By John L. Winright
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Samantha’s journey started in high school where she developed a love for theater. Her passion blossomed into a career when she landed a job as a camera operator at BMUTV.
She’d later go on to work as a freelance assistant producer and camera operator with Richer Productions and get her bachelor’s degree in film in 2014.
Sam (as she likes to be called) balances writing, directing, acting, modeling, and motherhood, alongside her photography pursuits. She has played notable roles, including a supporting actress in ‘Last Chance.’ As a director, her focus includes impactful projects like ‘Love Undead (2014),’ ‘Goldfish (2014),’ and ‘We’ll Get By, (The Autism Song), by Johnny Orr,’ reaching over 1 million views and demonstrating her ability to connect with actors and evoke raw emotions.
Samantha married Timothy Ryan in 2017 and they have two beautiful children, Cadance (3) and Cameron (1). “Because we love music, dancing, and film” she says.
“My parents are Eric and Angela Murphy” says Samantha. “They are very talented and lead worship Sunday mornings at the Bryan First Church of Christ.”
“My love for acting and visual story telling happened at a young age when my mother took me to see the King and I at Fairview High School.”
“My mother sang and acted in school plays, and I followed suit. I was the lead role my junior year playing Sandy in the musical Grease, among other roles throughout high school.”
When asked about her personal thoughts on life, Samantha said “Life is so many things. It’s beautiful, grand, but it’s also messy, raw, and hard, and never a straight line.”
“That is what I want to show in my films, to show the realism. I have so many different genres of films that show the goodness in people, but not hiding the mess while doing it.”
“To empower people to take their mess and not let it define them but fuel them to do what they are called to do, to accept it and not let it hold them back” states Samantha.
“I have had my struggles in life and the past will always be there, but it does not define me. In fact, some of my traumas, and past mistakes are the backbone of many of my stories.”
When asked about her future, Samantha shared that her degree and training allows her to know how to make a film from start to finish. “The hard part is funding such endeavors.”
So, her plan is to learn more of the business side of filmmaking, utilizing “Reunions in Heaven” to not only inspire people and extend its mission but to also connect with others in the industry wanting to take the other film projects she has and produce them for a bigger audience.
“I have several other feature film ideas that I will one day be needing investors for. These films range from romantic comedies to dramas, faith, and fantasy. I’m most excited about the fantasy film!” says Sam.
“The budget would range more in the millions for that one. My life goal is to continue filmmaking and acting and being with my kids. I would love to see one of my films on the nationwide big screen one day!”
What inspired Samantha to write “REUNIONS IN HEAVEN” is the fact that she is not new to loss. “I had a pretty big one when I was 17,” said Samantha. “Someone I held very close, among so many other people who loved him dearly, was lost very suddenly and tragically.”
This loss affected her in a very negative way for a few years, but she climbed her way out of the life that she was living and “found my way back home.”
Samantha then had to take her aunt for most of her cancer treatments, and cared for her grandmother, until they both went to Heaven. They passed away within 30 days of each other.
“I honestly think of death often,” she says, “because it molded me so much at a young impressionable age. I had to see two mothers bury sons.”
“I watched young children bury a parent. I’ve seen what death can do to a person long term if it’s not something they work through.”
One night as she lay awake thinking about all of this, Samantha said that she started imagining how she would react if she could see them one last time. Or what it would look like for them to see their mothers again, to see their parents again or their long-lost husband.
“And then I thought, what would it look like when we go to Heaven and see them again. I just began writing and getting it on paper.
“Reunions in Heaven” is short, yet there are so many different types of reunions we look forward to and I could only tell a few. I want people to see this because, though loss is hard… I want to give hope at a reunion with those people we love so dearly.”
REUNIONS IN HEAVEN INFO: Samantha Ryan has announced her latest venture into the world of cinema with the production of her upcoming film, “Reunions in Heaven.”
The drama aims to make sense of the enduring impact of loss by offering viewers a glimpse into the initial moments following death, where loved ones reconnect with those who have departed before them.
A crowdfunding campaign for the short film is live via Seed & Spark and runs through February 7, 2024. With a rich background in film and visual arts, Samantha brings a unique blend of skills to her directorial role.
The primary mission of “Reunions in Heaven” is to provide solace and hope to those navigating the challenges of losing a loved one. Samantha envisions a film that explores the unknown aspects of heaven, depicting a heartfelt reunion with departed family members.
Her ultimate goal is to have the film featured at the Christian International Film Festival, reaching a broader audience and potentially garnering recognition.
Financial support is welcomed to fund various aspects of the production, including purchasing props, building the set (Heaven), providing accommodation and travel assistance for the cast and crew, and ensuring everyone is well-fed on set.
In appreciation of support, contributors can enjoy incentives such as a photoshoot, tickets to a special screening, access to the final film, and behind-the-scenes content.
Auditions for roles in “Reunions in Heaven” will be held at the First Church of Christ (129 N Walnut St) in Bryan on Saturday, Jan 20th, from 10 am to 2 pm. Interested individuals are invited to bring a headshot or selfie. Script pages will be provided by the casting director.
Open roles include a grandmother, a mom in her forties, her husband, a man in woman in their 20’s as well as featured extras!
Samantha invites the community to join her in creating a heartwarming film that explores the depths of human emotions and the beauty of life beyond. To learn more about “Reunions in Heaven” and to get involved, please visit https://seedandspark.com/fund/reunions-in-heaven#story
