The GrandFathers

The GrandFathers
Produced by EGM

About the DVD

From Sacrifice to Reconciliation, a Young Man Discovers His Heritage in The Grandfathers

The Grandfathers showcases both the burden and benefit of the Saint family’s legacy.  Jesse Saint, Steve’s oldest son and Nate’s grandson, was not raised among the tribe like his father. He struggles to find his place under the weight of the memory of a famous grandfather he never knew and a heroic father he does not fully understand. This will all change after Jesse travels to the jungles of Ecuador with his family and gradually forms a special bond with Mincaye, one of the tribesmen who took part in his grandfather’s murder.  Only then will he confront his family’s past and come to terms with his own destiny. And there he will find his place in this story.

The Grandfathers chronicles the personal quest for greater connectedness and significance. It is also a moving tribute to ordinary people living extraordinary lives in extreme situations. Jim Hanon, the film’s director, states, “Forgiveness is an awe-inspiring virtue that seems to have been passed on by the Saint family and is shared by many among the Waodani tribe—both demonstrate a profound capacity for forgiveness and healthy self-healing.”

Steve Saint consulted with Jim Hanon and Mart Green, EGM’s producer,  to help bring the story of his father, Nate, to screen through the feature film End of the Spear and the companion documentary film Beyond the Gates of Splendor. These films trace events leading up to and including the deaths of these men.  More than that, they show the impact these events played on the lives of both their survivors and their killers. When the widows and their children went to live among the Waodani—a tribe regarded as the most violent on earth—they became an integral part of an incredible redemptive journey.

The Grandfathers, completes a trilogy produced by EthnoGraphic Media (EGM) that includes End of the Spear and Beyond the Gates of Splendor. These first two films, also from award-winning director Jim Hanon and producer Mart Green, tell the unforgettable and inspiring story of the killing of five missionaries by a stone-age tribe deep in the Amazon jungle. The impact of this tragic event lives on today in families of these slain men as well as among those responsible for their deaths.

My Thoughts

I sat down to watch The Grandfathers while my husband were at a Jeremy Camp concert with our two oldest sons, Alexandre age 9 and Dominic age 7.   I didn’t know what to expect.  I had come to discover the story of Nate Saint and his fellow missionaries a few years ago when the pastor of the church we were attending preached about it.    Since then we have purchased the movies End of the Spear and Beyond the Gates of Splendor.   I also have the desire to read the books.   But when I received and email presenting this new DVD which is part of the trilogy, I couldn’t resist.   I wanted to see and learn the perspective of the grandson of Nate Saint.

I wasn’t disappointed.   Packed with videos from the past and present as well as pictures, you will hear Jesse, his mom and his father talking about their experience living in the Amazon jungle with the Waodani tribe.   Honestly I am impressed how this family has embraced the tribe and is helping them after the death of Nate Saint.   I know that it is better to forgive and to discover where God wants you but I don’t know if I would be able to do the same if I were in their shoes…  I guess with time I would.   I am impressed to see the willingness of the wives to follow their husband in this adventure and to bring their children as well.   

In the back of the DVD case, a question is asked.

Can we make a difference in the world with the lives we live and the choices we make?

I believe so.   Seeing and hearing how the Saints embrace the Waodani tribe and continue to be present in their lives and built on the relationship is inspiring.  

Disclaimer: Thanks to B&B Media for sending me the featured product for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.