Home

Articles

Confessions

Contributions

Contact

Young up-and-coming Christian filmmaker Tomel Griggs was never one to let adversity get in his way. He says that he knew at an early age that he was destined for a career in the entertainment industry. Tomel’s talents foretold of his success while he was just a boy: “Following the foot steps of my father, I picked up music at the age of 12.” He dabbled at a few musical instruments and took some drama classes at a performing arts school, and he feels that these activities, “confirmed my passion and path for music and acting.” As an adult, Tomel would continue to hone his talents, writing and producing several gospel songs and producing short inspirational Christian films on YouTube, all the while moving towards what he feels is his true Godly mission: ministry through film.

Making the shift from architect to filmmaker came via divine inspiration one night as he was driving from Phoenix to Long Beach to visit his family. A long, dark desolate stretch of highway stared back at him as Tomel realized that he had a flat tire, but unfortunately, did not have a jack. The unexpected situation would understandably unnerve most people, but it proved to be just the muse Tomel needed, as out of his imagination that evening sprang a powerful, thought provoking screenplay, The Jack Story, which will soon be an equally moving short film.
 
Tomel describes The Jack Story as “an inspiring film about change, overcoming any obstacles in life…changing the way you think, making the right decisions in life and getting back on your path, not anyone else’s.”

Although Tomel is in full swing with his production, the road has not been without its potholes. As with any new, independent film, funding has been a headache and the struggle to just survive has been a journey. Unfortunately Tomel has only been able to come up with a few hundred dollars to keep the progress of this film going. By the Grace of God, doors continued to open to allow him to use the little money collected to travel and secure working relationships with industry contacts in Hollywood, as well as Atlanta: a gifted director who will be lensing the production for free, self-taught musician Jermaine Griggs, CEO of Hearandplay.com, and Willie “Will”  Briggs, Jr. a Grammy Award winning composer, who, as both a cast and crewmember, has also proven to be a valuable asset in this inspiring film.
   

Not only is Tomel’s film Christ-centered, but in speaking with the young man, has one found it easy to see that his life is as well.  “My dream is to plant a seed in our youth, be a blessing to others, and help build the Kingdom of God.”  Film is not the only avenue through which Tomel wishes to do God’s work. “I plan to one day open up Christian Community Centers around the World. Our Youth have too much time on their hands and not enough adult supervision. That needs to change.” It is so clear that Tomel’s future is bright and anointed, and that he will touch many lives in the name of Christ. –AMS

I would like to thank everyone that the Lord has put in my path for a season or forever. I really am truly thankful for the time that I’ve known you and your help in this process. Thank you, most of all my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. –Tomel Griggs.

To make a pledge to this Inspiring Christian film please click here

| back to top |