The Jesus Guy Official Movie Blog

Pentecost Voyage

2011-07-14T16:42:00.003-04:00

The Jesus Guy composed a short highlight video filled with great shots and moments from his trip to the Pentecost. Check it out!

Soul Food Movies Review

2011-06-29T10:13:00.001-04:00

Soul Food movies did a great review of the The Jesus Guy film, a Sean Tracey production.

The Jesus Guy in Jerusalem

2011-06-29T09:54:00.006-04:00

The Jesus guy delivers a couple of video messages from Jerusalem telling us what he is up to. The subject of our movie has been invited by the Superior at the Jesuit House in Jerusalem, Father Joseph Nguyen, to do a one month discernment meditative program, a spiritual exercise of Saint Ignatius. His retreat will take place at the hermitage at Gethsemane, and will include Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Click on the links, there are 3 different videos 1, 2, 3

2011-05-04T15:02:00.001-04:00

"It's weird. I have a picture of What's His Name that I took years ago when he was in Philadelphia. I was scanning it to put it on my Mom's computer for her screensaver. I decided to google him and see if he was still around. That is how I came across your website. I decided to put it on my Facebook page because I liked him and thought maybe others might be interested in hearing about this movie. Of course, there are people who like him and those who think he is a kook and don't you know the first comment I get is from someone who thinks he is a real nut. Oh well, that's what makes the world go round, we are all different. Anyway, thank you for your work in getting this movie out. I am sure our family will enjoy it."

-An email from a Jesus Guy Enthusiast

The Jesus Guy is now Available on Netflix

2011-02-04T11:34:00.012-05:00

Director Sean Tracey's feature-length documentary movie, The Jesus Guy, just came out on Netflix. By putting it in your queue, you help us get Netflix to order DVDs. Please help by clicking on the link below.

The Jesus Guy on Netflix

A Pastor in Pennsylvania

2011-01-17T21:48:00.006-05:00

"I enjoyed the movie very much. It was neat to see WYN again and to see him as a real, flesh and blood person. I am still in awe of the way he lives and the mission he has to touch people's hearts with the love and grace of God. I want to do the same, and sometimes the "church structure" makes the ministry seem regimented. Its just so neat that he has made this opportunity to live the life style as a simple and unencumbered person. I am in a very small congregation, and there is a lot of discussion around this area that small churches are a thing of the past and that one church - one pastor is from the 60's and no longer valid in 2011. That scares me because in my small church I am able to be more of Jesus' presence to the people and have a one-on-one personal relationship with those whom I serve; whereas people from larger congregations tell me that members do not have a close relationship with their pastor. I hear them saying they like the big church because they can walk in and walk out without any personal contact. But, I ask, wasn't Jesus about personal contact and a one-on-one connection with God? WYN epitomizes that concept in a very unique and profound way."

"Thank you very much for taking the time to make this movie. In many ways The Jesus Guy has re-awakened questions and concerns that empower me in my ministry, and I really appreciate the opportunity you gave me to know more about WYN and his calling."

A Pastor in Pennsylvania

The Jesus Guy on TV

2010-12-30T12:58:00.005-05:00

Last week, What's Your Name (The Jesus Guy) was on the Award-Winning Sam Lesante Show. The show is the #1 talk show in all of Northeastern Pennsylvania. What's Your Name discussed what he has been doing in the past two years since he was in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. He talks about his trip to Rome and the time he spent in the holy land during holy week. What's Your Name continues to evangelize but mainly in Tampa, Florida due to some health problems that are restricting him from walking as much as he used to. He hopes that his words can be spread through the help of Sean Tracey's film, The Jesus Guy.

What's Your Name also discusses with Sam Lesante why he decided to make a movie and how it came about. Sean Tracey read about What's Your Name in Time Magazine and thought he would be an interesting subject to make a documentary about. An interview was arranged in Pennsylvania and together they decided to make a film. Together they filmed for 7 years and recorded over ninety hours of footage to create the documentary you can see today. What's Your Name is very happy with the outcome because of its authenticity and rawness. He fells that Sean made a film that captures special moments between people and their reactions. The whole episode of the show can be seen at ssptv.com.

TJG Featured in the Examiner

2010-11-29T11:42:00.003-05:00

The Jesus Guy was recently featured in a November 22nd article on The Examiner, a local online source for news and events. The article revealed that “The Jesus Guy” has been spotted in downtown Tampa, FL.

“If you see a man in Tampa with long hair, a beard, and a white robe, don’t be alarmed. You are not experiencing hallucinations or a religious vision.”

Jeffery Ramon, the author of the article, had a chance to sit down and talk with James about his journey. James has been in Tampa for about a year now with no immediate plans to travel elsewhere.

Read the full article here

Movie Night Success

2010-07-08T11:30:00.002-04:00

July 5th's FireDogLake Movie Night was a success! Read the interactive interview to learn more about The Jesus Guy movie from the Director, Sean Tracey.

Be A Part of The Jesus Guy Movie Night!

2010-07-02T11:33:00.012-04:00

This Monday, July 5, 2010 from 8:00-9:30 PM (EST), Firedoglake, a leading progressive blog, is going to host a Movie Night urging it's 1 million visitors a week to view The Jesus Guy movie on HULU.com (you can download it from this site and watch it on your computer -- or TV if it's hooked up to your computer).

Live Online Chat with Director, Sean Tracey

At 8:00 there will be a Q&A live chat online with Sean Tracey, director of the movie. Tell your friends to download and watch the movie via HULU, log on Monday night at 8:00, and participate in this exciting event!

Firedoglake (FDL) is an online news site featuring original reporting and commentary. The site has spotlighted a long list of famous and interesting guests that include Margaret Cho, John Cusack, Danny Elfman, Academy Award nominees Scott Hamilton Kennedy, director of the Academy Award nominated The Garden and The Cove, and Mike Rogers and Kirby Dick from Outrage. The FDL Movie Night is an interactive, real time typed chat with the filmmaker conducted in the comments section of the post about the movie.

James Journeys to Israel

2010-03-31T14:21:00.006-04:00

On Tuesday, March 30th we got an unexpected call from James Joseph (the Jesus Guy): he is in Israel for Holy Week! A friend of his who works for Delta Airlines invited him to go for free, and while he is wearing "ordinary" clothes at the airport and major checkpoints, James says his normal robe attire is creating quite a shock.
On Monday he arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel and he is currently in Ramallah, a city that serves as the capital of the Palestinian National Authority. He tells us that this is where many Christians live, and it is extremely fascinating for him to interact with the Palestinians.
We all look forward to hearing more about TJG's adventure overseas!

Seize the Day with Gus LLoyd interviews TJG

2010-03-18T13:05:00.004-04:00

On Wednesday, March 17th The Jesus Guy was interviewed on a radio show on the Catholic Channel (featured on Sirius and XM radio). A show called "Seize the Day" with Gus Lloyd had the Jesus Guy as a guest in what he described as "one of the most compelling interviews I have had in my nearly three decade radio career." Lloyd's blog even featured the Jesus Guy movie trailer.
View Lloyd's blog to learn more about the interview and his show here.
Thank you Maureen C. for informing us about the radio show!

"Have You Seen Him?": Tampa Columnist Tells All

2010-03-12T15:22:00.003-05:00

We recently heard that The Jesus Guy, who is currently roaming around the Tampa Bay area, was featured in a St. Petersburg Times article:
"Maybe you've seen him walking down the street and done a double-take: the Jesus Guy, convincingly bearded, Bibled, barefoot and robed."
Read the full article here.

Tampa Sighting

2010-01-12T10:04:00.004-05:00

Comment posted 1/11/10 on The Jesus Guy's YouTube Trailer page:

"I talked to this guy on Saturday. Currently he is in Tampa, Florida. He is not a bum or crazy in the head, he doesn't call himself "Jesus". He calls himself James and he is actually like a priest in the words that he says to people. He is a nice person and has no anger in him at all. His clothes are pure white, his teeth are clean, and he looks like he takes a shower every day, which ultimately means that he is not a bum. His clothes are to symbolize that he is a preacher and a follower of God. What I am trying to say is to not discriminate against him."

-soulcapta678

Thank you "Soulcapta678"

Walking With WYN

2009-11-17T09:18:00.018-05:00

"I recently met James "the jesus guy" in Vero Beach Florida, and i got some fantastic photos of him.

So today i was killing a hour before i had to pick my father up from a meeting and i saw a man who looked like Jesus walking down a major road bare foot, so having my camera on me i instantly turned around and snapped some shots of him while he was walking. I then decided to get out of the car and talk to him, i talked to him for almost a hour and even walked about a mile with him as he was heading to Tampa.

He never once pressed Religion on me, he asked about my beliefs but never went further than that, i then brought it up later on. He was the most warmhearted man i have ever met in my life and if anyone ever sees him, i really think you should take the time to talk to him.

I am not a very religious person and its a rather hot topic with me, but after speaking with him i feel my spiritual beliefs have become more open.

-Cameron"

Thanks Cameron for sharing your story and your photos!

Veteran's Day in Fort Pierce

2009-11-11T14:47:00.007-05:00

I live and work in Fort Pierce, Florida. I work at St. Anastasia Church and James was at Mass this morning and talked to the children (we have a school) about trusting God. It was a special Veteran's Day Mass so the church was packed. I talked to him for awhile. He is so cool. A couple of teachers were concerned for the children, so they called the cops. After questioning him for a while, they finally left. His feet are amazingly good after walking all over the world barefoot. He has a TOTAL trust in God. We all asked him to pray for us. And we in turn will pray for him. Thanks. I can't wait to get the documentary about him.

God bless, Darlene

Thanks Darlene for contacting us and sharing your story. It's great to hear where "What's Your Name?" is, what he is up to and how he touches people.

WYN in Rome!

2009-11-03T09:06:00.002-05:00

"What's Your Name?" was scheduled to arrive back from his trip in Italy on Friday, October 30th. On his trip, WYN and Father Anton, visited the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi during the festival devoted to the saint. The two also met with an undisclosed Cardinal in the Vatican. Sounds like "What's Your Name?" had an excellent trip overseas! Let us know if anyone has any other updates!

Tell Us Your Story

2009-10-29T09:35:00.006-04:00

We are pleased to share Dulce Maria Medina's story of her first encounter with "What's Your Name?" Thanks so much to Dulce Maria. If you would like to tell your story, please send it to us at info@thejesusguy.com.

"About 4 years ago on a hot Atlanta day he was walking barefoot on a back road leading to a church & I had recognized him from a magazine I had looked at in the year 2000 so I was happy to turn around & start talking with him & asking questions....clearly he is special he told me to go to church every Sunday go to confession & have god in my life I asked him if he could come to my house & meet my Mom & bless my house & he agreed....& -I never pick up strangers!- my Mom doesn't speak English but that was no problem because he spoke fluent Spanish...he blessed me he blessed my mom & blessed my house it was so special I truly believe this man is special from god then I dropped him off at church & came back with my godmother so she can meet him & he blessed her too...then this Mexican guy who had been driving him around & staying with told me to tell him if he would accept money so he can use on his journey but the Jesus Guy got very upset & would not accept one dime he told me the Mexican was offending him...the guy was going to give him a lot of money too...this is how I know truly this guy is not a fake he is genuinely real & all he wants to do is get all of us close to our god & be blessed...I feel so lucky to have met him & will never forget! I hope he remembers me! He is a blessing from God & a great Man!!!

Sincerely,

Dulce Maria Medina"

Preaching at New Heights

2009-10-15T09:09:00.003-04:00

Morten from Norway shared with us how he met "What's Your Name?" on a plane ride from Mexico City to Frankfurt, Germany earlier this month. We suspect that his plane ride was one of the legs of "What's Your Name?"s trip to Italy. Morten said WYN was a "very interesting guy, I enjoyed his company. He told me about the film."

Thanks Morten, we hope you enjoy the DVD.

"What's Your Name?" has made it to Rome!

2009-10-08T16:27:00.005-04:00

We have been informed that "What's Your Name?" has been spotted in Rome eating pizza!

Thanks B.K. for the information.

"What's Your Name?" in LaPlace, LA

2009-10-06T12:57:00.004-04:00

"What's Your Name?" visited the Perpetual Adoration Chapel in LaPlace, LA. The people of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel were touched and would like to wish "What's Your Name?" well on his journey. Also, the AP Louisiana News did a wonderful article on the visit.

Thanks to Linda for the information!

Sighting!

2009-10-01T11:42:00.003-04:00

Anna, from Garyville, LA, saw a man wearing a white robe and no shoes carrying a Bible, walking along a levee in Louisiana. Could it be "What's Your Name?"? If so, we encourage anyone who spots him to please let us know about their sighting.

"What's Your Name?" Speaks in NJ

2009-09-17T09:11:00.011-04:00

On September 11th( last Friday), "What's Your Name?" was a special guest speaker at mass in Saint Aloysius School in Jackson, New Jersey, and was a big hit. The school and community gathered as the first mass of the school year was celebrated in the new church by the Parish’s new associate priest, Father Brian Woodrow. Those who lost their life in the attacks on September 11th were also remembered with honor and in prayer. The school would like to thank him and wish him luck as he continues his walk with the Lord.

Thanks to Olive for the information!

Breaking News!

2009-09-15T15:58:00.006-04:00

“What’s Your Name?” is driving from South Jersey to Larchmont, New York, to meet up with Father Benedict Groeschel (as seen on EWTN). If you spot him let us know!

Barefoot Wonder Alert!

2009-09-08T12:15:00.003-04:00

We have received some information that "What's Your Name?" is in Central Jersey, traveling south along the shore. Keep an eye out!

"What's Your Name?" Heads to Rome!

2009-09-02T11:26:00.000-04:00

Director, Sean Tracey, has recently spoken with "What's Your Name?" with his updated travel plans. "What's Your Name?" is heading down to Panama City to catch his flight, which is scheduled to leave on October 2nd for the Vatican and Rome. He will be meeting up with his friend, Father Anton, and will spend the remainder of October, returning on the 28th.

Double Take in NJ

2009-08-19T11:48:00.008-04:00

Yesterday we got a call from Gino who spotted "What's Your Name?" on the road in Hampton, NJ. Gino reported, "It's 95 degrees out and he's walking barefoot on hot pavement. How can anyone do that? He wouldn't accept shoes from me, nor take any money." Gino said he turned the car around after doing a double-take of the robed man on the side of the road. The sight of "What's Your Name?" totally took him off guard, Gino said, "I'm scratching my head!" He was also surprised that "What's Your Name?" was so clean despite his lifestyle of being on the road. "It's a miracle!" he concluded.

Gino gave "What's Your Name?" a ride to the St. Ann's Church in Asbury, NJ. Thanks, Gino, for calling in. Many followers of WYN's journey want updates and to learn where he is and ideas of where he might be headed.

Others on a Spiritual Quest

2009-08-17T15:13:00.010-04:00

If you live between Roanoke, VA and Washington D.C. you may have seen a group of six strangely familiar robed figures. No these are not Jesus Guy impostors, nor are they Jedi-wannabes on their way to a Star Wars convention. These men are Franciscan friars on a modern day quest for God.

For six weeks these brothers walked over 300 miles of Virginia’s country roads and highways with little more than the robes on their backs, the sandals on their feet, and a strong belief in the good of mankind. They survived by eating only when food was offered to them and sleeping under what shelter could be found. In exchange they offered wisdom, guidance, and conversation for whoever sought their council. Sound familiar? Those of you who’ve followed our film’s protagonist, "What’s Your Name?", and his journey will find this very familiar. The only difference; "What’s Your Name?" has been doing this for over 15 years now—pretty much non-stop.

The Washington Post reported, that after reaching their destination, a monastery near Catholic University, the Franciscan friars spent the day reminiscing about the journey, the goodness of man, and preaching their message; “Anything can happen when you live in the moment, one step at a time, but to find that out you have to be willing to take that one step.”

Read the whole article, “Friars Trudge 300 Miles and Find Kindred Souls on the Way” by William Wan, in The Washington Post.

Photo courtesy Marcus Yam- The Washington Post. To view the full photo gallery click here.

Trip to Italy postponed

2009-08-17T13:14:00.004-04:00

There has been a change of plans pertaining to "What's Your Name's?" trip to Italy. His trip has been postponed until Oct. 2nd and will be flying out of Miami. His flight and ticket are confirmed and word has it he is very excited.

Trip to Italy fast approaching

2009-08-05T13:13:00.003-04:00

The time for "What's Your Name?" to begin his trip to Italy is fast approaching. In less than a week, hopefully without any serious delays, WYN should be in warm, sunny Italy preaching humble living and faith-driven discipline. How will he be received? Will he accomplish what he has set out to do there? Will he have an audience with the Pope? More to come... keep an eye out for him if you happen to be there!

The Cinderella Story of the Jesus Guy

2009-07-13T15:07:00.009-04:00

A "Whats Your Name?" encounter in Mahanoy City, PA spawns plenty of questions with more answers than expected.

Seeing a white cloaked, barefooted man walking up a hill, Jesse, on his way home from Mahanoy City stopped to offer a lift to who he thought was "a nut". However, after some deep conversation he soon realized that the man, "Whats Your Name?" a.k.a. The Jesus Guy, is much more. "I really expected a load of crap, but in the end he answered all my questions." WYN was offered dinner and was brought to the Church in Allentown at 11th St. and Tilghman where he gave some advise on praying and received Jesse's phone number. Coincidentally enough, WYN left his sandal in Jesse's car, putting to use the suggestion to call if he needed anything! A near Cinderella story that shows how the world works in mysterious ways!

Tomorrow Jesse hopes to return the sandal to WYN and bring him back to the Church in Mahanoy City where Mother Theresa used to pray.

WYN to speak at Delano, PA Church

2009-06-30T15:04:00.009-04:00

"What's Your Name?" has been invited to attend and speak at a service on:

July 5th @ 8:00am
Faith UCC Church
Delano, PA

Thanks to Trish and her family, we hope you had an enjoyable experience meeting WYN, and thanks again for passing on his message.

Coincidence or a Divine Hand at Work?

2009-06-24T09:26:00.007-04:00

Making a few pit stops before his trip to Italy, below is an encounter with a recent sighting of "What's Your Name?" and his profound impact on a family's life.

[Click here to read the story]

Thank you Sean from Harleigh, PA for sharing this amazing story!

Italy or Bust

2009-06-22T11:15:00.003-04:00

It's official, "What's Your Name?" has his ticket and is ready to jet off to Italy!
Father Anton and "What's Your Name?" plan on departing on August 11th and will visit the Vatican City for the first week then go separate ways.
"What's Your Name?" plans on staying in for a few months.

The Hills are alive with the sound of The Jesus Guy

2009-06-01T10:10:00.002-04:00

ORF of Austria will be broadcasting The Jesus Guy Tuesday, June 2nd at
10:30pm. Anyone that receives the ORF 2 channel will be able view the
showing in the USA, 4:30pm (EMT).

Benvenuto!

2009-06-01T10:07:00.016-04:00

Looks like all is a "go" for "What's Your Name's?" trip to Rome and the Vatican. Passport. Check.

Ticket. Check.
Traveling Companion. Check. (A Priest friend, Fr. Anton Ba Phan)
Shoes... unnecessary?
Through the generosity of friends of WYN, who donated frequent flier miles for his ticket, our barefoot evangelist will be making his way to Rome and the Vatican on August 11th. Bon Voyage, and good luck!

Perhaps, "What's Your Name?" will have and audience with the Pope? (You never know!)

If you’re ever in...

2009-05-27T09:45:00.005-04:00

The Jesus Guy MySpace page recently received a message to pass along to "What’s Your Name?" from Jacquie in Shenandoah, PA. Recently providing "What’s Your Name?" with a ride on Sunday, May 24, Jaquie told us that she thoroughly enjoyed her conversation with him. Jacquie wishes she could have had more time to talk to him, saying her interaction was “enlightening.”
So... "What’s Your Name?", if you are ever in Drums, PA, stop by the Pilot Truck Stop because Jacquie’s co-workers would love to meet and talk to you!

Spotted!

2009-05-11T12:35:00.004-04:00

Ken, a fellow-follower, spotted "What's Your Name?" yesterday, Sunday, May 10 on 15th Street in Hazelton, PA. Ken spoke with "What's Your Name?" for about 10 minutes and sent us this photo. Thanks Ken for keeping us posted on the whereabouts of "What's Your Name!"

Have you spotted "What's Your Name?" Send us the info (where, when and what you discussed)!

Late Night Sighting

2009-05-04T10:32:00.015-04:00

Jacqueline Dormer, a photojournalist for the Republican-Herald, could not help but snap a photo of "What's Your Name?" when she spotted him on her walk home, in Pottsville, PA. She remembered him from a story that her paper covered several years ago. She emailed Sean, to inform him of her recent sighting of "What's Your Name?" Within the email she told Sean that she had blogged about her encounter on her own site and mentioned "He ["What's Your Name?"] told me about the documentary and it looks incredible!" To read her blog click here.

Interview with John Gaspard

2009-04-30T10:08:00.002-04:00

Recently, Sean Tracey, director of The Jesus Guy, interviewed with John Gaspard of Fas t, Cheap Movie Thoughts on the documentary process of the video and what drew him to "What’s Your Name’s?" story. To view the article, visit the post here.

Spotted Again

2009-04-29T13:25:00.001-04:00

Here is a photo from April 28th of “What’s Your Name?” talking with a driver at a car wash. Thanks Maria, it seems he has been very busy and has decided to spend some time in and around Hazelton, PA.

Have you spotted “What’s Your Name?" Send us the info; where, when, what you discussed, and any pictures you might want to share.

Taking to the Air!

2009-04-21T11:05:00.006-04:00

With the help of Mayor Louis J. Barletta of Hazleton, PA, "What's Your Name?"is working on getting his passport. "What's Your Name?"anticipates traveling to Italy soon. Stay tuned to see where else his travels bring him!

Where in the World is What's Your Name?!

2009-04-21T10:58:00.006-04:00

He's on the move again. If you've encountered him ("What's Your Name?", James Joseph, The Jesus Guy) please share with us when and where you saw him. Click on "Comment" below to share!

Double Take

2009-03-31T16:10:00.005-04:00

Continuing on his journey, "What’s Your Name?" has been spotted in Gaithersburg, Maryland on March 31. "What’s Your Name?" made a stop at the St. John Neumann Catholic Church and was recognized from a previous appearance there. The call came in from Bill who recalls meeting "What’s Your Name?" a few years back saying "He seems real! He's been doing this too long to be a fake."

5 Chances to Catch The Jesus Guy

2009-02-02T10:48:00.013-05:00

The Spirit in the House Festival is showing not one, not two but five screenings of The Jesus Guy. All screenings will be shown at the Hennepin Ave United Methodist Church, which is located at 511 Groveland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403. The film will be screened during the following days and times:

February 27th at 7 pm

February 28th at 4 pm

March 1st at 2:30 pm

March 4th at 8:30 pm

March 6th at 7 pm

For more information about The Spirit in the House Festival visit their website.

Tune in Hazleton

2009-01-28T16:41:00.005-05:00

"What's Your Name?" will appear tonight on the Local News broadcast at 5:30pm on Cable Channel 13 in the Hazleton, PA. If you are not in the area, you can stream the live broadcast online, click here. If you miss the broadcast, you can watch it in "past shows" at www.ssptv.com (Sam-Son Productions). There may be more shows coming up this week featuring "What's Your Name?" Tune in!

Tracking What's Your Name

2009-01-27T16:40:00.004-05:00

"What's Your Name?" has currently been spotted January 24 at the St. Francis Church in Allentown, PA. After spending 3 days at St. Francis Church, "What's Your Name?" continued his journey to his next stop to Sacred Heart Church in Hazleton, PA. First he was given a ride to Schnecksville, but braved the rest of the way on foot in frigid 28 degree weather. Hopefully, he will arrive before the looming snow storm.

Full House in Tulsa

2008-12-11T11:27:00.007-05:00

This past Sunday, The Jesus Guy screened at the Tulsa United Film Festival to a crowded audience. It was a huge success. "The screening was great and packed," said Executive Director of the festival, Jason Connell. This is the festivals 6th year in running. Connell states, "I love that it keeps evolving, because that's interesting and it helps us keep growing the festival."

Image of Executive Director: Jason Connell

Tulsa United Film Festival

2008-11-13T10:16:00.007-05:00

We're very excited that The Jesus Guy has been selected to play at the Tulsa United Film Festival. At this festival art and creativity come together to create a united film community. The film is screening Sunday, December 7th, 2008 at 6:00 PM, at the Circle Cinema. The theater is located at: 10 South Lewis Avenue Tulsa, OK.Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Tulsa United Film Festival website. Click here to see the great line up!

TJG: Coming to South Carolina

2008-10-29T13:02:00.008-04:00

The Jesus Guy documentary will be showing at Anderson University. Anderson University is a Baptist school located in Anderson, South Carolina. The film will be screened on Wednesday, February 11th at 8 PM in the Sullivan building. The event is free and hosted by Alpha Psi Omega (theatre fraternity).

Coming To a Theater Near You!

2008-10-15T10:05:00.007-04:00

We've had a lot of requests to screen The Jesus Guy movie, especially from cities and towns that the barefoot evangelist, "What's Your Name?" has been. If you think there might be a strong interest in your area, and know of a good independent movie house, church, college or other location that might host the film, please email us your ideas and contact names and places. We're starting to line up a tour for the movie, including a Q&A with the director, Sean Tracey.

Spirit in the House Film Festival

2008-09-25T09:24:00.007-04:00

The Jesus Guy will be screening in Minneapolis, at the Spirit in the House Film Festival in March 2009. Check back for the film lineup on the website. Thank you Jason Carney of the Phoenix film festival for recommending The Jesus Guy to the festival. Stay tuned for more information, regarding the screening!

The Free Films Program 2008

2008-09-15T13:51:00.006-04:00

The Jesus Guy will be shown this December as part of The Free Films Program 2008 in Australia. The Free Films Program has bi-weekly film screenings at the Velvet Lounge. The Jesus Guy will be shown Monday, December 22 at 8 p.m. The Velvet Lounge is located at 639 Beaufort St., Mt Lawley, Australia. Check out Free Films facebook group or send an email to splif_@hotmail.com for more information.

Marlin's Mystery Box

2008-08-28T15:13:00.011-04:00

We received a box at our office from Marlin Heckindorn. He managed a website for "What's Your Name?" before Sean started the movie and took over from there. Marlin tracked WYN's whereabouts online for all to see. When Marlin contacted us to see if we were interested in a "box of WYN stuff" left over from when he was running the website, we were eager to receive it.

The mystery box arrived and with great care we examined the contents. Enclosed were various newspaper clippings, press interviews and notes WYN made along his journeys. We admit we were hoping for an old robe, a lock of hair or an old prayer book, but what we discovered was just as interesting, including a letter from the Scranton Diocese, articles with photos of a "young" WYN (not the full beard) and "fan notes" from Pennsylvania to Michigan.

Update from Italy

2008-08-25T09:05:00.003-04:00

Simone Fratini of the Biografilm Off Festival 2008 reported the screening of The Jesus Guy was "a great public success" as it was one of their "diamonds" at the festival. The film was presented by Franco La Polla, one of the most important professors of literature and film at the Bologna University, and "influential film critic" around the world. Approximately, 70 people attended the screening. More details to come once the festival's press office completes their reviews and festival report.

Indianapolis Fringe Festival

2008-07-24T08:47:00.006-04:00

The Jesus Guy will be screening at the Indianapolis Fringe Film Festival. This is the Indiana (and Mid-west) Premiere!

Saturday, August 16 at 5pm

Lockerbie Central UMC, 237 North East Street, Indianapolis

To purchase tickets, click here.

And to check out the line up, click here.

Back in Cullman

2008-07-22T08:41:00.006-04:00

John Arsenault just confirmed this morning that "What's Your Name?" is back in Cullman, Alabama. "What's Your Name?" was gone for about 2 weeks to visit his mother in Midland, Michigan and his father and brother in Toledo, Ohio.

"What's Your Name?" is on the move!

2008-07-14T10:47:00.005-04:00

Reporter, Angela Lackey of the Midland Daily News has spotted "What's Your Name?" in Midland, Michigan this past week. To see her full article click here or to read her blog about her encounter with "What's Your Name?" click here. "What's Your Name?" is now on his way to Bay City and then on to Toledo. If you spot him, please keep us posted. Ask him to call us!

Doug Harris, front, of Midland, talks to a missionary known only as "What's Your Name?" Thursday morning on Ashman in Midland. "What's Your Name?" has been traveling the country for more than 17 years, sacrificing all his worldly possessions to live as Jesus and his disciples once did. "What's Your Name?" who resembles Jesus, does not claim to be him. He only intends to travel the world spreading the message of Jesus to others. (Daily News/NATHAN MORGAN)

Foreign Broadcast

2008-07-02T13:03:00.003-04:00

Nha-Uyen Chau of Looking Glass International (our foreign distributor) just contracted our first foreign broadcast of The Jesus Guy. The film will be screening on the Biography Channel in Australia and New Zealand, on Wednesday, July 16 at 8:30pm EAST. Tune in, if you can!

Screening Info for European Premiere at BiografilmOff

2008-07-01T12:47:00.002-04:00

The Jesus Guy will be screening as part the Biografilm Festival's program, BiografilmOff:

Tuesday, July 8

Courtyard of the Quadriportico of Saint Leonardo

Bologna, Italy

According to Riccardo of the BiografilmOff Staff, "Everyone is talking about the film." It should be a great turnout. For more info on the festival, click here.

Connecticut Film Festival - Doc Panel

2008-06-13T10:22:00.001-04:00

The screening at the Connecticut Film Festival went well. Sean even participated in a filmmaker's panel about making documentaries, from concept to screen.

(L-R: Sean Tracey - director of The Jesus Guy, Kelly Nyks - director of Split: A Divided America, Michael Patrick Kelly - director of Operation Lysistrata, David Sauvage - director of Carissa)

European Premiere

2008-05-28T09:29:00.003-04:00

The Jesus Guy will premiere in Europe at the Biografilm Festival in Bologna, Italy. The screening will take place at the internal courtyard of Quadriportico of Saint Leonardo next month.

Connecticut Film Festival

2008-05-09T10:20:00.002-04:00

The Jesus Guy screening at the Connecticut Film Festival is:

Saturday, May 24

5:00pm

All Nations Church, 234 Main Street, Danbury, CT

*The film will be screened in English with Spanish Subtitles.

Director, Sean Tracey will be attending the screening and participating in a Q&A following.

For ticket info, click here.

Having a Ball!

2008-05-08T10:34:00.006-04:00

Director, Sean Tracey shares behind-the-scene info in a Q&A with Josh Armstrong at ConversationalBall.com. Josh, thanks for a great article!

Click here for the complete article.

The Verdict is in!

2008-05-01T10:38:00.001-04:00

"All in all, The Jesus Guy is a very good example of what a filmmaker can do with an interesting subject and a commitment to objectivity, making the film well worth any viewer’s time."

-Ben Saylor, CinemaVerdict.com

To read the entire article, click here.

News from the LA United Film Festival

2008-04-22T20:58:00.016-04:00

The Jesus Guy premiered in Beverly Hills at the LA United Film Festival on April 20th. The film was in good company, with a roster of award-winning films and documentaries...some that played with The Jesus Guy at other festivals. I finally got to see Darius Goes West, which I highly recommend, now available on DVD at dariusgoeswest.com. Jason Connell's fun film, Strictly Background, strictlybackground.com also played, and is one of my favorites from the festival circuit that I've seen.

The LA festival kicked off with a great party at the Gibson Guitar Museum and showroom, with a live performance from one of the festival film's subjects, Larry Pierce, from Dirty Country, dirtycountrymovie.com. Let's just say it wasn't politically correct, but it was hilarious.

Perhaps the best part of the festival in LA is that a lot of my friends, who have moved there to pursue careers in commercials and movies showed up to support the movie. actor/writer,

Brian Connors, producer/writer,

Kim Reeves, singer/songwriter, Kelly Slattery, art director Rob Engel, actress, Lea Renay-Contarino,

actor/comedians,

Jim & Tamra Meskimen,

found at: appliedsillyness.com...thanks to all for coming!

Additional Screening in Connecticut

2008-04-08T08:30:00.004-04:00

Just in, another screening on the tour of the Connecticut Film Festival has been added.

Sunday, April 13 at 1:15pm

Marquis 16 Theaters

100 Quarry Road

Trumbull, CT 06611

Don't forget the big event for the Connecticut Film Festival in May 20-25. Sean will be attending that screening and participating in a Q&A immediately following.

Private Screening at Seacoast Academy

2008-04-07T11:42:00.008-04:00

At 8am Monday morning, in lieu of their normal chapel service, Seacoast Academy (private middle school in the NH Seacoast area) screened The Jesus Guy with a Q&A following. Scott Votey, Head of School, invited Sean to screen the film because Scott believed that the documentary and having Sean there to answer questions about the subject and about filmmaking would be a value to the students. Sean is also a Trustee of the Academy and has been a part of it since the very first "visioning" meeting in 2002. It was a pleasure to have a private screening of The Jesus Guy at the school. The students asked pointed questions about the life and philosophy of the barefoot evangelist and they were very curious and smart about the filmmaking process.

IMDB

2008-04-06T12:05:00.000-04:00

The Jesus Guy is now listed on IMDB (Internet Movie Database). Be sure to add your reviews or start a forum discussion.

Director's Recap from Ozark Foothills FilmFest

2008-04-05T15:09:00.005-04:00

Click here for the story in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

Ozark Foothills is a great little film fest with great big heart!
Bob and Judy Pest have put together a fantastic venue (the Independence Hall Auditorium) and a great group of people to see an artfully-selected group of films. Bob Pest has been involved and on the Board of Directors of some other fine festivals (Indie Memphis, Hot Springs, PBS, etc.), so when he gets behind a film and programs it, you can be sure it's worth the watching. Bob is passionate about film and supporting the filmmakers. He knew my film and understood its meaning and message as well as anyone who's seen it. Thanks for paying attention, Bob!

During this trip, I especially enjoyed the time I got to spend meeting Chris Eska (writer/director) and Jason Wehling (producer), of August Evening, this year's Cassavetes Award Winner at the Indie Spirit Awards. Chris and I were picked up and dropped off at the airport together (going our separate ways to the East and West Coasts), and had much time to talk about indie distribution, festivals, and filmmaking in general. On the way, we saw the areas flooded out by the Mississippi and the White Rivers. Just a few weeks earlier, on a trip via Memphis to the Oxford Film Fest, I saw the ravages of the tornadoes that passed thru just days earlier. If The Jesus Guy is scheduled to air in your town, better watch the weather!

Sean Tracey, Chris Eska, Jason Wehling

Photo by Keith Sturch

More Reviews

2008-03-30T11:29:00.004-04:00

The Jesus Guy continues to receive great reviews.

MovieMaker Magazine by Melissa Rose Kimbler, features Sean Tracey as a first-time director. Click here.

Indie Express by Shane Morton, click here.
" I found myself strangely admiring this person who seemed to transcend human emotion, fear and needs. Then, the film became truly fascinating. Sean Tracey found the chink in the subjects finely tuned armor. His hidden humanity."

Arkansas Democrat Gazette by Philip Martin, click here.
There is an audio file of part of the interview, as well.
"Ultimately The Jesus Guy gives us an opportunity to examine our convictions and beliefs. "What’s Your Name?" is confounding because he’s obviously not a run-of-the-mill Jesus guy. He talks the talk, he walks the walk. In the end it may be that his example is more important than any of the soothing platitudes he utters. You can question his efficacy, but not his commitment."

New Press on The Jesus Guy

2008-03-24T12:19:00.005-04:00

A big thanks goes to Angela Lackey who ran her article about the film in the Midland Daily News (Michigan) on Easter, click here to read the full article.

Also, the film was noted last Thursday in the St. Petersburg Times (Florida). Click here to read that article by Jack Bray.

"Best of" Screening Last Night

2008-03-19T11:05:00.008-04:00

Last night, The Jesus Guy screened in Manchester, NH at St. Anselm's College as part of "The Best of the New Hampshire Film Festival." Director, Sean Tracey attended the screening and once again had a great Q&A session. A special thanks to Michael Wynne for putting it together. And thanks to all those that attended. We'd love to hear your thoughts and encourage you to continue your discussion here (just click on "comment" below). Sean is happy to answer more questions!
In press matters, Sean is being interviewed today by the Midland Daily News in Midland, Michigan for a feature story about The Jesus Guy that will run this Sunday (Easter). "What's Your Name?" was in that area for a while and stayed with a family there. Stay tuned for that article. In the meantime, you can see the original story on him that ran in 2003 here.

Harvard University Divinity School Screening

2008-03-17T12:07:00.011-04:00

What can you say when a 66-minute movie is followed by a 2-hour Question & Answer session?

Fantastic! That's what happened recently when The Jesus Guy screened at Harvard Divinity School to an enthusiastic audience of religious scholars, students, and clergy. We had to shut down the questions, because they just wouldn't stop. The audience's questions were thoughtful, incisive, deeply probing—what I had hoped for from Harvard. For me, being invited to screen at the Divinity School (see HDS link above) legitimizes the film. We've had great success and reviews from film festival audiences, but I wouldn't expect them to be as critical as the Harvard group. This cross-denominational group, it seemed from the Q&A, was surprised at the depth of the film and its subject, and was very curious to learn more about "What's Your Name's?" beliefs and background. We had a similar experience with an early screening with the Bishop and clergy from the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire. At this event, the questions went well into the night and some clergy commented that they "lost sleep" over issues that this film and WYN's life illuminated, including what commitments and sacrifices they had/had not made for their own mission and the relatively comfortable lifestyle they had as priests. Thanks, Harvard!

The Jesus Guy goes to Beverly Hills

2008-03-16T15:20:00.005-04:00

Watch out West Coast, here comes The Jesus Guy! The film will have its West Coast Premiere at the Los Angeles United Film Festival on Sunday, April 20 at 1:30pm. The screening will be held at the Fine Arts Theatre, 8556 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA. Director, Sean Tracey will be attending the event. Purchase tickets here. We are currently scheduling press interviews for Sean. If you would like to meet with him, please contact us ASAP.
A big thanks goes to Jason Connell for making this West Coast Premiere possible!

Mark Your Calendar, Arkansas!

2008-03-15T15:51:00.002-04:00

The Jesus Guy will be joining the fabulous line up of the Ozark Foothills Film Fest. Screening on Saturday, March 29 at 6:00pm at the Independence Hall Auditorium, University of Arkansas Community College in Batesville, AR. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 870-251-1189. Director, Sean Tracey will be attending the screening.

Touring Connecticut

2008-03-10T15:11:00.000-04:00

The Jesus Guy is currently touring various theaters in Connecticut as part of the Connecticut Film Festival, now until May. The film will screen in May at the main event of the Connecticut Film Festival in downtown Danbury. Director, Sean Tracey will be attending the event, May 20-25. To find out where and when the film will be screening in a Connecticut town near you, click here. Screening dates continue to be added. So far the film has been at the Stamford Majestic Theater in Stamford, the Hartford Cinema City in Hartford and the Regent 8 Theaters in S. Norwalk.
Thanks goes out to Tom Carruthers for all his help and continued enthusiasm for the film!

International Premiere in Cartagena, Colombia

2008-03-08T15:03:00.001-05:00

The film goes international, screening at the 48th Annual Cartagena International Festival of Film & TV (the "Sundance" of South America) on March 7, 2008. We are thrilled to have been accepted to such a prestigious festival. Unfortunately, Sean was unable to attend. We are anxiously awaiting to hear how the film was received!

More Southern Exposure - Magnolia Independent Film Festival

2008-02-18T16:06:00.000-05:00

The film screened at the 11th Annual Magnolia Independent Film Festival on Saturday, February 16 in Starkville, MS. Heard the screening was well attended. Unfortunately, director Sean Tracey was unable to attend.

Oxford Film Festival Screening

2008-02-12T12:36:00.000-05:00

The Jesus Guy screened at the 5th Annual Oxford Film Festival on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 4:00pm at the Malco Oxford Studio Cinema at 1111 Jackson Ave. W in Oxford, MS. Director, Sean Tracey, attended! The film received "#1 Top Buzz" for the festival (before the screening) according to the B-Side (website administrator).

Comments from the director:
It’s been a couple weeks since I returned from the Oxford FF. We had another great screening. This time in a brand new multiplex with Dolby Sound, a huge screen, and stadium seating. We had a great audience, too. It’s fascinating to see people in different theaters, different cities, states, etc., all have the same reactions at the same moments in the film. Better yet, they’re the reactions I had hoped for. Laughs when I expected them, and suspicion-detecting “hummmms???” when they should occur.
I saw a couple of other great documentaries, including “The Devil Rides on Horseback” and “Nobody”. I met the directors of Nobody and hope to share info about distribution and theatrical release. Unfortunately, What’s Your Name could not make it to the festival.
Oxford is an enigma on it’s own. So beautiful, quite upscale, classic Southern looking town square. The disconnect is every Thursday-Saturday night when shuttle busses full of University of Mississippi kids funnel into the town to drink themselves silly.
By midnight, the streets are strewn with staggering frat boys and coed girls sitting (or laying prone) on the sidewalks because they’re so drunk they can’t walk in their high heels. Yes…they get decked out in expensive little cocktail dresses to drink beer! (There’s a documentary film waiting to be made here.)
The film is on to screenings at Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge, the Connecticut Film Festival, and St. Anselm’s College (”Best of the Best of the NH Film Festival” night), all in March. More later. Thanks for checking in.

"What's Your Name?" - Christmas Plans?

2007-12-06T14:06:00.002-05:00

"Tonanba" wrote in asking if anyone knew what "What's Your Name?" (aka James Joseph) was doing for Christmas. Any one know?

Film Threat Review

2007-12-06T09:28:00.000-05:00

Film Threat has reviewed the film. For the full review, check it out here.
Thanks Eric! It was a pleasure to meet you at Sidewalk.

“It’s gotta be rough making a documentary on someone who refuses to give any personal details about himself…but when it is all said and done…you understand that he’s not a dangerous wacko.”

-Eric Campos

Contributing Editor for Film Threat

A Note from the Director

2007-10-31T15:50:00.000-04:00

Having just finished our first two film festivals, I’m most impressed by the response from the audiences. They laugh when they should, and stick around after the film ends and have amazingly thoughtful questions. There’s never a dull moment and many hands are in the air simultaneously at our Q&As. We even had a visit from Mark Guydish, a reporter for the Times-Leader in Wilkes-Barre, PA, who drove from Pennsylvania to Portsmouth to see the finished film. Mark appears as one of the “nay-sayers” in the film, and wrote a wonderful follow up article that can be read here. Thanks to Mark and all the people who came out to support and celebrate the film’s debut. Now, on to the next festivals.

Film Screens Opening Day at the NH Film Festival

2007-10-13T12:02:00.005-04:00

We were privileged to screen The Jesus Guy opening day at the NH Film Festival. It's always been a dream to screen at The Music Hall here in Portsmouth. It was great to finally showcase the film for friends, family and colleagues. The attendance and Q&A were great. And the 2nd screening at the Muddy River Smokehouse was packed as well. Thanks to everyone that came out to support the film. Looking forward to your thoughts.

Nina (featured in the film) with Director, Sean Tracey and wife, Lina.

Nina (in the film), Ariane (Media Coordinator) and Rita (Associate Producer)

World Premiere at Sidewalk

2007-10-01T10:50:00.006-04:00

The Jesus Guy had its World Premiere at the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival on September 30, 2007 at 1:45pm at the Carver Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama. The screening was well attended, filling the theatre! And with "What's Your Name?" in attendance, it only drew more buzz. The Q&A and panel following the screening was great. Thank you, "What's Your Name?" for attending! Prior to the audience screening, "What's Your Name?" had his own private screening of the film as he had yet to see it. Overall the premiere was a huge success, complete with a TV segment on Fox 6 Evening News, an interview with the Starz network and "Wake Up Alabama" CBS host Alexa Jones as well as various morning radio show interviews. We enjoyed meeting other talented filmmakers and the amazing Sidewalk staff! Thank you for a great time and fabulous hospitality!
If you got to see the film, do share your thoughts with us!

NHPR "Front Porch" Interview

2007-09-26T15:10:00.002-04:00

Sean was featured on New Hampshire Public Radio's "Front Porch" with Liz Bulkley on Friday, September 21 at 6:30pm. If you didn't get to tune in, click here to listen!

Screening at the New Hampshire Film Festival

2007-09-18T08:23:00.000-04:00

More great news!
The Jesus Guy will be screening at the 7th Annual New Hampshire Film Festival.

Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 5:45pm
The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, NH

and again on

Friday, October 12, 2007 at 2:00pm
Muddy River Smokehouse, 21 Congress Street, Portsmouth, NH

Director Sean Tracey will be attending the screening!

For more info about the festival click here.
or to purchase tickets, click here.

Accepted to Screen at the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival

2007-08-16T16:00:00.005-04:00

Just in…
The Jesus Guy has been accepted to the 9th Annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival in Birmingham, AL! The dates of the festival are Sept 28-30. We are very excited to have the World Premiere of the film here in AL where "What’s Your Name?" is currently residing!

Update...
The screening info for the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival has been released.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
1:45pm at the Carver Theatre
Birmingham, Alabama
Both Sean Tracey (director) and "What’s Your Name?" (James Joseph) will be attending the screening.
To purchase tickets go to
http://sidewalk.bside.com/?_view=_filmdetails&filmId=32967310

Spoke to "What's Your Name?"

2007-08-01T11:05:00.001-04:00

I spoke with "What’s Your Name?" yesterday. We’re trying to set up a screening for him and some interested parties in the Birmingham, AL area and a Fox TV News segment/follow up on him and the debut of the film. He has not seen the finished movie yet, and I want to screen it with him in person if possible. We’re hoping to have the film screen at The Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, Sept 28-30th in Birmingham, too. On another note, unfortunately, after his double knee surgery, WYN is not able to get around or walk much. This is really hampering his ability to evangelize. Let’s hope his mobility is regained.

A Visit with Albert Maysles

2007-07-19T13:28:00.002-04:00

Hello friends:
A treasured moment for me this Monday in NYC. A nice long meeting with my documentary-making mentor and friend, Albert Maysles, about the completion of my own feature-length doc, The Jesus Guy.
www.mayslesfilms.com

Watch the Trailer and Share your Thoughts

2007-06-20T14:46:00.002-04:00

Based on the trailer, click here to watch it, what are your thoughts and impressions of the movie and the subject?

"What's Your Name?" - Whereabouts

2007-06-06T14:37:00.002-04:00

Just learned that "What’s Your Name?" is now proselytizing in Cullman, Alabama near the EWTN Catholic network TV station and the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament.