News Summary
This holiday season, local filmmakers in Missouri are actively producing Christmas movies, including ‘Chrismystery’ set in St. Joseph and Savannah. The film highlights community spirit and family values while addressing the need for more inclusive representation in filmmaking. Fueled by the Show MO Act offering tax incentives, local producers invite community participation, raising concerns about equitable opportunities in the industry. Filmmakers strive to navigate systemic issues while fostering creativity and celebrating diverse narratives in Missouri’s holiday cinema scene.
Missouri Gears Up for a Festive Filming Season!
This holiday season, the streets of Missouri are buzzing with excitement as local filmmakers gear up to produce heartwarming Christmas movies. With festivals setting the stage for creativity, one film in particular, “Chrismystery,” shines a spotlight on a charming small-town setting in St. Joseph and Savannah. In this festive tale, a tight-knit community comes together to solve the mystery of missing Christmas decorations, all while rediscovering the true meaning of the holiday season.
All About “Chrismystery”
Produced by a passionate filmmaker, “Chrismystery” goes beyond the traditional holiday storyline. The film emphasizes family values and the spirit of Christmas, making it a perfect fit for audiences searching for a feel-good movie. Not solely a standalone project, this film follows the earlier success of the producer’s film “25 Miles to Normal,” which also showcased the beauty and culture of Missouri. With every project shot in the state, the commitment to telling authentic stories remains strong.
Game-Changing Tax Incentives
What’s fueling this surge in Christmas movie productions? It’s all thanks to a new tax credit known as the Show MO Act, which was passed earlier this year. This act offers incentives that include a generous 20% tax credit on qualifying expenses, and even 50% more for additional qualifications, specifically benefiting independent films. With a cap of $16 million dedicated to filmmaking, and $8 million carved out for feature films, the Show MO Act is proving to be a game-changer for local filmmakers.
Community Support is Key
Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the producer of “Chrismystery” is enthusiastically inviting local residents to participate in the film. This involvement not only fosters a sense of pride among the locals but also enriches the storyline with authentic community representation. The filmmaker expresses gratitude for the growing support, as it lays the groundwork for a successful production.
Pushing for Change in the Industry
Addressing Systemic Issues
While advocating for inclusivity, these filmmakers encountered some roadblocks when they sought to amend the Show MO Act to support diverse narratives. Their dedication remains unwavering, as they continue creating films that resonate with community concerns. One such film titled “Rennie,” which captures the celebratory essence of the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, highlights themes of self-acceptance and individuality.
Cultural Creativity Shines Bright
At the heart of “Rennie” lies a blend of enchanting characters synonymous with renaissance culture. From vibrant queens to witty barmaids, the film showcases the creativity of the community while embracing the festival’s lively atmosphere. With every project, the aim is to uplift and spark important conversations, especially concerning pressing societal issues like gun violence.
Navigating Challenges in Filmmaking
Despite their dedication to community betterment through storytelling, both filmmakers continue to navigate a challenging landscape within a predominantly white industry. The debates surrounding the Show MO Act reveal underlying systemic issues that need addressing in Missouri’s film community. Filmmakers are encouraged to keep pushing for change, ensuring everyone’s voices and stories are represented on the big screen.
Wrapping Up
This holiday season promises to not only bring joy to audiences but also points to a future filled with opportunities for filmmakers across Missouri. With support, passion, and dreams of inclusivity in minds, the festive spirit is looking brighter than ever. Missouri is surely making magic happen on and off the silver screen!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KCTV5: Missouri Set to be Center of Yet Another Christmas Film
- Kansas City Star: Local Filmmakers on the Rise
- Kansas City Defender: The Show MO Act and Its Impact
- KSHB: Lights, Camera, Kansas City!
- KCTV5: Behind the Choice Film: Second Change Stage KC
- Wikipedia: Filmmaking in Missouri
- Google Search: Missouri Film Industry
- Google Scholar: Missouri Film Credits
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film
- Google News: Missouri Christmas Films
