He Knows My Name
He Knows My Name is a short film about a young girl named Rebekah,who lived in the time of Jesus. She saw him one day, speaking to people by the water, and he called her to him, but her mother Sarah didn’t really approve. Sarah has a broken heart, for her husband, the father of Rebekah, passed away when Rebekah was young. Rebekah tells Sarah that the people are saying that Jesus might be the Messiah, but Sarah doesn’t believe and says they won’t see Rebekah’s father again.
Most of the film centers around Rebekah’s family including her mother Sarah, and blind grandfather Reuben. There is also a young boy named Isaac, who is Rebekah’s friend. Isaac has been to hear Jesus speak to the people, and he tells Rebekah about Jesus blessing some fish and bread, and somehow there was enough to feed the whole multitude of hungry people who didn’t want to leave Jesus because of the things of which he was speaking. Because of this miracle and the hope that perhaps Jesus is the Savior, Rebekah sneaks away to again see Jesus for herself.
Jesus remembered meeting Rebekah before, and called her to him. He touched the hands of the children, blessed babies, and Rebekah loved being there. During her journey, she overheard some men speaking of how Jesus healed someone. Rebekah became a little lost on the way home, and it seemed the voice of Jesus helped guide her home. Her mother was very worried and angry that she had been gone so long, and sent her to bed without supper. Reuben, the grandfather, told Sarah maybe she had been a little harsh with Rebekah.
One part I really liked was Reuben recalling the time when he was much younger and was an innkeeper. He said that he had been ashamed for turning away Joseph and the expecting Mary, and then later went looking for them to bring them back to his inn, but it was too late. Baby Jesus had been born. Instead of being angry with Reuben for turning them away, Mary let Reuben come closer to see the baby who would be the Savior of the World. Mason Davis is always delightful to watch and I loved his expression in the role of young Reuben. Actually all of the actors did a tremendous job. They cast Jesus perfectly. Darin Southam is amazing. Aimee Lynne Johnson and Koleman Stinger are exceptionally talented young actors. And of course Melanie Stone and Bruce Newbold were excellent as Sarah and Reuben.
I loved how this film tied in different stories about Jesus. It was so touching when Rebekah brought Jesus home to see her grandfather. When Jesus inquires about the husband of the home and is told that he passed away, his compassion is evident. And when he hears that Reuben lost his eyesight not that long ago and can’t help take care of them as he used to, what happens next is a miracle, and even though I’m familiar with these stories of Jesus, this film brought up much emotion for me. Sally Meyer who wrote the screenplay has done a magnificent job, and the direction by John Lyde is outstanding. The cinematography, sound, editing, music…everything is spot on.
The way the film ends is so beautiful… When Rebekah hears that Jesus has been killed, she is devastated. Sarah and Reuben help Rebekah out of her sadness by having her go get some fish for Reuben, and Rebekah runs into Jesus, who has risen, and she is shocked and amazed, and so happy. When she runs home to tell her mother that He lives, and asks if that means they’ll see her father again, I love the memory Sarah has of Jesus telling her that whosoever believes in Him, shall live again…and the look of joy and peace as she tells Rebekah that yes, they will see her father again. I can’t say enough good about this film. I loved everything about it. I hope that it finds distribution somehow because I’d love to share it with my own friends and family. I look forward to more screenplays by Sally Meyer. Being familiar with the stories of Jesus is one thing, but seeing it played out so magically on screen is incredibly inspiring. Even those who don’t share belief in Jesus can find hope in the message of this film.
