Commercial and Free Distribution Channels
Gospel Films Archive’s growing Christian film acquisitions, including the Cathedral Films archive, will be made widely available via two distinct but non-competitive distribution platforms:
1. For those with means who routinely patronize Christian retail and online video distributors, films and film collections will be sold and rented commercially by GFA distribution partner Vision Video via DVD, VOD, broadcast and streaming platforms. This income will help sustain the mission of GFA and provide the means for also making the films freely accessible to select demographics.
2. For those who cannot otherwise afford to rent or purchase, the films will be freely available in a variety of means such as free streaming channels, digital downloads and DVDs. For example, over the past two years GFA colleague Kirk McCrea has been featuring free DVD collections of specially programmed Christian films as part of Kirk’s mission King of Kings Book Table. The DVDs have been received with considerable enthusiasm.
Thousands of inner-city ministries across the United States supply food, clothing, holiday assistance, and other social services to the economically disadvantaged. Illiteracy rates can be high in these communities and the salvation and discipleship of many people can be further hampered by addiction, mental and physical disabilities, and homelessness. Thus, there is a great need to reach and disciple the simplest souls who live in the most squalid places, as well as those who are poor but living in a more stable environment.
GFA films offer viewers short, no-nonsense, easy to follow messages of salvation and the Christian life, and nicely overcome barriers of illiteracy or learning disabilities. The biblical richness that accompanies these films illustrates the virtues of the Christian life: being reconciled with God, laying aside a covetous lifestyle, giving oneself to others through service and missions, and the grace to share the sufferings of Jesus. We believe that the lives of many who are economically disadvantaged across the United States can become strengthened, encouraged, and more purpose-driven through the Bible-based themes and messages embedded in these films.
To reach this deserving but neglected audience, GFA, in addition to distributing the restored Cathedral Films commercially, plans to freely distribute
select films and DVD collections to family and homeless shelters, nursing homes and inner-city church video libraries. Free, individual distribution of the
films will allow people to reflect on the messages in their own homes, and can share with family, friends, and neighbors. Here is a sample film description
for a FREE DVD film program.
