List of films of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

This list of films of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints includes the non-commercial motion pictures commissioned by or officially produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Such films are typically premiered and exclusively shown at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building's Legacy Theatre in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, before being released to Temple Visitors Centers and eventually home use. In the 1970s, the church also commissioned Brigham Young University to produce short films for use in the Church Educational System. These films, shown mostly in the seminaries and institutes of religion, teach religious principles, church history, and general kindness. Released on VHS (and, increasingly on DVD), they have become popular home entertainment. A wide variety of these films are now available through Brigham Young University's Creative Works Office.

These films differ from those of LDS cinema, which are produced without official church involvement.

Feature films

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Title Year of release Duration Plot / Notability Reference
Man's Search for Happiness 1964 13 min. Brief overview of the plan of salvation; produced for the 1964 New York World's Fair [1]
Johnny Lingo 1969 24 min. Johnny has come to the island to bargain for a wife Mahana with eight cows.
Cipher in the Snow 1973 24 min. The true story of a boy no one thinks to be important. After his sudden death one winter morning, acquaintances begin to reflect on the needs of every individual child.
John Baker's Last Race 1976 35 min. The true story of a champion athlete who is given only six months to live. His last race, a race with time itself, becomes his greatest as he dedicates his life to the children he teaches, making every child feel important.
The Phone Call 1977 24 min. Scott is trying earn enough money for karate gear by working first as a paperboy, then he works at a Drive-in-Burger called Ripples, he is also trying to gain confidence to call Pam on a date.
The Mailbox 1977 24 min. An elderly widow anxiously awaits mail form her family, but letters do not come. The neighbors make life bearable, but they cannot replace her family. Helps to motivate children and adults alike to maintain communication with their elderly parents and grandparents.
Uncle Ben 1978 27 min. The true story of an alcoholic who seeks custody of nephews and a niece orphaned by an accident. As he faces the challenge to overcome his alcohol problem and be a good father, he realizes a greater reward than he had imagined.
Dream Big 1978 10 min. Documents a true story about Glen Cunningham, who after a serious accident in his youth was told he would never walk again. Through determination and courage, Glen became a famous, record breaking runner. Emphasizes how important it is to set goals high and work toward them.
The Trophy Case 1979 26 min. Randy, a teenager, tries to gain his father's approval by excelling in sports. Randy wants more independence, but his father feels the need to be firm in his guidance as long as he is providing for his son. The ending song "If I could dream" was written and performed by Merrill Jenson.
The Emmett Smith Story 1979 23 min. Emmett Smith is a runner and a High School coach at Cortez High School in Phoenix Arizona. When he develops brain tumor, he gets surgery to remove the tumor from the left ear and is told he may never run again. After that he is determined to regain his balance and focus as he's struggling to run with the students. Meanwhile another student Cindy Duncan is crippled to a wheelchair but is determined to be able to walk on crutches and then walk without them.
The Drop Card 1980 15 min. The story of a first-year college student who needs help and of a teacher who takes time to be her friend. Points out that feelings of inadequacy are extremely common in human experience and that these feelings can be overcome.
In One Blinding Moment 1980 16 min. Depicts a father's struggle with bitterness toward the teenage driver of a car that killed his young son. One day the father sees a sign made by his son that says "Love One Another." His whole attitude changes, and he seeks to help the boy who killed his son.
Greater Love 1980 14 min. A young boy needs a blood transfusion to survive after an accident. Because he has a rare blood type, only his sister can give the blood immediately. When the boy is out of danger after the transfusion, his sister reveals the depth of her love for him.
Joseph Smith: The Man 1980 9 min. The years between our day and the time of the Prophet Joseph Smith are effectively spanned as Lethe Tatge recounts to a group of children what her great grandfather told her of his first hand experiences with the prophet.
A Marvelous Work Begins 1982 17 min. Some of the major events in the coming forth of the Book of Mormon are dramatized, including the loss of the 116 pages of original manuscript.
How Rare a Possession 1987 64 min. A story about Parley P Pratts conversion. Also depicts an Italian pastor who joined the LDS church after reading the Book of Mormon without a front cover title. Shows scenes from the Book of Mormon.
To This End Was I Born 1992 27 min. A depiction of Jesus Christ in the final days in the Passover supper, the suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, the trail in Jerusalem leading up to his crucifixion on the cross at Calvary, the spirit world and his resurrection from the tomb.
Legacy 1993 52 min. Follows the life and struggles of a small group of converts to the church, beginning with their conversion in the eastern United States through their journey and settlement in Utah [2]
The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd 2000 67 min. Portrays events that occurred in the Book of Mormon from shortly before Jesus' birth until shortly after His visit to the peoples of the Americas [3]
Finding Faith in Christ 2003 30 min. A depiction of Jesus Christs life, including the ministry in Jerusalem, his suffering and death on the cross and his resurrection from the tomb.
Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration 2005 60 min. Portrays the life of Joseph Smith, Jr.; released in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Smith's birth [4]
Meet the Mormons 2014 78 min. Documents the lives of six devout Mormons living across the world; film received a PG MPAA rating, and was distributed by the LDS Church to movie theaters: both are firsts for the church [5][6]

References

  1. ↑ "Man's Search for Happiness". Brigham Young University. Retrieved 15 January 2011.
  2. ↑ "Legacy". Brigham Young University. Retrieved 15 January 2011.
  3. ↑ "The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd". Brigham Young University. Retrieved 15 January 2011.
  4. ↑ "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration". Brigham Young University. Retrieved 15 January 2011.
  5. ↑ "LDS Church invites movie goers to "Meet the Mormons"", Daily Herald, 17 September 2014
  6. ↑ Pugmire, Genelle (17 September 2014), "Coming soon to a theater near you: 'Meet the Mormons'", The Salt Lake Tribune

Further reading

External links