Polycarp the Martyr

Genre: Documentary: 60-minutes

Logline: He was burned at the stake, but the flames couldn’t touch him.

Synopsis:

Polycarp of Smyrna (c. 69–155 AD) was one of the most significant figures in early Christianity, serving as a crucial link between the Apostolic Age and the developing church. According to tradition, he was a disciple of John the Apostle, who personally instructed him in the teachings of Christ. This connection gave Polycarp unique authority, allowing him to pass down the direct teachings of the apostles to the next generation of Christians.

As Bishop of Smyrna, Polycarp played a key role in shaping early Christian theology, combating heresies such as Gnosticism. His Letter to the Philippians remains one of the earliest surviving Christian writings outside the New Testament. In it, he urged believers to remain steadfast in faith, warning against corrupt influences and calling for unity within the church.

Around 155 AD, he traveled to Rome to meet Pope Anicetus to discuss the proper date of Easter. While they disagreed, they chose peace over division, demonstrating a spirit of unity that would later influence church councils.

Polycarp’s most enduring legacy, however, is his martyrdom. Amid a wave of Roman persecution, he was arrested and brought before a proconsul who demanded that he renounce Christ. Polycarp famously refused, declaring: “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” According to The Martyrdom of Polycarp, when he was burned at the stake, the flames did not consume him, and he was ultimately killed by the sword. His martyrdom became one of the most celebrated in Christian history, inspiring generations of believers to stand firm in their faith. Today, he is venerated as a saint and a new memorial has been built in Izmir, Turkey to honor his legacy.

Interviews - Experts will be interviewed including:

Dr. Mark Wilson. Historian, Director of the Asia Minor Research Center in Turkey.

Dr. Paul Hartog. Author of Polycarp and the New Testament (2013)

Faith Baptist College, Ankeny, IA

William R. Schoede. Author of Polycarp, Martyrdom and Rome: The Making of a Christian Hero (2001)

Locations:    Filming will take place in the following locations.

Izmir:               Home of Polycarp and site of his church and memorial.

                        Ancient Smyrna (Agora) + Paintings/renditions

            Tomb of Polcarp/New Memorial

            Kadifekale Castle on Mount Pagos

            Site of martyrdom - stadium

                        St. Polycarp Catholic Church located in Konak District

Ephesus:         Where Polycarp was instructed by the Apostle John.

Rome:             Where Polycarp challenged the Pope on the proper date for Easter.

CHRISTIANITY: The 2nd Generation

Synopsis:

We already know the end of the story - Christianity became the largest religion in the world. But after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, things didn't look so good for this obscure religious sect. Christ was gone, the Apostles were all dead and Jerusalem was no longer the life-giving center for the remaining followers of the faith. So how did the church survive after Christianity was outlawed? Who were the 2nd Generation Christians who fought for survival against all odds? 

Production:

Genre: Documentary

Length: 120-minutes

Completion: TBA

Treatment:

With the help of archaeologists and other experts, our journey will discover how the church survived after the death of the Apostles. Starting in Israel where Christianity began, we will grasp the significane of the fall of Jerusalem and the dispersion of Christians. With the guidance of historian, Dr. Mark Wilson, we will explore some of the early church sites in Asia Minor such as Smyrna and Antioch. Archaeological sites will help to illustrate the time in history when Christianity struggled to survive. Along the way we will introduce significant 2nd generation Christians who braved persecution and became martyrs for their faith.

Proposed Production Dates: TBA

Jerusalem, Israel                2 days

Antioch, Turkey                  2 days

Ephesus, Turkey                 1 day                          

Smyrna, Turkey                  2 days

Antalia                                4 days (Dramatized segments)

Production:

Title: Cotton Butterflies (Based on a true story)

Type: Theatrical Motion Picture

Genre: Drama/Suspense

Length: 115 min

Completion: TBA

Possible Locations: TBA

Script Log Line

When a preacher's wife mysterioulsy dies, he quickly marries his lover. But his abused daughter's unwanted baby threatens his phony reputation and leads to a reckoning.

Script Synopsis

Young Darlene lives in fear wondering when her preacher father, Earle will beat her again. Her only comfort is in the love and little protection her mother can give her. When her mom mysteriously falls and breaks her neck, suspicion surrounds Earle. But the small southern 1950s mill community has learned to turn a blind eye to the “Preacher Man’s” moods. He quickly remarries his mistress and Darlene’s life becomes almost unbearable. Her stepmother destroys every vestige of her mother’s possessions and memory from their home. And when her father and stepmother have a baby together, Darlene becomes a real-life Cinderella.

At age 16, Darlene finds her escape through Sam, a young “James Dean” type who dreams of making it big. Her prince charming sweeps her off her feet and they board a bus to New York City. But she grows fearful again as shady characters come and go from their apartment. When Darlene is ordered to work in a brothel, it becomes clear that Sam has been drafted into the Mafia. With no other options, she makes the tough decision to flee back home.

Disgraced for eloping, Darlene is forced to live in a basement under her father’s house. But, when her father discovers she is carrying Sam’s baby, he puts the baby up for adoption. In a final crushing blow, Darlene witnesses her father demanding money before he’ll hand over the baby to its new parents.

Darlene’s only consolation now is found through the unconditional love of her doctor and his wife. Through their example, she learns the difference between true faith and her father’s phony religion. Finally, Darlene gains courage to confront her father and breaks free from her past. Even though she’s never allowed to see her baby or know it’s name, Darlene believes one day they will be re-united. What she doesn’t realize is that it will be twenty-eight years before she sees her daughter again.