We just wanted to take a moment and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the entire team at Henline Productions! This season is so important to slow down a little to remember our Savior's birth, celebrate with friends and family, and spread that joy to others! We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season whether at home or abroad.

It has been quite a year here at Henline Productions! When we pause for a moment to look back, it seems quite overwhelming with everything that has taken place. On January 1, 2015 we released the official trailer for POLYCARP. The movie premiere took place in Cincinnati, Ohio on February 21 with much celebration from cast and crew members who traveled in from around the country. With the film being several years in the making, the release date was a MUCH anticipated moment that took place on May 5! It was released directly to Christian Book Stores and a variety of online retailers.

Polycarp was accepted into a number of film festivals throughout the year, receiving a host of nominations and awards. Some of the main awards included: “Best Feature Film”, “Audience Choice Award”, and “Best Original Music Score” at the Christian Worldview Film Festival, “Best Actor” (Garry Nation) at the International Christian Film Festival, “Best Actress” (Eliya Hurt), and “Best Editing” at the Pan Pacific Awards, “Best Feature Film” at GloryReelz Christian Film Festival, and “Best Cinematography”, “Best Original Score”, “Best Production Design” at the Faith Film Festival.

Throughout the year, our team visited as speakers and/or vendors to many Homeschool/Christian Conventions and Conferences. It was such a delight to travel around and meet so many wonderful people to speak with them about this timeless film! We also represented POLYCARP at a number of Church Screenings. We opened the film to be shown in any church on a love offering basis early in the year. The response was refreshing and encouraging as we would continue to receive letters and hear reports from many churches and individuals being affected by the film's message.

There are so many highlights that it is hard to even remember or credit them all! But we do want to express our gratitude to you for your overwhelming support and most importantly to our Heavenly Father for his guiding hand throughout everything. The “Polycarp journey" isn't over for our team. There are some festivals and conferences still ahead in the new year as well as continued marketing and distribution. We are excited that this story doesn't go “outdated” after a year..even years from now, it's timeless message has the ability to impact someone's life in a special way.

Many ask the question “what's next for Henline Productions”. While we can't answer that just yet, we are always looking for the Lord's leading and we are at peace that it is completely in His hands.

Once again, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful time of celebrations, laughter, and cheer as you close out the year!

Best,
Henline Productions

We are so excited to share that POLYCARP has received the Stellae Award for Best Actress (Eliya Hurt) and Best Editing (by John-Clay Burnett) at the 2015 Pan Pacific Film Festival

photo courtesy: PPFF)

On August 6, 2015, the awards ceremony took place for the Pan Pacific Film Festival in Fullerton, California. POLYCARP was nominated in four categories - Best Impact, Best Feature Narrative, Best Actress, and Best Editing. Jerica Henline (Writer) was present at the awards ceremony to represent POLYCARP, which recieved Best Actress and Best Editing. You can watch the full awards ceremony video here: ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-0DNb_AQ8M

Jerica Henline (Writer) on the red carpet at the 2015 Pan Pacific Film Festival photo courtesy: PPFF)

Finally, after nearly 3 years in the making, POLYCARP will be available May 5th on Christian bookstore shelves and online stores where you find Christian media, including Family Christian, LifeWay, CBD, and many more, and of course, HenlineProductions.com/store. 

Although set in the Second Century, the story of religious persecution, courage, faith and brutal oppression could be taken from today’s headlines about mass killings and persecutions of Christians. It tells the historically accurate story of an early Christian martyr, Bishop Polycarp, who was burned and stabbed to death for refusing to renounce his faith in Christ and worship Caesar. This feature length drama is told through the eyes of a 12-year-old girl, Anna, and has been given the “Family Approved” seal for all ages by The Dove Foundation.

POLYCARP was awarded Best Feature Film, Audience Choice Award and Best Original Music Score at the 2015 Christian Worldview Film Festival. Garry Nation recieved Best Lead Actor in a Feature Film at the International Christian Film Festival for his stellar performance as Polycarp. 

“It challenges Christians of all generations to stand boldly on the gospel in the face of persecution. In the Western world our faith is increasingly coming under attack from our secularized society, so this movie is very timely for us today,” said Ken Ham, president of Answers in Genesis and founder of the Creation Museum in Hebron, Ky. “Based on real history and real Christians suffering real persecution, it’s a message we all need to be reminded of.”

“This is a moving story of second-century persecution, reminiscent of the persecution many believers face today,” said Alex and Stephen Kendrick, producers of hit films Courageous and Facing the Giants that sparked a growing trend of Christian movies.

“Through the use of realistic sets and talented actors, Polycarp brings to life the Biblical truths presented in Luke 17:33, 1 John 4:18, and Philippians 1:21 and reveals what it means to be fully dedicated to Christ and His Kingdom, even to the point of death.” - Samaritan Ministries

“POLYCARP is an inspiring movie with a sweeping score that will play well to modern audiences.” - Dove Foundation 

For interview requests, photos, or video clips contact: Jerry Henline, 513-617-3612, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for [Henline Productions http://www.henlineproductions.com/]

Here's a quick recap of the progress: We've had many hours and terebytes of footage to sort through, lots of editing , running the kickstarter campaign, a pickup shoot, visual effects, the color grade, sound design, and the amazingly beautiful musical score.

The official Polycarp trailer has been released! On this first day of 2015, we are very excited to unveil the official trailer for POLYCARP! Please watch and share! Independent movies like POLYCARP depend on fans like you to spread the word. We don't have millions of marketing dollars like some films, so we have to make it a grassroots effort. Thanks so much for helping to make this God-honoring, family friendly movie possible.

Click the image below to watch:

Church Screenings

If you would like to learn how you can show POLYCARP at your church, please register for more details at our website! It only takes a few minutes.

We have lots of exciting things to share in the coming weeks and months! Look for some major endorsements and other exciting news, right here in your inbox!

For two weeks now, an enthusiastic writing team has been assembling each day in a focused push towards completing the POLYCARP: DESTROYER OF GODS script. Jerica Henline, lead writer at Henline Productions, shares, "I am beyond thrilled about the progress that has been made over the past few weeks, but please continue to pray! There is a lot yet ahead of us."

They begin each morning in a time of prayer and scripture reading. "It always sets the day on the right track. We have continually seen the Lord at work and it is so encouraging to see things come together in upexpected ways," comments Joe Henline, director of the Polycarp project.

The writing process has been a painstaking journey of discovery. Rebekah Cook explains, "One of the keys to crafting a script is to keep the end in mind. Break it down first. Then clarify the story goal, what it's building up to, and why." The long hours are paying off.

After identifying and classifying specific and necessary plot elements, they are then prayerfully blended into a screenplay structure to manage flow and pacing, interweaving individual plot-threads to strengthen the core of the story. "When the scene timeline was complete on the wall, we went through and made sure each character arc was working," says David Cook, key story analyst. "It's neat how the layers keep building to move the story forward."

We are excited about the headway being made here in Loveland, Ohio, and we look forward to keeping you updated throughout the months ahead. Please keep the team in your prayers as they labor to finish this crucial phase of the writing process.

"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6

CINCINNATI, OH, Jan. 24-- 'Polycarp: Destroyer of Gods' has been announced as the next film project from Joe and Jerica Henline, an award-winning brother and sister filmmaking team.  'Polycarp' will be their first feature and the first film made under the banner of Henline Productions, formerly J&J Productions.  Joe will direct and Jerica will write the screenplay. 

The full-length feature film, inspired by the research and writings of Rick Lambert, will depict the story of second century church father, Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, who faced severe persecution at the hand of Roman oppressors.  Joe and Jerica's father and also the film's executive producer, Jerry Henline, says, “We are seeking to use the medium of film to inspire today's generation to stand for their faith against all opposition.” 

Joe (age 17) and Jerica (age 19) were the filmmakers behind last year's 'Lady Jane Grey,' a short film that earned them the Best Young Filmmaker award at the 2012 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, Best Young Filmmaker at the GloryReelz Christian Film Festival, Golden Crown Award (Best Student Production) at the International Christian Visual Media Festival, Best Young Filmmaker at The Attic Film Festival, and finalist nominees at others.

The Henlines are assembling a professional film crew with experience in a variety of independent Christian films.  “The pieces are falling into place,” says Jerry Henline, “and we are excited about the team that is working with us to produce a film with excellence and for the glory of God.”  

 Like most independent films, 'Polycarp' will be made with the combined efforts of many talented actors and crew members.  Films on this scale are made possible only by prayer and financial support from people who strongly believe in the film's mission. 

Information about the production and release of 'Polycarp: Destroyer of Gods' will be announced at the website of Henline Productions: [www.henlineproductions.com].  

For interview requests or photos, contact: Jerry Henline, 513-680-6480, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for [Henline Productions http://www.henlineproductions.com/]