Industrious Family Fun Films Blog

Sep 08, 2025

🌄✨ Rediscover the Magic of Heidi ✨🌄

From the sunlit Alps to the bustling streets of Frankfurt, Heidi has charmed generations with her faith, kindness, and courage. But do the film adaptations truly capture the heart of Johanna Spyri’s beloved classic?

🎬 In this full review, we explore:

Why the 1968 TV version adds a romantic twistHow the 1993 Disney adaptation stays faithful—but loses its soulAnd why the original novel still outshines them all📖 Whether you love the book, the movies, or both—this deep dive will make you see Heidi in a whole new light.

👉 Don’t miss the full review and join the conversation: Which version captures Heidi's spirit best?

#Heidi #BookVsMovie #ClassicLiterature #FaithAndFilm #HeidiReview #JohannaSpyri #FamilyFavorites

Sep 04, 2025

Introducing Our New Logo – Rooted in Our Story

This week, I’m thrilled to unveil our brand-new logo! Over the years, Industrious Family has seen a few design updates, but this one is the most exciting!

From the very beginning, the daffodil has been part of our look. When my sister and I were just 10 and 12, we helped our mom name the company. We chose Industrious Family, inspired by one of our favorite virtues: industriousness. The daffodil, the first flower to bloom in spring, symbolizes this very virtue.

We can’t wait to see this logo of industriousness carry us into the next chapter of our filmmaking journey!

Sep 03, 2025

Empire of Illusions: The Tragic Fall of Maximilian and Carlota in the Mexican Mirage

Filled with youthful optimism and hope for a brighter future, Maximilian von Hapsburg and his spirited bride Carlota accept the throne of the Mexican Empire. But their dreams soon unravel. When political turmoil erupts, the two are forced to confront their struggles apart—Carlota sailing to Europe to beg for French aid, while Maximilian and his small, devoted army face the liberal Mexicans, strengthened by American support.

For Max, failure means more than defeat—it means being branded a traitor and facing the firing squad alongside his loyal generals, Miramón and Mejía.

Based on the tragic true events of the failed Second Mexican Empire in 1864, this story captures the heartbreak of a couple caught between loyalty and betrayal, love and loss, and a nation torn apart by clashing powers.

Available to stream on Industrious Family Theater.

Aug 26, 2025

🚨 Don’t Miss This Epic Dive into Spain’s Legendary Heroes! 🇪🇸🛡️

Ever wondered how a culture creates saints, knights, and conquerors? Discover the gripping true stories of Spain’s greatest heroes—El Cid, Queen Isabella, Hernan Cortes, Don John of Austria, and more. This powerful article explores how faith, tradition, and storytelling built a nation of champions.

🔥 Learn why modern culture fears these figures—and why we must remember them.

If you love history, Catholic heritage, or just great storytelling, you need to read this!

👉 Read Now

Aug 25, 2025

Popular Now On The Blog: Homestead Movie Review

If you’ve ever wondered how your faith would guide you in a real-life survival crisis, Homestead offers a thought-provoking scenario that challenges both characters—and viewers—to wrestle with that very question. This isn’t just another apocalyptic thriller; it’s a gripping character drama with deeply rooted Christian themes, showcasing the contrast between self-preservation and self-sacrifice.

In this review, you’ll get a personal look at what makes Homestead stand out—not just its tense plot and strong performances, but how its message hits home for Catholic and Christian audiences alike. You’ll meet two families with radically different approaches to survival, and discover how their choices reflect their beliefs.

Whether you’ve seen the film or not, this review will challenge you to think: What would I do in their place? Read the full movie review and my reflections on it here.

Aug 24, 2025

David Copperfield Characters

Discover how the David Copperfield characters shape Dickens’ novel and shine in film adaptations from Hallmark to the 2019 retelling.

Continue reading "David Copperfield Characters"

Aug 21, 2025

A Tale of Two Cities: A Timeless Story of Sacrifice And Love During Revolution

If you've ever been captivated by A Tale of Two Cities, you're going to love this deep dive into how two film adaptations—from 1935 and 1980—bring Dickens’ powerful story to life in very different ways.

From childhood nostalgia and Great Illustrated Classics to a surprising appreciation for Chris Sarandon’s dual performance, this review revisits the novel and its screen versions with fresh eyes and thoughtful insights.

🎬 Which Sydney Carton win your heart: the brooding wretch or the unexpected romantic hero?
📖 And why does the book still outshine them both?
👉 Keep reading to see how each version stacks up—and why Dickens’ masterpiece remains unforgettable.
(Plus: where to watch the films and grab the book!)

🔗Continue Reading Full Reviews

📚 #TaleOfTwoCities #CharlesDickens #ClassicLit #FilmVsBook #BookReview #PeriodDrama #ChrisSarandon #RonaldColman #HistoricalFiction

Aug 20, 2025

A Tale Of Two Cities Film Adaptations

A look at A Tale of Two Cities through its book and film adaptations, comparing the 1935 and 1980 films and the original novel of Dickens' classic tale.

Continue reading "A Tale Of Two Cities Film Adaptations"

Aug 20, 2025

Popular Now on Industrious Family Theater: Outlaws of Ravenhurst Teaches Us to Hope in the Future, Come What May

George Abell (Becket Bowen) is happily living a farmer boy life in colonial America until his estranged uncle, Sir Roger (Jonah Lawrence), claims him and takes him to Scotland to be the much longed for Protestant Earl of Ravenhurst. Matters get desperate when Sir Roger and his sly comrade, Godfrey (James Phillips), cannot bend the Gordon's will. Based on the beloved novel by Sr. M. Imelda Wallace, Outlaws of Ravenhurst takes place during the dangerous years following the Protestant Revolution when Catholics in Scotland were denied the right to true worship of God. Filled with heroes, cowards, sword fights and secret passages, this story tells of the heroic stand of a ten-year-boy and his outlawed clan of Ravenhurst who must fight for their Faith.

Outlaws of Ravenhurst is available to stream on Industrious Family Theater now.

Aug 19, 2025

Why The Last Rodeo (2025) Is the Perfect Film for Small-Town Rodeo Season

Watching The Last Rodeo as a family just before Independence Day felt perfectly timed for our small-town celebration. With rodeo deeply rooted in our culture—and our local tradition—we found this Angel Studios film especially timely. The movie doesn’t just explore the cowboy lifestyle; it dives into deeper themes of culture, legacy, and the courage to live with “foolhardy faith.”

Just like how the rodeo honors our American spirit, The Last Rodeo reminds us that knowing who we are means remembering where we came from. It’s a stirring reflection on the stubborn, faith-filled nature that built our country and may be what saves it one day.

Want to hear more? Read the full article and watch our video review from Gofers Get a Grip.

Aug 18, 2025

Now Only Available On Industrious Family Theater: "Trad Seats" Music Video Parody

"Trad Seats" is a heartfelt and humorous musical tribute to the faithful who go the extra mile—both spiritually and literally—to attend the Traditional Latin Mass. Whether it’s early mornings, long road trips, or the quiet, daily sacrifices, this catchy parody shines a light on the beauty and grit of choosing Tradition.

More than just a song, "Trad Seats" is a celebration of those who embrace the Cross with joy, seeking to follow Christ more closely through the timeless richness of the Latin Mass. The video highlights the grace that comes from saying “yes” to the hard—but holy—path.

Now, you can enjoy "Trad Seats" along with a growing library of fun and faith-filled Catholic videos and films—only on Industrious Family Theater. A yearly subscription is just $12 and supports wholesome, family-friendly Catholic media.

👉 Stream now on Industrious Family Theater

Aug 14, 2025

The Last Rodeo Movie 2025

Another wholesome entertainment film is released: here’s the inside scoop and our takeaways from Angel Studio’s The Last Rodeo movie 2025.

Continue reading "The Last Rodeo Movie 2025"

Aug 14, 2025

New Episode: Gofers Get a Grip Takes on The Last Rodeo

In the latest episode of Gofers Get a Grip, host Kathleen Bowen is joined by Mary and Faustina Bowen, along with Kaleb McConner, to break down Angel Studios’ newest film, The Last Rodeo. Whether you’ve already seen the movie or are debating whether it’s worth your time, this review has you covered.

🐎 The team kicks things off with a full synopsis of the story, then dives deep into what the film gets right—and where it falls short. Expect honest takes on everything from the performances and storytelling to the overall production quality.

If you're interested in The Last Rodeo and want a thorough discussion about this latest Angel Studios release, don’t miss this episode!

#TheLastRodeo #AngelStudios #MovieReview #GofersGetAGrip #FilmReview

Aug 13, 2025

Great Expectations Film Adaptations

Discover the best adaptations of Great Expectations and how Dickens' timeless story reveals that true worth lies in virtue, not social class.

Continue reading "Great Expectations Film Adaptations"

Aug 13, 2025

Exploring Great Expectations: A Tale of Pride, Fall, and the True Measure of Character

Some stories are so rich in theme, character, and atmosphere that they practically beg to be made into films—and Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations is one of them. We really enjoyed sitting down and watching a handful of adaptations for this story and we are excited to share our thoughts of each with you!

Whether you’re drawn to the eerie 1946 classic, the robust 1989 Disney mini-series, or the swift and satisfying 1974 version, each adaptation reveals something unique.

Read our full movies plus book reviews here!

Aug 06, 2025

The Scarlet Letter Movie

Explore The Scarlet Letter movie adaptations and book themes, from Hawthorne’s message to film reviews, character insights and the best adaptations.

Continue reading "The Scarlet Letter Movie"

Jul 25, 2025

Acting, Focus, and Kaizen: A Lesson from Drama Camp

I just spent a fantastic week being a camp counselor for a friend’s drama camp. One of my favorite takeaways that I got from the acting coach was when he was telling the kids to, no matter what they’re doing, focus 100% on the task at hand and to give it their all.

It reminded me of our word of the year: “kaizen”. It is the mentality that no matter what you’re doing - whether it’s chores, playing or learning something, in this case, it was dancing and singing - that you dedicate a distracting amount of time to putting in your all, and performing to your best ability.

This is of course something that we do at Industrious Family all the time, but I have not yet heard it to be applied to acting. Acting is a skill just like any other. Just like an instrument, no matter how old you are or how long you’ve been doing it, the best performance will be given when you have put time aside to focusing on doing your best.

Halfway through the year, I am reminded of our word of the year: Kaizen - ever onward, ever improving, all in.

Read my full story on the Mary Poppins Drama Camp here!

Jul 23, 2025

From Wheat Fields to Film Reels: How a Summer Harvest Job Sparked an Unexpected Conversation About "Max & Carlota"

Hey there, it's Becket. This summer I am running a combine during the wheat harvest. During my onboarding/interview, one of the farmers asked me what I do at home. I replied that I make movies. You can imagine his surprise and immediate interest. He then asked what type of movies. I started to tell him about our current project FABIOLA and then about our past projects. What really caught his attention was Max & Carlota. He told me that he had lived in the same city that Max was executed in for a few months and so he knew the story very well. I never imagined that I would be visiting with a farmer about the Second Mexican Empire. He said that he would have to check out our films and seemed very excited to find a place that puts out good wholesome movies.

Jul 21, 2025

Behind the Scenes: A Solo Shoot, Sweet Treats, and a Movie Review You Won’t Want to Miss!

Had another fun shoot day today. I love getting out there and filming, but this time was even more fun as I was the only person in front of the camera. I wrote my own script which made delivering the lines very comfortable. I sat down for HMU which was a change as I'm usually the HMU person. The children behaved well and director Mary bought us all ice cream as a reward. I think you'll like the video we made for you. It is a movie review and we really put a lot of extra effort into making it enjoyable to watch. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and sign up for notifications so that you can see it as soon as it is published.

Jul 19, 2025

Closing in on $25K! Help Us Reach This FABIOLA Goal Before July Ends

Thanks to a fantastic contributor and investor this week, we have now raised $21,830 for Fabiola! Thanks to contributions and investments, we are making the Fabiola film a reality. We are passionate about telling the stories of the early Church martyrs through film and your help is what makes this dream happen. Thank you to all those who have contributed or invested thus far.

I wonder if we can make it past the $25,000 mark before the end of July? Remember that you can contribute any amount and become a part of this movement now!

Contribute any amount now!

Jul 16, 2025

Why Children Should Participate In The Arts

The importance for children to be in the arts of movies and plays makes them not so shy and more bold and outgoing. Acting trains them at a young age to sing and dance. It also helps them with obedience for a play cannot be performed well if the actors do not listen to their coach. Hi, I'm Patrick and last week I was a camp leader for a drama camp. The kids’, that attended, average age was 6 and they had to listen and try to do the dances which looked super great the day of the performance. Learning to follow directions and feeling more confident are just some of the reasons that children should partake in acting.

Jul 14, 2025

Stepping Into Lucina's Shoes: Megan Geier on Acting, Dance, and Gingerness | FABIOLA Cast Interviews

Full interview just dropped! In this episode, Kaleb McConner sits Megan Geier down and they chat about her upcoming role in FABIOLA as Lucina, the wife and mother of martyrs. Kaleb and Megan enjoy a conversation about their common likeness with being red-headed and what it has ment in their careers. You won't want to miss this great podcast episode!

Jul 13, 2025

Keeping Angora Rabbits Clean

Hi there! I've had my angora bunny for a while and I still don't really know how to combat this problem! My bunny ruffles the hay everytime and it always

Continue reading "Keeping Angora Rabbits Clean"

Jul 09, 2025

Enjoy a Free Trial of Industrious Family Theater – Subscribe Today!

Looking for wholesome, faith-filled entertainment your whole family can enjoy? Right now, we’re offering a free trial of Industrious Family Theater when you subscribe to our newsletter!

When you sign up, you’ll get instant access to some of our most-loved films:

💪 Fit Shepherds – A real-life look at Catholic men who grow in camaraderie through fitness, prayer, and sacrifice.

🚀 The Eden Project – In a post-apocalyptic ice age, a girl must choose between obeying her father or risking everything and strike out on her own.

🤣 Pop Goes the Toaster - A quirky comedy about a man, his breakfast ritual, and one stubborn toaster.

🇮🇪 The Longford Fox – Based on true events, this historical drama follows a brave Irish priest evading British capture.

🕊️ Grisly Grisell – Set during the Wars of the Roses, this medieval drama tells the story of Grisell, a noble girl disfigured in a tragic accident. Her inner beauty and virtue lead to an unexpected turnout.

🇵🇱 Home Army – A tribute to Poland’s WWII resistance, told through the eyes of a young female courier.

These featured favorites—and many more—are available now on Industrious Family Theater.

🎁 Subscribe to our newsletter today and claim your free trial to start streaming positive entertainment!

Jul 03, 2025

Celebrate Freedom with Film: The Best Movies for July 4th

As Independence Day approaches, many of us are looking forward to fireworks, family BBQs, and, of course, a good movie night! After a day spent celebrating our freedom, there’s nothing better than gathering with loved ones and watching a film that reminds us why we’re proud to be Americans.

We just updated our list of the best movies for July 4th, and you won’t want to miss it.

➡️ Click here to explore the full list of the Best Movies for July 4th!

So grab the popcorn, cozy up with loved ones, and celebrate the Fourth of July with a film that honors our past and inspires our future.

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸🍿🎆

Jul 01, 2025

🎉 We’ve Reached $20,130 — Thank You!

We are so happy to celebrate passing the $20,000 milestone in our fundraising efforts for FABIOLA!

To everyone who has contributed and shared the project—we want to say "thank you" from the bottoms of our hearts. Your support is making it possible to bring this powerful Catholic story to life on screen.

But we’re not done yet! Our goal is to reach $200,000 by the end of the summer, and with your help, we know it’s possible. Every dollar helps us get closer to building sets, filming scenes, and telling the story of faith, courage, and conversion that the world so desperately needs.

🎁 Remember: donations of $100 or more come with a Sacred Heart gift as our way of saying thank you!

Let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we can reach our next milestone

👉 Contribute today!

Jun 27, 2025

Unforgettable Connections and Inspiring Talks: Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Year’s Return to Tradition Women’s Conference

Last year, it was my pleasure to enjoy the Return to Tradition Conference in Littleton with my godmother. You may remember that FABIOLA also sponsored the event last year!

While at the conference I was able to listen to the talks by the amazing speakers as well as meet John Henry Weston, Fr. David Nix and Jodi Lacroix. It was an unforgettable experience in which I made connections and friends I will never forget.

And right now, registration is open again for the fourth annual Traditional Catholic women's conference. I unfortunately will not be able to attend this year, but I encourage any Traditional ladies out there to try to attend if possible. It was a great conference last year and this year it looks like they are going to have another great conference with Mother Miriam from Mother Miriam Live giving the keynote address. And registration is open now so visit their website to reserve your seats!

Jun 26, 2025

Why Would a Child Like St. Agnes Sacrifice Everything?

At our FABIOLA investor presentations, we highlight a pivotal moment: Agnes' profound act of martyrdom. It's a powerful catalyst in the narrative—but someone once asked me directly, “Why would Agnes, a child, willingly give her life for the Faith?”

I was caught off guard. The answer seemed obvious to me, yet articulating it clearly in the moment proved surprisingly difficult.

Since then, I’ve given it more thought—and here’s a more thoughtful response:

Agnes is not just devoted; she’s deeply in love with Christ. This isn’t some abstract devotion—it's the kind that mirrors the love we see portrayed in art and literature: “I’d walk through hellfire for you.” Think of Sydney Carton’s sacrifice in A Tale of Two Cities, a love so profound he gives his life for another.

Agnes' love for Christ resonates with that same intensity.

So why are we surprised at a child’s willingness to die for her faith? If we accept such radical love in human relationships, why not in our relationship with Christ? The love of saints isn’t fantasy—it’s intensely real and deeply human. It’s a love so strong it compels them to “go to the moon and back” for what they cherish most.

This is the love that fuels the martyrs. And it’s precisely the kind of love we aim to bring to life in FABIOLA—an epic tale that reveals why these early Christians were willing to pay the ultimate price for their faith. To help us tell this beautiful story, we need your support.

Will you help us bring Agnes’ courageous love—and the love of the martyrs—to the screen? Contribute today and champion a film that showcases the depth of Christian sacrifice and sets our hearts on fire. 🔥

Contribute to FABIOLA!

Jun 23, 2025

Red Hair, Faith, and FABIOLA: Megan Geier Shares Her Journey on the Casting Couch

Kaleb McConnor returns to the mic as he sits down with fellow FABIOLA cast member Megan Geier in a new highlight reel from our video podcast series.

Megan shares how she first heard about the FABIOLA project and how she felt called to audition, believing it was God's Will that led her to the role. Originally auditioning for the title role of Fabiola, Megan was ultimately cast as Lucina—a decision made, somewhat ironically, based on her striking red hair.

In this candid and charming conversation, Kaleb and Megan bond over their shared “gingerness,” reflecting on whether being red-headed has been a blessing or a curse in the acting world.

Megan also dives into the process of shifting her mindset to portray Lucina—a journey from the pride of a haughty pagan to the humility of a mature Christian woman that Fabiola could truly admire. She touches on how her background in dance and choreography has enriched her acting.

The two actors also swap stories about their audition experiences, with Megan flipping the script and asking Kaleb how he managed to shift his mood during the auditions for Sebastian and Fulvius.

🎧 This highlight reel is just a taste of what’s to come. Stay tuned for the full interview where Kaleb reveals the three roles he would love to play in his acting career!

Crowdfund FABIOLA today to help us make this film a reality!

Jun 20, 2025

🎉 Weekly Update: We Raised $313—Thank You!

We’re excited to share that we raised $313 this week toward our FABIOLA fundraising goal! Every dollar brings us one step closer to bringing this powerful story of faith, courage, and conversion to the screen.

🙏 A huge thank-you to everyone who contributed—you are making this film possible!

🎁 Don’t forget: when you donate $100 or more, you’ll receive a beautiful Sacred Heart gift as our way of saying thank you.

Let’s keep the momentum going!👉 Donate here: https://www.fabiolamovie.com

#FABIOLAFilm #CatholicCinema #SacredHeart #FaithInFilm #CatholicCreatives #ThankYou