Meet Mary Bowen: A Unique Voice in Christian Filmmaking
Recently, Gen Z has drawn quite a bit of criticism, often labeled as lazy or socially awkward without a clear sense of purpose. However, individuals like Mary Bowen challenge these stereotypes entirely. At just 25, she has accomplished a lot.
Mary, along with her parents and nine younger siblings, has dedicated the last 12 years to establishing a family-run movie studio called Industrious Family Films. This studio focuses on producing wholesome entertainment for Christian audiences.
The work she and her family are doing is impressive—seven feature films and nearly 20 other projects under their belt already. Recently, they even launched their own subscription streaming platform. Currently, Mary is directing her biggest project, “Fabiola,” a historical drama set during the Roman Empire’s final persecutions of Christians.
I had the chance to chat with Mary about her distinctive upbringing, the growth of her studio, and the approach she and her family take to filmmaking in a current entertainment landscape that often feels empty.
Life Before Filmmaking
Faye Root: Could you tell me about your background and what you do?
Mary Bowen: Sure! I’m the eldest of ten kids, and we were all homeschooled. Looking back, I realize we really didn’t watch any movies as children. We got rid of our TV and hadn’t seen a film in years. Instead, our time was spent gardening, taking care of animals, and learning some instruments. It was a screen-free childhood.
Then in 2012, we watched a movie made by a homeschool group in Connecticut. That experience inspired us to create our own films to fill the culture with Christian content accessible to everyone.
Of course, we enjoy movies now, but that break from screens gave us a different perspective. It wasn’t typical Hollywood fare, which sparked our passion for filmmaking.
Family Collaboration in Filmmaking
FR: What’s it like working on films with your family? Does everyone have their own roles?
MB: Definitely! Many hands truly make light work. While we can all contribute, each of us has our strengths. I focus on the creative aspects, like camera angles and costume design. My sister manages scheduling and logistics, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
My dad helps with set decoration, and my brothers pitch in with various tasks, particularly with technology and lighting. It’s quite a team effort!
The Challenge of Filmmaking
FR: Your lighting in “Fabiola” was impressive.
MB: Thanks! We spent two weeks setting up the lighting for the prison scenes, and my brother and mom were instrumental in that work. My sister and I even acted as stand-ins to get everything ready before the other actors arrived.
My parents assist immensely. My mom, for instance, is like an assistant director and has a knack for makeup. Each sibling contributes in their way, making it a real family affair.
Lessons from Home Life
FR: How have your parents influenced your life’s direction?
MB: They’re true adventurers! We live on a homestead, and my mom always dreamed of living in a yurt, which they accomplished. My dad manages a tire shop, while my mom juggles homeschooling seven of us. They’ve always nurtured our interests and hobbies, encouraging us to explore — even if it meant messing things up along the way. I’ve ruined a sewing machine or two and dropped a camera once, but they were always supportive, teaching us responsibility and respect for what we had.
The Complexity of Film
FR: Making a film is pretty complex. How do you emphasize the deeper skills required over formal film education?
MB: Exactly! My upbringing – caring for animals and working in our garden – taught me responsibility early on. I remember being just 10 when it was my job to tend to the milk cow. Now, thinking back, that was quite an expectation for a kid! But it shows that, if given the chance, children can handle so much more than we often realize.
It’s much the same with filmmaking. Yes, it’s complicated, but with the right tools and some room to make mistakes, it’s achievable. Your first project doesn’t need to be flawless; you learn as you go. Completing a project, despite its challenges, is rewarding — and honestly, quite addictive.
Perspectives on Modern Cinema
FR: What are your thoughts on mainstream films coming out of Hollywood today?
MB: I don’t watch many new releases. A lot of what’s produced feels—well, quite base. We, as humans, deserve more than that; we should aspire towards beauty and nobility, and that’s what we aim to create. Constant exposure to less thoughtful entertainment can be detrimental to society.
That’s why platforms like Angel Studios have become significant for Christian families, filling a cultural gap. It’s essential for everyone to experience going to the movies, much like attending a baseball game. But it’s disappointing when the entertainment landscape feels dominated by perspectives that don’t resonate with wholesome values.
Moral Regulations in Filmmaking
FR: You mentioned trying to adhere to the moral censorship regulations seen in Hollywood from the 1930s to the ’60s.
MB: Yes, exactly! It’s concerning that we lack a current decency code today, reflecting how far our society has strayed. While an updated code might address new issues, the essence of having guidelines ensuring that storytelling reflects good overcoming evil is crucial. In earlier films, for instance, it was rare to show married couples in bed together, and such modesty rules were significant.
Now, movies often leave moral threads unresolved, shielding the bad guys from consequences. The very existence of these historic moral codes is fascinating — compared to now, when big names like Spielberg openly challenge philosophical and religious concepts.
I sometimes feel we might need a sort of parallel society, where entertainment aligns with values similar to how early Christians created their communities during persecution.
Industrious Family Films’ Streaming Platform
FR: Can you share about your streaming platform?
MB: Initially, we launched a subscription app featuring all our films, but it didn’t resonate as much with our audience. So, we pivoted to a streaming service similar to Pure Flix, which has become one of our most successful ventures. It’s exciting because we can also feature works from other filmmakers with similar themes, expanding our reach.
The service costs only $24 a year, and it offers around 40 films.
About “Fabiola”
FR: Tell me more about “Fabiola” and what motivated you to create it.
MB: The story is set during the last Christian persecutions, centering on Fabiola, a Roman noblewoman grappling with complex questions about existence and the afterlife after her father’s death. In her quest, she encounters many wise individuals who are Christians, and they face persecution together.
This narrative explores her internal conflict about abandoning her pagan life in favor of Christianity, knowing it may cost her everything. We even integrate well-known Catholic saints into the story, based on a novel we read in school. When we decide to work on an epic project, this is what we envisioned. We’ve filmed several scenes already and are actively fundraising to meet our target of $1.25 million.
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
FR: Lastly, what advice would you offer to young people or homeschoolers looking to start their own businesses?
MB: Just start! Don’t wait for the perfect moment or situation. If you have a dream or an idea, pursue it now. Don’t let fear hold you back; I made my first film using an iPad. Utilize whatever tools you have at your disposal. The key is to take that leap of faith.
Industrious Family Films is actively fundraising for “Fabiola” to reach its production goal. If you’re interested in supporting this film, more information can be found on the official film website.
This interview has been streamlined for clarity and conciseness.
