The independent film "By His Hand" has debuted, a project by Utah-based Scryer Productions that explores themes of religious dogma and identity through the lens of a woman escaping a fundamentalist cult.
Production details and crew
Directed by Taylor Paur, the film was written by Taylor and Ethan Paur and produced by Conor Paur. The production team filmed the project in 11 days during November 2023 using a crew largely composed of individuals who previously worked on the first four seasons of Paramount's "Yellowstone."
Personal inspirations for the script
According to The Daily Utah Chronicle, the Paur brothers drew from their own upbringing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to shape the film. Taylor Paur noted that he used his personal experience of navigating life in Salt Lake City after stepping away from the church to inform the character of Sam.
Plot summary of the movie
The film's plot follows Emma, a young woman fleeing a controlling leader named Fowler in rural Utah. Ethan Paur described the movie as an exploration of characters running from a toxic past to find new ways of living.
Herriman students celebrate mission calls
In contrast to the film's themes of leaving religious structures, students at Herriman High recently gathered to celebrate their upcoming service within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. KSL News reported that 84 soon-to-be missionaries participated in a flag video shoot coordinated by photographer Kassie Feinga.
Details of the temple photo shoot
The photo shoot took place at the Oquirrh Temple and was organized by student body president Romney Hewlett. According to KSL News, the event featured more students than originally expected and included both male and female missionaries.
