice.  I was pleased to be able to include the narrative in my collection, No More Goodbyes, Circling the Wagons around Our Gay Loved Ones. - Carol Lynn Pearson

BLESSING

NEWS AND REVIEWS

BLESSING was reviewed in the October 2003 issue of CATALYST magazine, by movie critic Paul Swenson.  Some excerpts:

"A remarkable concise 17 minutes, BLESSING pack a poweful punch and delineates the path that filmmaking about Mormon experience must likely take if it is to eventually appeal to broader audiences.  As with the recent documentary, THE SMITH FAMILY, BLESSING transcends the sentimental in order to examine real life issues."
"Screenwriter/director Williams depicts the poignant and moving core of a family crisis that involves a father's delicate hold on life after heart surgery, the quiet drama of a traditional healing ceremony and a son's respectful refusal to accept the role of outcast from the healing circle." 
"Williams injects what follows with believable tension, humor and suspense...his touch is both subtle and forceful."

Salt Lake City Film Center - Utah Education Association Festival
Comments by attendees Oct. 17, 2003

Review by Hugo Salinas
Affirmation
October 2003
Award-winning writer and director Stephen Williams has just released Blessing, a 16-minute film that is moving gay and straight audiences alike. The film was recently screened at a Family Fellowship forum and at Affirmation's annual conference in Salt Lake City.

Blessing offers an honest and insightful look into real family dynamics as a young gay man and his Mormon family are brought together when the father suffers a near-fatal heart attack.

THE CUFFLINK

SUMMARY / WHAT THE FILM IS ABOUT:

JoAnn, a woman in her mid-sixties, sits at her dressing table, getting ready for her grandson's birthday party.  In one of the drawers, she accidentally finds a cufflink belonging to her ex-husband, which precipitates a flood of painful memories.  She envisions seeing her ex-husband with his new wife at the birthday party.  To spare herself this pain, she decides to not attend the party.  She phones to inform her daughter of this decision, but is not prepared for her daughter's emotional blackmail.

This film explores the tension between family ties and personal freedom.