'The Christ Slayer' Nominations at ICFF Continues CDI's Impressive Momentum

LANSING, Mich. - March 20, 2019 - PRLog -- One of Michigan's most prolific and highly respected film production companies - Lansing-based Collective Development Incorporated - continues to move the independent film bar to new heights, not only in the midwest, but on screens, large and small, nationally and internationally.

And for a third consecutive year, CDI has earned an 'Official Selection' designation among four nominations – including Best Film – in the International Christian Film & Music Festival (ICFF) for its work producing 'The Christ Slayer,' the story of 'Longinus' (Carl Weyant), the Roman Centurion said to have pierced Jesus' side as the Messiah languished on the cross at crucifxtion.

In addition to being a 'Best Film' nominee, 'The Christ Slayer' (written by DJ Perry, who also stars as Jesus) the final film in CDI's 'The Quest Trilogy,' is nominated for 'Most Inspirational Film,' while Nathaniel Nose is among the nominees for 'Best Director' and CDI actress/producer, Melissa Anschutz, is nominated for 'Best Supporting Actress' for her portrayal of 'Mother Mary.'

The awards' nominations for CDI at this year's ICFF, held annually at the Wyndham Resort International in Orlando, Fla., come on the heels of the 'Tribe's' previously recognized work at what is widely considered the 'Oscars' and largest family-faith genre in the world, including:

'Forty Nights,' the first film in 'The Quest Trilogy,' chronicles Jesus' (DJ Perry) 40 days of temptation in the wilderness. 'Forty Nights' (written by Mr. Perry) earned 'Most Inspirational Film honors.' The late Rance Howard was nominated for 'Best Lead Actor,' while composer Dennis Therrian earned 'Best Music Score' consideration.

'Chasing the Star,' CDI's second installment in 'The Quest Trilogy,' telling the story of the 'Three Magi' and their perilous journey to Bethlehem, garnered five nominations and again won 'Most Inspirational Film.' The film also earned nominations for Best Film; Best Screenplay (DJ Perry); Best Musical Score (Dennis Therrian); and, Best Lead Actor, Garry Nation.

'Wild Faith,' an 1870s drama/adventure tells the story of a union Civil War veteran bound by his word to keep a promise to his dying comrade - a black soldier - to go home and protect his family against the inevitable backlash of disapproval from townsfolk.

'Wild Faith' which starts releasing into theaters nationwide March 23rd with myCinema, is a racially-charged, socially-challenging parable as relevant today as it was post-Civil War and thru the Jim Crow era, was nominated for four awards at ICFF: 'Best Picture' (*Runner-Up); 'Best Lead Actress' (*won by Lauren LaStrada); 'Best Lead Actor' (Shane Hagedorn); and, 'Best Director' (Jesse Low, who also directed 'Forty Nights' and will direct CDI's upcoming 'Lost Heart').

The competition among 'Official Selections' and awards' nominees at the ICFF is intense, to say the least. The festival, the only one in the genre to have a feature film screen annually at the world-famous Cannes Film Festival on the French Riveria, has thousands of entries annually. The categories include: Features, Shorts, Animated, Music Videos, TV Shows, Screenplays and Student Films.

Ms. Anschutz ('Ashes of Eden,' '7 Stones,' 'Forty Nights,' 'Wild Faith), who has been a producer and on-screen talent for CDI the past several years, has built a strong resume. Her performances to date in 26 films and five TV series' and several commericals have run the gamut of characters.

And it's that versatility and range in getting to the heart of the character, with empathy, that makes Ms. Anschutz the sought-after performer she has become. Whether it's portraying the mother of Jesus ('Forty Nights' and 'The Christ Slayer'); the rough-and-tumle, even 'tom-boyish' fur trapper Hester Thickett in 'Wild Faith'; a hard-boiled prosecutor in the upcoming 'MBF: Man's Best Friend'; or, a fading country music star who returns to her small hometown, following years of estrangement from family, to attend her father's funeral (in the soon to film, 'Lost Heart').

In his first time at the helm for CDI, director Nathaniel Nose is no stranger to several of his colleagues, having worked prior with Mr. Perry and producers Anthony Hornus and Dean Teaster.

A Michigan native, Mr. Nose is a versatile talent. In addition to directing he's adept as a cinematographer, editor, actor, vfx artist, fight choreographer and musician. Prior to 'The Christ Slayer,' his feature films include 'Blood Ties,' 'Cut/Print' and 'Talent.'

"CDI has a strong reputation for gathering the right team around a project, the results speak for themselves." - DJ Perry, CEO Collective Development Inc.

CDI Company website:
www.cdiproductions.com

Trailer for 'The Christ Slayer' being distributed by Bridgestone Multimedia Group: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqmOL80agh0