'The Victor'

"The Victor" started out small.

It didn't stay that way.

First dreamed up by 16-year-old director Stephen Byrum, the film project ballooned over a period of three months as more and more people became involved. The film will show 7 p.m. Jan. 27 at First Baptist Church in Coeur d'Alene. Tickets are free.

Pastor Mark Arbic said First Baptist Church wanted to host the film because it fits their mission and vision. It offers a "subtle gospel message."

"It takes Christ outside the four walls," he said.

Based on true events, "The Victor" charts the journey of a young homeless man with a tragic background. In the struggle against his personal vices, the man receives an unexpected gift from a stranger that empowers him to reverse his situation.

"We figured it would be a really great story to turn into a movie," Stephen said. "It was one that could make people cry and want to get involved."

Actors were the first necessity. Stephen found Luke Jiles to serve as his lead, and the two collaborated over the writing process. Eventually, Jim Muskrat, Josiah Coad, Jim Crosby, Jamie Stidham, Issac Byrum, Linda Spade, Kathrine Kruse and Luke Stang all joined as the film's supporting cast.

With all the fundamentals in place, Stephen and his father, Bob Byrun, oversaw the cast and crew for a whirlwind production in August.

"We filmed the whole movie in a week," Stephen said. "We weren't ever too bored during those days."

More community support paved the way for a successful shoot. Alpine Motors loaned the crew a Cadillac for one scene. Bonner County EMS and Sandpoint Police Department both offered cars and personnel for another.

After filming, the really hard work began. The Byrums resigned themselves to the long process of editing and post-production. Once they had a working cut of the film, they sat down to watch the movie as a family. During the screening, Stephen's sister Sarah, a musician in the band Sarabeth, was inspired to compose the musical score for the film.

Stephen hopes the film, which premiered in Sandpoint last year and attracted more than 400 people, will expand on a national and even international level.

"This is a non-dialogue film, so it can be understood by anyone," Stephen said. "Just about anyone in the world can watch this movie and understand its message."

Arbic said "The Victor" is "not just a Christian movie."

"It really hits a hot button issue of homelessness, which has been an important issue for Coeur d'Alene."

He noted that a large number of churches and other organizations recently took an offering to help offset the start-up costs of the new Union Gospel Mission women's and children's facility in Coeur d'Alene.

"This important issue needs more awareness in our community and this movie will help promote awareness, and encourage the already great spirit of giving Coeur d'Alene enjoys," Arbic wrote.

The film is not all about homelessness.

"It's about humanity," he said.

Arbic has seen the movie three times. He believes others will find inspiration from it, too.

I thought it was fantastic," he said. "I was impressed by the young man who put it together."

The movie is about 32 minutes. There will be prizes given away at intermission. Tickets are free at Super 1 Foods grocery stores in Coeur d'Alene and Hayden and at Calypsos coffee shop.

Info: 667-5429