European Version of Wrath of Gods!!!!!!!!!!!

Now if the canadian/USA version wasn't already fantastic, Jon Gustafsson has

released the European version. There are some differences, one eye bugging

one to be exact.. you just have to buy this and have a look and see for your self,

the soft Icelandic narration by Jon is very pleasant to listen to even if you are

like me and can't speak Icelandic... ha

You just have to check out this new version, it rocks too!!!!!!!!!

http://www.wrathofgods.com/

http://www.reidigudanna.com/

The cover is great!!!

Lights, Action, Disaster!!!!!

describes the filming of Beowulf and grendel to a "T"

Wrath Wins Again!!!!!!!

Wrath screened at Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival and Red Rock Film Festival at the same time and, yes, you guessed it Wrath of Gods wins again!!!!!!!!!

The prestigious Grand Jury Prize ... The best Documentary Feature was presented to Wrath of Gods. This is fantastic! I can tell you that the success of this documenatry comes as no suprise to me. I knew from the beginning that this was something very special. And, had no doubts at all that it would become a favorite at festivals.

I am so proud for Jon Gustafsson, and can not tell you enough how much he deserves all the recognition that comes his way for all the hard worked he put into making this documentary.

This is a talented filmmaker who made an award winning documentary with an old MiniDV camera. Perhaps that might be a story itself.

Wrath screens in Beirut, Lebonon in December!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.wrathofgods.com/

Wrath Wins In Santarem!!!!!!!

Wrath of Gods did it again. Jon won the Prémio Espesial do Júri” award in Santarém, Portugal

for his documentary!!! Pretty cool I say. Seems the awards just keep coming in. These awards don't suprize me. I knew this little gem was a winner right off. It is so cool that something you are dedicated to and completely believe in has turned the heads at festivals and they are giving

Jon and his Wrath the recognition that they both deserve.

Way to go Jon Gustafsson!!!!!!!!!

I tip my hat!!!!!!!

Wrath of Gods has three new festivals lined up for this Fall, Ft. Lauderdale, Beirut, and

Zion, Utha .. YAHOOO!!!! This is fantastic, and there is an event planned for spring 2008

too!!!!!!!!!!

I am thinking that I have really great taste and can really spot a winner when I see one..

Hey you didn't think I would support and dedicate my time to any thing but the best do you????

Next: November with screenings all around the world...

Gotta love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wrath of Gods is heading to Portugal!

Well more festivals want to show Wrath of Gods. Am I surprised, of course not!

I have known all along that Jon's film was some kind of special. Wow, next stop for

Wrath is Santarem in Portugal at MOFF. Nothing like being a global success.

Wrath of Gods stands as being my most favorite documentary to date.

Oh yeah.. its available on Amazon.com now...

I made this little video using some of my favorite scenes from Wrath of Gods

set to this cute old song...

Down Under/ New York/ California Too!!!!

Wrath of Gods showed a the Perth Film Festival. I have a friend that lives in Perth and I can tell you she was completely estatic about having the opportunity to see Wrath of Gods on the big screen. Every day that went by leading to the showing she was so excited. She had hoped that Jon Gustasson would be attending the festival hoping to get to meet him and ask some questions. He didn't make it but she none the less attended and reported that the fellow at the ticket window said that of all the movies he had seen at the festival that Wrath was by far the very best. This tickled her to know end and when she reported to Jon not only how much she loved his Wrath but what the fellow had said... he was really quite happy and pleased. I think he said something like it put a huge smile on his face.. LOL

The next stop for Wrath of Gods was Long Island. Stony Brook Film Festival. On the 25th of July Jon went to New York and attended the screening. His wrath showed to a room of close to 1000 viewers. He had a great question and answer session and as always everyone loved the documentary. A couple of days later at the closing nigt ceremony Wrath of Gods earned Jon the horored Jury Award- For filmmaking!!!! Pretty impressive right? Attending the festival with Jon was Karolina Lewicka .

On August 5th Wrath of Gods showed once again at the Napa Sonoma Film Festival. Jon in attendance once more. Well to say he is on a roll would be appropriate right now.. yes... once again his documentary has won an award. The " best documentary feature --shot with digital"

YIPPIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It just keeps getting better and better!!!!!!!

To date wrath has brought home the Audience Award from OIFF ; the Remie from World Fest; The Jury from Stony Brook; and the Best Documentary Feature from Sonoma!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Jon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have to say that I couldn't be happier for Jon. These honors are so deserved and I am

so pleased that he is getting recognition for his documentary. I know how hard he has worked on this film, and how much dirt the seed of this film had to dig through to sprout and bloom..

And did it ever bloom.

I have to really believe in something to give my heart and passion to it.

Well it is pretty obvious to me that I chose pretty well with this one....

Take a bow Jon Gustafsson . It is your time to shine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Waterfront Film Festival....

Wrath of Gods made another great impression at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan. The sounds absolutely beautiful. They transform everything into a theater..
There were two great screenings and the director, Jon Gustafsson had great question and answer sessions one lasting over an hour.
I continue to spread the word over the Internet about this great documentary that is taking
the festivals on its magic ride. The DVD is being sold all over the world available in all regions .
You ask...
What drew you to this film???
I remember seeing the very first clips that Jon had on the official Beowulf and Grendel site and
enjoying bits of interviews that he would put on . I really enjoyed them. Then I saw a clip that Jon showed me and said he planned to put all of this great stuff together and make a documentary. Perhaps it was Iceland and its captivating beauty, well that drew me, but it was the passion that this film maker held for his work that I saw. Some how I saw how wonderful his dream was and I experienced the magic and was spellbound. All along the way as I saw a new clip I couldn't wait for it to be done.. I guess you can call me an online volunteer promoter, that is if a title is required. I love this film , I love talking about it, and I believe in it, and I believe in Jon Gustafsson. He is an excellent film maker who has produced an exceptional piece of work, I wouldn't have missed any of this for the world. If you haven't checked out wrath of Gods and you want to see for yourself what a great film it is... go to http://www.wrathofgods.com/ but let me warn you.... its addicting!!!!!!

Next stop.... Perth International Film Festival ... Australia bound!!!!!!

The reaction...

Reviews of Wrath of Gods have continuously been pouring in. There are some very satisfied customers out there. The general theme is that the it is fantastic!! I love reading the comments about the documentary at http://www.wrathofgods.com/ clearly the three hours of entertainment this DVD delivers are some kind of wonderful!!!!

I had seen many clips of this documentary along the way, watched the CBC broadcast, and I had volunteered my services (production assistance things like transcribing interviews etc..) to promote Wrath of Gods and spread the word and help out in any way that I could. I knew that Jon Gustafsson had created something very special and rare. An award winning documentary with depth and substance that anyone anywhere would find interesting and entertaining whether or not they had been fans of Gerard Butler or Beowulf and Grendel. To see something in its completed form that you have so much passion for and have given a great deal of your time and energy to fills you with emotion. I watched the documentary in awe of the cast and crew of B&G as they faced obstacle after obstacle and set back after set back . It's the story of a dream that refuses to give up, and in that process it becomes every one's dream involved. This documentary is far more than a making of a movie film, it is the fulfilling of a dream against every obstacle that finances and the the power of nature could fling at them. It is both funny and intense; how could you not appreciate B&G and all involved after seeing what they went through. Wrath of Gods teaches us all that if you want something bad enough you can stand up to most powerful forces and succeed.

Jon Gustafsson's talents as a film maker are outstanding, I tip my hat to him for capturing it all on film and telling the story that was begging to be told. From beginning to the final credits this DVD is a fantastic example of movie making at it s best!!!!!!

.......... next stop for Wrath of Gods... Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.............

..and the story continues....

Seeing that DVD cover caused a pretty good stir. Of course the email that Jon Gustafsson sent out to all those who had preordered increased the anticipation too... Not only were we getting a 72 minute documentary, but... a 1 hour interview with Gerard Butler, additional and extended scenes of which I might add "Tony and Gerry on the Viking Ship" was my favorite but the others were all great too, interviews with Beowulf and Grendel producers, and a great slide show , and the Wrath of Gods trailer too!!!!!!! I ask you .. can you understand the element of uncontrollable desire for a package with an outside dressed to kill and inside a magical disc holding 3 hours of entertainment bliss???

The DVDs were packaged and ready when on may 7th the whistle blew and the much anticipated film left the starting gate in Canada headed for destinations around the world. Women everywhere were seen running to their mailboxes everyday waving frantically at the helpless postmen threatening them with their lives if they didn't have their DVD in hand. The waiting was almost unbearable as heightened levels of anticipation had reached their limit, when...

" out on the lawn there arose such a clatter when neighbors looked to see what was the matter, postmen everywhere trembled and shook, as from the mailbags packages were took, recipients grabbed them and away they flew, while unwrapping the excitement grew, DVDs were popped in to place, as mesmerized stares adorned each face, all signs of the anguish of waiting erased.."

Well... there were rumors that a woman in my neighborhood was seen waving a package around in the air, jumping up and down, appearing to have lost her mind........

The DVD Cover... WOW!

I have to say that personally I have never been this involved in any film any where before. But Wrath of Gods caught my interest and worked its way into my heart. It is a pretty cool thing watching something like this develope. It is the most exciting thing I have ever been a part of. I tip my hat to Jon Gustafsson, he produced one fantastic film here and the amazing thing is that

it was shot on an old MiniDV camera. But, you would never know it, the picture quality and sound in this DVD is superb. I think that the story of a man and an old MiniDV camera capturing an unbelievable story about remarkable people would make a great documentary too.

Speaking of the DVD...

If the many waiting for the shipping of the DVD to start weren't already going bonkers, Jon tells everyone that the shipping will be a few more days delayed because the laurels from the OIFF Audience Award were being added to the cover design and printing would take a little longer. Well more than a few moans and groans were heard around the world, but no one seemed to mind when they saw just how beautiful the cover was going to be. In fact the moans turned awes, and the anticipation level was turned up a notch or two. To make it all even harder to bear, Jon also showed us the silk screening on the DVD, and it was clearly obvious to everyone that this was something worth waiting for.

well.. take a look ... just beautiful!!!!!!

waiting.....

To say that winning the Audience Award at OIFF created excitement for and about Wrath of Gods is an understatement. It didn't make waiting for the DVDs to be shipped any easier though. Here we were mid April just a couple weeks from the estimated shipping date and anticipation was growing stronger and stronger, it was so cool to see so many had a burning desire to have that DVD and finally get to see the magic within.

Jon was once again on the festival trail as he traveled to Winston Salem, North Carolina where Wrath had been invited to the RiverRun Film Festival. He teamed up with Sturla Gunnarsson and they dazzled the crowds with Wrath of Gods amazing story of what happens when you refuse to give up on your vision or dream no matter what the forces of nature throw at you or how finances or the lack of them threaten to close down production time and time again through out the shoot. There question and answer session after the film was a real audience pleaser. Iceland definitely made an impact on North Carolina.

WorldFest in Huston received 4.500 entries for their festival. They gave Wrath Of Gods a Bronze Remi Award!

....... the DVD was to have a new look........

..Next stop...Ohio!!!

While everyone was waiting for the DVD to be shipped, Jon Gustafsson headed to Oxford, Ohio to the Oxford International Film Festival where he and his Wrath of Gods had been invited. A huge bolt of excitement happily jarred everyone to attention when word came that Jon's documentary had been chosen to be the Opening Night Gala film. They received 500 submissions from 36 countries, and they picked WRATH OF GODS to open the festival.!! Well you would have thought it was my film; happy didn't even come close to what I was feeling.

What an honor this was for Jon and his film and so deserved. But, the story doesn't end there. Jon recieved and even bigger honor, Wrath of Gods recieved the Audience Award too!!!! When Jon shared his news I am pretty sure I stopped breathing for a few seconds, I was completely over joyed for him, I felt like doing cart wheels, but came to my senses and danced around the room squealing with delight instead. Congratulations were definitely in order!!!!!! http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070410/ENT/70410003/1086/LIFE

This is the perfect time to mention that Jon Gustafsson is a talented director who while allowing us to live the events that he weaves and crafts so amazingly, we feel the passion, intensity, humor, and triumph as though we're right there during the filming of Beowulf and Grendel. Jon Gustafsson has a magical way of telling a great story that makes it grand and can move you to tears in one moment and make you laugh out loud the next! Wrath of Gods is no ordinary making of film, it has substance and depth and can independently stand on its own. I have a great deal of respect for this film maker and so much passion for his film. You can read more about Jon Gustafsson at http://www.wrathofgods.com .

Early 2007....

Here we were starting a new year. I first visited the Beowulf and Grendel site in the fall of 2004 and here I was starting 2007 knowing that this was the year for Jon Gustafsson and his documentary, Wrath of Gods. Since the CBC broadcast the buzz was in the air and a stir of excitement was swirling as talk and expectation about film festivals and anticipation of a release date for the DVD were all around. News that Wrath would be making its Canadian premiere in Winnipeg at the NSI Film Exchange on March 3rd was great news for Jon. Everything went really well and everyone loved the documentary, and it received great reviews http://www.moviecontests.com/reviews.php?location=van&reviewid=506 . I was so excited and happy for Jon and about Wrath of Gods, nothing like a hot film to warm up a freezing Winnipeg night. Well talk of the documentary brought a new burst of excitement and all across cyber space including every Gerard Butler fan site the big question loomed.. WHEN IS THE DVD GOING TO BE RELEASED?
I have to admit at this point that I asked that question a good many times myself.. poor Jon Gustafsson, I am sure the words do we know anything yet make him cringe still... For me it was like being a kid at Christmas .. would the waiting never end..
Well just when everyone, including yours truly, could hardly stand the wait, presale of the DVD began in March. Orders were coming in like a down pour. The online Canadian Web Store was swamped with orders. Any glitches you ask, I knew you would ask that, well lets just say that the Norse God Loki, a right trickster, made an appearance or two. But not to worry, he finally wore himself out and despite the wrath of "gods" the orders were placed.. and the real waiting
began..... Shipping was set to start at the end of April or beginning May.
**I might add here that I was serving as admin on the forum boards at the Wrath of Gods site,and honored to be doing so. The Wrath of Gods journey had proven to be a splendid dance thus far, one that I wouldn't have missed for the world.***

November 2006

This is the movie business I am talking about here.. I have come to find that things don't always go as planned... well almost never...

The CBC News World, The Lens, http://www.cbc.ca/thelens/program_141106.html aired after being delayed for a couple of weeks, in November of 2006. This broadcast from Canada was a short version of Wrath of Gods. Just enough to wet the whistle really good for the full length 70 minute version on the DVD. Once the Canadian viewers started talking about the broadcast it put everyone in a stir. The DVD was to be released in just a few weeks, and everyone including Gerard Butler's fans were waiting...
now what was that I said about this being the movie business and nothing goes as planned.. LOL
well at this time Gerard Butler (300) who starred as Beowulf in Beowulf and Grendel joined Wrath of Gods as co-producer. This was great news and Gerard Butler's fans were even more excited. Kudos to Gerard Butler for recognizing a good things when he sees one......
**I guess I should mention some of the people starring in Jon's Wrath of Gods.. Along with Gerard Butler .. Sturla Gunnarsson (director of B&G), Andrew Berzins (writer) Stellan Skarsgard, Sara Polley, and producers of B&G Paul Stephens and Eric Jordan. Not a bad line up at all.****
What was it that didn't go as planned you ask? The release of the DVD had been postponed
to a later date. The waiting fans would wait until 2007 for the release....
But.....
In the mean time Jon's official site, http://www.wrathogods.com/ was coming along nicely and became a life saver for all who were waiting as it provided several clips and the trailer that the fans watched as they waited for the news that the Wrath release was on its way.
You ask.. what was I doing all this time ... I was cheering Jon on and driving him nuts like the kid in the back seat who continuously asks.."are we there yet?" LOL I love having something to be excited about and look forward to . My anticipation was sky high.
The passion, dedication, and love for this documentary was as strong now as it had been from the very beginning.......

... Now where was I ???

Then long months went by and I was so happy when Jon Gustafsson's Wrath of Gods was going to be finished. I knew he was busy editing and preparing it for its world premier.. Lucky Reykjavik, Iceland!!! That is where the world premier took place in October 2006 at the Reykjavik International Film Festival. Which was the perfect place since that is where Beowulf and Grendel was filmed. The documentary was a hit!! Reviews like this one http://daily.greencine.com/archives/002567.html surfaced after the premier. What was I doing all this time, I was sitting here in the desert South West wishing I was in Icealnd. LOL
**Perhaps I forgot to mention that my passion for and dedication to this documentary was high. I was lucky because I got to help out with some little things along the way. But, they were really big things to me. HA ***
I might add at this time that my going to the Beowulf and Grendel site is something I will never regret. If I hadn't I would have missed an experience of a life time. Jon Gustafsson provided all the members and passerbys with the latest updates and gave all an eye feast with not only photos from the shooting, but of Iceland and its breath taking beauty. There I met people from all over the world (Denmark, Canada, England, Australia, Iceland, and all over the USA) and I am still in contact with many of them, and some have come to be my friends.

At this time Wrath of Gods was to air on the CBC in November...

...and Then

As time passed and I became a regular on the boards, Jon shared bits and pieces of

Wrath of Gods with me.. I felt so priviledged. I became excited and along the way

I became passionate about this film. This is independent film making. I think

that some of the best stuff out there is produced by independent film makers.

As the months passed I hoped that Jon would be able to complete his film . I never gave

up hoping!!!!

*** Since some might not have heard about Wrath of Gods, it is the behind the scenes story

of all that the cast and crew endured to complete their movie. They traveled to Iceland

and the unbelievable story of the perils of movie making began. Finances and weather

crushed them over and over like giant waves. Jon captured every bit of it and put it all together

in a hilarious moving film. It is documentary making at its very best. You can find more out about the film at http://www.wrathofgods.com ****

now on with the story..........

The Beginning....

I love medieval movies... I found the official movie site for the epic movie
Beowulf and Grendel, excited that there was to be a new movie with chainmail and
swords.. I read everything there was to read, looked at the picture galleries, and
watched all the great clips that were put on to tease us along the way. Jon Gustafsson,
the Web Master on the site, and one of Beowulf's 13 warriors in the movie took along his camera and began capturing the behind the scenes story. Jon has made documentaries, music videos, short films, theatre shows, and feature length films. As Jon would put small portions of interviews with the cast and crew of Beowulf, I watched them over and over. It was hard to believe what they were going through trying to make their movie. At this time I did not know that Jon was planning on making a documentary about the filming of Beowulf and Grendel, but it wasn't long after I joined the forum on the movie site that I found out he was planning on making a film/documentary about the unbelievable story he had captured on film.
From the very beginning I believed in this project, and followed its progress even more closely than I did the actual movie itself.