Ryan Anstett has noticed some unhappy trends in most high-grossing films.

Perhaps you've noticed them: Sex and violence. Whether in slow motion, high definition, set a millennium in the future or a century in the past, most blockbusters offer mere variations on the same grisly, dissolute themes.

"They say art reflects society, but I think also society in a sense reflects art," the Coeur d'Alene filmmaker said. "I think the more you surround yourself with those ideas, the easier it becomes to fall into a path that may lead to heartbreak."

Anstett wanted to offer the zeitgeist something different.

And it looks like his work is being welcomed.

Anstett's first feature-length independent film, shot in Kootenai County and Spokane, has been picked up by a national distributor and is slated to be distributed on DVD world-wide within the next year, Anstett said.

"One thing that definitely made it stand out is that the story is positive and uplifting," said Anstett, 22. "But also it just turned out a lot better than I had expected, as far as quality, story line and acting. Everything surprised me."

His 80-minute film, "Slow Fade," encompasses his purist take on plot development.

The movie follows a young man enduring the slings and arrows of sleazy pop culture. He is shaped by those influences, and burdened by them, until he discovers forgiveness, Anstett said.

"I think it's very important to take in the influences that are around us and focus on the ones that will build you up as a person," said Anstett, a devout Christian who chose his career after visiting a Christian film festival when he was 16.

Soon anyone will be able to see the film.

The final paperwork with Bridgestone Multimedia Group will be penned soon, clearing the film to be made available on Amazon.com, iTunes, Walmart, Target, and eventually Redbox and Netflix, Anstett said.

"There's a sense of gratitude toward everyone involved," he said. "All of the volunteers in the past, and everybody who made this dream a reality."

Among them was Nicholas Madsen, a close friend who worked as executive producer.

"I hope it helps (viewers) evaluate the decisions they are making," the Hayden resident said of why he got involved.

An amateur actor, Madsen lauded Anstett's commitment, as most of the film production burdens fell on the latter's shoulders.

"Ryan is a person who knows what he wants, who knows what he believes," Madsen said. "I think the project itself is a testament to a fantastic support system, diligent and consistent work, and pursuing what you believe in."

Making a feature film wasn't as simple as the home movies Anstett and Madsen made in their teenage years. Anstett's prior film experience has been directing and producing a 24-minute short, "The Last Letter," as well as two commercials.

"Slow Fade" faced the age-old film-making obstacles of funding, and actors falling through. Anstett managed to create the film with only roughly $6,000, thanks to donated equipment from a director he had worked with in Texas.

"That was a huge blessing and a small miracle in itself," said Anstett, who has also scrounged up dollars doing jobs like working for the "Hotel Hell" shooting in Coeur d'Alene.

The entire film took roughly three and a half years to create, Anstett said, including writing, story boarding, auditioning actors and shooting.

He conceded that he still has to dig up $16,000 to pay for royalties on the soundtrack.

But it's all worth it, he said.

"Basically the message behind the movie I felt was really important," he said. "I wanted to go against the grain and complete what I started."

A spokesperson for Bridgestone could not be reached this week.

To watch the trailer, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9RaUnKRkOE.

The filmmaker has also started a campaign to cover the movie's remaining costs. To learn more, go to: www.indiegogo.com/slowfade?a=1557256, or www.slowfadethemovie.com.

And once it's available, Anstett encourages everyone to check out his creation.

"It may not be Hollywood style," he said. "But for an independent film, it holds its own."