2022 Christian Ani Awards
Holy Ghost Directed the 'Choreographed' Pop-Up Awards
FROM LEFT: Agata, winner of the top award for the day, Most Creative Artist, demonstrates how she innovatively plugged her nose for "Whispering Wally" and other voiceovers. Tricia Harmon and Burke Sage hand Landon Scene Stealer of the Year Award. Hunter Tuggle and Anna interview Hollywood award-winning Best Young Actress, Jolie Ledford. Tricia Harmon hands Mila Most Popular and Youngest Voice Actress awards.
The Holy Ghost has not forgotten you! Martin Luther said He “calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth,” and on January 22, 2022, He gathered His family together so powerfully people were astonished at the unity.
“It looked choreographic or staged, everything flowed so well,” said seasoned producer, Kevin Collier, amazed at how people of all ages and in different parts of the world spoke in unison at a pop-up awards ceremony celebrating the burgeoning field of Christian animation, and media, in general.
West Michigan's own, Jolie Ledford, 17, winner of the Young Artist Award and Young Entertainer Award in Hollywood, among others, said, “It was encouraging to see so many people gathered together for a common goal of spreading Christianity to the entertainment industry. I saw God working in that room, lifting up His children in preparation to shake worlds. There were so many promising people present, it was hard not to be excited for their futures.”
Four-time Country Music Association award-winning comedian, Kenny Lee Robinson, an Executive Producer on several animated projects said, "The 2022 Christian Ani Awards was a blessing, as people involved in creating a new type of parable were recognized and encouraged. It was clearly evident that the Holy Spirit was present as I watched believers of all ages being a part of what God is doing in faith-based films and videos. Everyone who spoke at the awards recognized that it was God’s inspiration and direction that made these projects successful."
Jose Carlos Gutierrez, president of international Christian comics ministry, COMIX35 NEXT GEN joined via Zoom in Mexico City. “The event was amazing, I had such a great time, I'm so honored to be invited. All the cast of Benny the Barnacle, they are so amazing, the kids, it was wonderful to see all these seeds that the LORD is planting and I know all of them are going to flourish for His Kingdom."
Gutierrez delighted viewers by doing a few lines from the upcoming cartoon, in the voice of his character, Killer the Krill.
"I've already connected with the other guests," he added. "They are so humble and so talented. I've already connected with missionaries from Honduras because of [Zoom guest] Terita.”
"We had a ball!" said the aforementioned Terita St. Julian, a screenwriter whose daughter was awarded. "At the 2022 Ani Awards, we met Jose Carlos, who creates comic books to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through images that are to be given to missionaries across the world! Following the awards ceremony, I messaged him, and a new friendship was formed! He is sending books to our dear missionary friends in Honduras, and possibly Iceland, too! God is so good!"
Award-winning actress and presenter, Tricia Harmon, said, “It was an exciting day to see so many VIPs at the 2022 Christian Ani Awards, sponsored by Allendale Christian Media. What a privilege to see and speak over Zoom with amazing talent, as young as 11 years old, to seasoned filmmakers and celebrities. It honestly looked like the all-time best of Hollywood Squares. Lol!"
Pre-party interviews conducted by Dr. Felicity Joy Solomon, for Simply Felicity, displayed the drama.
Hunter Tuggle, who made his acting debut in The Color of Hope, said, “Oh, man, it was really cool just to feel [Felicity's] excitement for something that I was able to do for God. It made me think that by working for God we were able to reach other people and get them excited for what the LORD is doing.”
Children were awarded.
Future Producer Award winner, Anna, 12, also a presenter, said, “I felt the Holy Spirit working through all of us and it was a great experience.”
"It was so much fun!" said 11-year-old author, voice actress, and animator, Aleesa, recipient of the Future Animator Award. "I liked seeing the kids and meeting so many talented people who love Jesus! I am also thankful that I won two awards!" The multi-talented artist won for her a capella singing in the animated "Jesus Loves Me."
Future Director Award winner, Daniel, 7, who played Braden in Braden's BibleBot, said it was “fun and exciting.”
Agata, 11, the voice of Blink, the adorable red cyclops in Whispering Wally, won the top award of the day for Most Creative Voice Actor. “I think it was a really good and fun experience,” she said, “and I'm really glad God made this possible.”
"Big congrats for the first time ever Ani Awards!" said beloved actor, Robert Shepherd, who was in Speilberg's Lincoln and the film Evan Almighty, but who stole the nation's heart for his "I love you, Dad!" Hearing Assist commercials. "It is such a great vehicle to recognize so many talented young people and those who support Christian animation!"
Burke Sage, from ID Network's Lone Star Justice and lead actor in Robert Alaniz' upcoming Christian feature film comedy, Honest to God, was a presenter. "Love this! Fun day with some talented young people!" Sage said. "Thank you again for allowing me to share in this."
Singer/actress, Ashleigh Dillon, said, "This was an awesome event! We loved this and thank you again for having us!" Dillon's daughters were awarded for their singing and a sneak peek of their animated a capella rendition of "I've Got the Joy" was premiered before the awards.
Presenter Harmon added, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to speak personally with comedians Leslie Rob, DeAnn Alaine, and Kenny Lee Robinson, actors Robert Shepherd and Jerry Della Salla, and singer Corine Chanteuse. An added highlight was seeing Dr. Jay Greer, from Compass College of Film & Media, located in Grand Rapids, taking time out of his busy Saturday to attend. I believe he has a huge vision, and I’m so excited that he sees [the Michigan Christian Talent Network] as part of it.”
Greer, president of the Christian film college, said, "It was a great time to see the Ani Award event link West Michigan and international film and media Christians, to build relationships, and share how God has used us to advance His Kingdom.”
Kathy Bruins, The Well Ministry for Creatives founder, said, “It truly was a wonderful event in meeting and networking with many Christian professionals in the media business. As the founder of The Well Ministry for Creatives, where we strive to help creatives take the next step in the journey God has them on, it was evident that the Holy Spirit allowed for us to gather and brainstorm the possibilities of future endeavors for the Kingdom.”
COMIX35 NEXT GEN's Gutierrez added, “It was such a coincidence that I connected with Kathy Bruins, because I did the illustration for A Moses Prayer for Easter, that she wrote together with Robert Harmon, so when I saw her, I'm like 'Oh, I see Kathy!' So I'm so glad at how the LORD connects everything. We will [continue to] be working together for the glory of God and to reach the unsaved.”
Harmon summed up the feeling. “West Michigan is exploding with Christian creatives creating amazing content. [The] Michigan Christian Talent Network offers an unprecedented and unique opportunity for all of Michigan to unite, and fortify, top-notch, award-winning, and life-changing productions, for every age to enjoy, and for the glory of God. I’m humbled to be a tiny part of its impact. Thank you, also, to Allendale Christian Media for sponsoring and hosting this first, of many more, events to come.”
Jerry Della Salla, who co-starred with Matt Damon in Green Zone, studied with the top acting coach in the world, Stella Adler, is an Iraq War vet and has a Masters in Apologetics, won Best Character Voice as R.O.V.-R the Undersea Explorer in a story-time series. His daughter was also awarded for her a capella singing in the animation "Fruit of the Spirit."
In addition, Kenny Lee Robinson and his team, Kasey Dutt, Troy Dutt, and Terri Robinson, were given the Commitment to Excellence Award for their production of The Jumbo Shrimp of Dire Straits story-time video.
Other notables joining via Zoom were Jarod O'Flaherty, creator of the hit crime drama, Vindication, and comedian/radio host, Brian Atkinson, co-host of the podcast, Clean Comedy Time.
“It looked choreographic or staged, everything flowed so well,” said seasoned producer, Kevin Collier, amazed at how people of all ages and in different parts of the world spoke in unison at a pop-up awards ceremony celebrating the burgeoning field of Christian animation, and media, in general.
West Michigan's own, Jolie Ledford, 17, winner of the Young Artist Award and Young Entertainer Award in Hollywood, among others, said, “It was encouraging to see so many people gathered together for a common goal of spreading Christianity to the entertainment industry. I saw God working in that room, lifting up His children in preparation to shake worlds. There were so many promising people present, it was hard not to be excited for their futures.”
Four-time Country Music Association award-winning comedian, Kenny Lee Robinson, an Executive Producer on several animated projects said, "The 2022 Christian Ani Awards was a blessing, as people involved in creating a new type of parable were recognized and encouraged. It was clearly evident that the Holy Spirit was present as I watched believers of all ages being a part of what God is doing in faith-based films and videos. Everyone who spoke at the awards recognized that it was God’s inspiration and direction that made these projects successful."
Jose Carlos Gutierrez, president of international Christian comics ministry, COMIX35 NEXT GEN joined via Zoom in Mexico City. “The event was amazing, I had such a great time, I'm so honored to be invited. All the cast of Benny the Barnacle, they are so amazing, the kids, it was wonderful to see all these seeds that the LORD is planting and I know all of them are going to flourish for His Kingdom."
Gutierrez delighted viewers by doing a few lines from the upcoming cartoon, in the voice of his character, Killer the Krill.
"I've already connected with the other guests," he added. "They are so humble and so talented. I've already connected with missionaries from Honduras because of [Zoom guest] Terita.”
"We had a ball!" said the aforementioned Terita St. Julian, a screenwriter whose daughter was awarded. "At the 2022 Ani Awards, we met Jose Carlos, who creates comic books to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through images that are to be given to missionaries across the world! Following the awards ceremony, I messaged him, and a new friendship was formed! He is sending books to our dear missionary friends in Honduras, and possibly Iceland, too! God is so good!"
Award-winning actress and presenter, Tricia Harmon, said, “It was an exciting day to see so many VIPs at the 2022 Christian Ani Awards, sponsored by Allendale Christian Media. What a privilege to see and speak over Zoom with amazing talent, as young as 11 years old, to seasoned filmmakers and celebrities. It honestly looked like the all-time best of Hollywood Squares. Lol!"
Pre-party interviews conducted by Dr. Felicity Joy Solomon, for Simply Felicity, displayed the drama.
Hunter Tuggle, who made his acting debut in The Color of Hope, said, “Oh, man, it was really cool just to feel [Felicity's] excitement for something that I was able to do for God. It made me think that by working for God we were able to reach other people and get them excited for what the LORD is doing.”
Children were awarded.
Future Producer Award winner, Anna, 12, also a presenter, said, “I felt the Holy Spirit working through all of us and it was a great experience.”
"It was so much fun!" said 11-year-old author, voice actress, and animator, Aleesa, recipient of the Future Animator Award. "I liked seeing the kids and meeting so many talented people who love Jesus! I am also thankful that I won two awards!" The multi-talented artist won for her a capella singing in the animated "Jesus Loves Me."
Future Director Award winner, Daniel, 7, who played Braden in Braden's BibleBot, said it was “fun and exciting.”
Agata, 11, the voice of Blink, the adorable red cyclops in Whispering Wally, won the top award of the day for Most Creative Voice Actor. “I think it was a really good and fun experience,” she said, “and I'm really glad God made this possible.”
"Big congrats for the first time ever Ani Awards!" said beloved actor, Robert Shepherd, who was in Speilberg's Lincoln and the film Evan Almighty, but who stole the nation's heart for his "I love you, Dad!" Hearing Assist commercials. "It is such a great vehicle to recognize so many talented young people and those who support Christian animation!"
Burke Sage, from ID Network's Lone Star Justice and lead actor in Robert Alaniz' upcoming Christian feature film comedy, Honest to God, was a presenter. "Love this! Fun day with some talented young people!" Sage said. "Thank you again for allowing me to share in this."
Singer/actress, Ashleigh Dillon, said, "This was an awesome event! We loved this and thank you again for having us!" Dillon's daughters were awarded for their singing and a sneak peek of their animated a capella rendition of "I've Got the Joy" was premiered before the awards.
Presenter Harmon added, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to speak personally with comedians Leslie Rob, DeAnn Alaine, and Kenny Lee Robinson, actors Robert Shepherd and Jerry Della Salla, and singer Corine Chanteuse. An added highlight was seeing Dr. Jay Greer, from Compass College of Film & Media, located in Grand Rapids, taking time out of his busy Saturday to attend. I believe he has a huge vision, and I’m so excited that he sees [the Michigan Christian Talent Network] as part of it.”
Greer, president of the Christian film college, said, "It was a great time to see the Ani Award event link West Michigan and international film and media Christians, to build relationships, and share how God has used us to advance His Kingdom.”
Kathy Bruins, The Well Ministry for Creatives founder, said, “It truly was a wonderful event in meeting and networking with many Christian professionals in the media business. As the founder of The Well Ministry for Creatives, where we strive to help creatives take the next step in the journey God has them on, it was evident that the Holy Spirit allowed for us to gather and brainstorm the possibilities of future endeavors for the Kingdom.”
COMIX35 NEXT GEN's Gutierrez added, “It was such a coincidence that I connected with Kathy Bruins, because I did the illustration for A Moses Prayer for Easter, that she wrote together with Robert Harmon, so when I saw her, I'm like 'Oh, I see Kathy!' So I'm so glad at how the LORD connects everything. We will [continue to] be working together for the glory of God and to reach the unsaved.”
Harmon summed up the feeling. “West Michigan is exploding with Christian creatives creating amazing content. [The] Michigan Christian Talent Network offers an unprecedented and unique opportunity for all of Michigan to unite, and fortify, top-notch, award-winning, and life-changing productions, for every age to enjoy, and for the glory of God. I’m humbled to be a tiny part of its impact. Thank you, also, to Allendale Christian Media for sponsoring and hosting this first, of many more, events to come.”
Jerry Della Salla, who co-starred with Matt Damon in Green Zone, studied with the top acting coach in the world, Stella Adler, is an Iraq War vet and has a Masters in Apologetics, won Best Character Voice as R.O.V.-R the Undersea Explorer in a story-time series. His daughter was also awarded for her a capella singing in the animation "Fruit of the Spirit."
In addition, Kenny Lee Robinson and his team, Kasey Dutt, Troy Dutt, and Terri Robinson, were given the Commitment to Excellence Award for their production of The Jumbo Shrimp of Dire Straits story-time video.
Other notables joining via Zoom were Jarod O'Flaherty, creator of the hit crime drama, Vindication, and comedian/radio host, Brian Atkinson, co-host of the podcast, Clean Comedy Time.
FROM LEFT: Actor Robert Shepherd, comedian Leslie Rob, Vindication's Jarod O'Flaherty, actress Ashleigh Dillon, Green Zone's Jerry Della Salla, comedian DeAnn Alaine, comedian Kenny Lee Robinson, singer Corine Chanteuse, Comix35 Next Gen President Jose Carlos Gutierrez, comedian Brian Atkinson.