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A New Era of Viewing

Many Australians have now embraced the new viewing era with comprehension. Gone are the days when most of Australia tuned in at a certain time to watch a certain program and then would discuss, critique or bemoan the program the next day.

Now with all TV stations offering catch-up service (streaming), even the 6 pm or 7 pm nightly news is on the way to becoming a rare event for any family or couple to watch together.

Paid streaming services like Netflix, Stan and Foxtel Now, allow immediate access to a wide variety of material, and increasingly are making their name with their own TV shows.

Netflix is one of the most widely used. It is likely that at least one member of your family has Netflix and now can binge-watch TV series after TV series, let alone movie after movie. One of the intriguing aspects is that like Foxtel, these new services provide a range of films –  a type of broadcast smorgasbord, with offerings for everyone. I have listed below some of the Biblical and Christian films, and films with a Christian  theme available on Netflix. The US service has many more films on offer, but at least the Australian service has made a start.

Kings’ Faith (M): a teenager leaves a gang and is cared for by Christian parents who face some difficult personal choices.

A Matter of Faith: A contemporary evolution v creation debate on a university campus.

David and Goliath: A slightly awkward telling of the traditional story.

The Ark: the building of the ark is told by BBC1.

Born to Win: the title belies the focus as a teacher’s faith is challenged in a school for special needs.

The Blind Side: A Christian family support a young African-American in his football career.

The Preacher’s Son (M): an illuminating adult look at a fictional African-American local church dynasty and their failings and past (and present) sins. An eye-opener into the combining of politics in American society and the church. The wife of the Minister has the title ‘First Lady’ in the church.

The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler: the story of a Polish social worker who saved Jewish children during WWII.

Soul Surfer: The story of Bethany Hamilton who lost her left arm in a shark attack.

Christian TV – in a new way

Many readers would be aware of the dedicated Christian TV channel, the Australian Christian Channel (Yes, another ACC). As noted above, many people now use a form of pay TV – Fetch is a common one and ACC TV is available on Fetch or Foxtel.

However, the Australian Christian Channel is now more than just a channel, as its website provides live TV and on demand/catch-up. You can also download the ACCTV App and watch when you want to on your tablet or phone, or Apple TV. For more information see: https://acc.tv/

Moving from DVD base to Digital

Heritage Films (marketing through Movies Change People) continues to provide a theatrical release arrangement for churches and groups, and a DVD based service, and has now developed digital on-demand and streaming to meet the needs of a new era. See their website: https://www.movieschangepeople.com/

During so much change in broadcasting, it is good to see Christian organisations again at the forefront of technology; just like they were at the start of the film industry in the early 20th century.

Peter Bentley