Tom C. Christensen is an American filmmaker. His films range from Joseph Smith: The Man in 1980 to Gordon B. Hinckley: A Giant Among Men in 2008. He grew up in Davis County, Utah.
Films by Christensen have received recognition in several film festivals. His Pioneer Miracle received the Best in Show award from the Houston International Film Festival in 2004. His Seasons of the Heart for which he was both director and cinematographer received multiple awards in film festivals.
Christensen has made a large number of films about Latter Day Saint (Mormon) founder Joseph Smith. Among these are Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration and Emma Smith: My Story both made in cooperation with Gary Cook. Other Mormon-themed films include his biography of President of the Church Gordon B. Hinckley, made at Hinckley's death in 2008.
Christensen was the co-author and director of Only A Stonecutter, the story of John R. Moyle, father of James H. Moyle.[1][2][3]
Christensen has also been the cinematographer for a large number of films. These include Rigoletto, The Testaments, Forever Strong, and Outlaw Trail: The Treasure of Butch Cassidy.
Christensen has been described as the "mentor" of Jared Hess.[4]
On such films as the first Work and the Glory, Christensen's cinematography was considered by some to be by far the best part of the film.[5]
Christensen has also made several IMAX films including Texas: The Big Picture and Ozarks: Legacy and Legend.
Christensen has two children. His daughter Tess appeared in Season's of the Heart" and also had a role in his 2001 film Bug Off.
In the summer of 2011, 17 Miracles was released across the country. The film depicts the Willie and Martin handcart companies and their struggles and witnessed miracles as they travelled across the plains to Salt Lake City in 1856.[6]