I had recently filmed a student project of David performing a Psalmic monologue. I really liked the look and feel of the footage and we still had extra beautiful shots that were not used in the project. So when I heard of the Engage art competition I began to think of ways I could use the footage that wasn’t used to make a cohesive story. I tried to find ways to connect the story of David to the modern day spiritual warfare of Christian life. I quickly thought of connecting David to the present world through a bedtime story between a father and her daughter. The new scenes instantly made the film more heartfelt and gave space to create a sweet but powerful message within the short story. After filming my team and I began rearranging the script to really highlight the tender moments. Even though the shots were originally not intended to be edited together we were able to take two different worlds and combining them into one, creating one overlapping story. I believe we were able to create a bridge between spiritual warfare of both the old and new testaments. I love to produce epic films but I believe for the message to be impactful, they must be relevant and believable for your audience and I believe we accomplished our goal.
To me, David represents in the physical world how our warfare should be handled in the spiritual world. Even though David was strong and anointed, he maintained a deep unwavering reliance on God. David knew how to strengthen himself in the Lord and stand firm against the enemy. While David physically suits up for battle, we get to spiritually suit up! David kept a tender heart towards God but still dealt fiercely with his enemies, he was a powerful warrior and a passionate worshipper. David’s preparation for a physical battle gives an epic illustration of what we get to do in the spirit. Though we do not fight against people as David did, we as Christians get to suit for a battle that is just as if not more epic! A little girl singing praises to God may look very different but it is just as powerful. We have traded in our swords and armor for truth, holiness, peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God, to dismantle the plans of the enemy through prayer and worship.
Director/Writer/Producer - Jason Koch
Cinematographer - Japheth Mast
2nd Cinematographer - Christian McKean
Editors - Jason Koch & Christian McKean
Music By - Sebastian Walter Watzinger
David Jason Koch
Dad John Paul Rittell
Daughter Evangeline Rittell
Jason Koch is a trained actor and is open to acting roles.
Opening Title:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12
INT. CAVE – morning
DAVID hunches over a candle, barely illuminating his face as he kneels by a piece of parchment. The cave walls are close and shadows of the flickering light dance around him.
David
Please, God, show me mercy!
Pour out your grace,
for you are my soul’s shelter.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings,
under the wings of your angels,
until this storm is past.
DAVID crumples the parchment and holds it to the candle, it begins to burn and he tosses it away. The burning parchment fades out of focus and DAVID draws another piece from his satchel. He begins to furiously write.
David V.O.
For I am surrounded by fierce and brutal men.
Like lions wanting to tear me to shreds.
Why must I continue to live among these seething terrorists,
breathing out their angry threats and insults against me? God, only you can save me.
DAVID throws down the pen and blows out the candle, walking out of the cave.
David begins to sharpen his sword. There is a fiery resolve.
David
There is only one strong and secure place for me;
In God alone whom I love!
And I will sing of the one who gives victory to kings—
the one who rescues David, your loving servant,
from the fatal sword.
He stabs the sword into the ground.
Our enemies will not invade our land!
int. Bedroom - Night
Child is sitting on Dad's lap while reading a children's book about DAVID on the bed. A lamp illuminates the room. The child has a look of confusion on his/her face.
Dad
Our enemies will not invade our land! So David was on a journey and he ran away.
Child
Wait. Why did David run away?
Dad
Well, I don't know, sometimes people get afraid.
Child
He was afraid?
Dad
Yes, he was really scared, and David sang to God...
Child
Why?
Dad
Singing to God is a great way to gain strength.
Child
Why singing?
Dad
Because worship is a great way to build faith, and strong faith is hard to stop.
Child
Ok.
Dad
Let's continue. (Clears his throat) And David continued to sing.
ext. creek - day
David is singing near a quiet stream singing of God's faithfulness.
Where can I go from your Spirit
Where can I flee from your presence
If I fall to the depths you hear it
If I rise to the heavens Lord I know
You’ll always be there
You hand hold me fast
I will not fear
Your faithfulness lasts
INT. CAVE – morning
Dad begins to move off the bed while preparing his child for sleep. Child is still awake and ready to read more.
Dad
(beat) Well! That's it for tonight.
Child
What! We can't end there.
Dad
We'll read the rest tomorrow.
Child
Dad!
Dad
Yeah?
Child
Will I ever be a warrior like David one day?
Dad
You already are.
Child begins to sing the same song David sang quietly before falling asleep. Dad overhears it and rushes back in the room full of love.
Dad
But your prayers can stop the tickle monster.
Dad begins to playful tickle his kid.
Child
(Giggling) Daddy stop it.
Dad
Love you!
Child
Love you too!
Dad walks out and closes the door. Child begins to worship the Lord before she finally falls asleep.
End title: (Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. Psalm 8:2)
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