Dallas, October 1, 2025
News Summary
El Tonto Por Cristo, a spiritually focused film directed by Josh Jordan, will have its world premiere at the Texas Theater on October 6. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with the director. The movie explores the life of a monk on a journey towards sainthood along the Texas coast, framed by dreamlike visuals and an evocative soundtrack. The filmmakers aim to engage local audiences through grassroots efforts and promote a movement of indie films celebrating Texas culture.
Dallas — The world premiere of El Tonto Por Cristo is scheduled for October 6 at the Texas Theater, followed by a director Q&A, and will be supported by a grassroots tour that relies on social media outreach and local screening partnerships. The premiere is the most visible stop on a promotional push built around regional events, merchandise sales and direct community engagement designed to bring the film to local audiences.
Key details and premiere
El Tonto Por Cristo (The Fool For Christ) is directed by Josh Jordan and produced by Jessica Jordan. The film will screen at the Texas Theater on October 6, followed by a director Q&A. The upcoming film tour is marketed using grassroots efforts and social media outreach for local screenings. The merchandise for the film includes posters, stills, a double-album soundtrack, a scarf, and a fragrance named after St. Genesius.
What the film is about
The film tells the story of a holy fool monk, Father John, on a journey toward sainthood on the Texas coast. El Tonto Por Cristo’s narrative revolves around the everyday life of Father John, highlighting minor miracles. The project positions itself as a spiritually minded drama that focuses on small, human-scale events rather than large theological debates.
Style, tone and music
The film is described as having a meditative tone, moody soundtrack, and dreamlike black-and-white visuals. David Lowery has compared El Tonto to Tarkovsky by way of Texas. A soundtrack composed by Michael Paraskevas features a unique mix of instruments including banjo, lap steel, and a wooden semantron, reinforcing the film’s spare and contemplative atmosphere.
Cast and collaborators
The film’s casting includes Matthew Posey, Franky Mosley, Jordan Walker Ross, Tim DeLaughter, and Barry Corbin. The ensemble mixes stage and screen performers with local talent to create a distinctly regional cast profile.
Production and logistics
The film was shot in just 15 days with an ultra-low budget, utilizing local locations in Dallas and beyond. Production relied on compact crews, rapid scheduling and community locations to keep costs down and maintain a nimble shooting rhythm. The filmmakers emphasize a hands-on approach to production and promotion, including direct sales of physical collectibles and soundtrack releases.
Director background and influences
Josh Jordan’s background includes performing as an opening act for his father, a traveling evangelist. He transitioned from acting to directing, having previously directed videos for bands like Polyphonic Spree and Joshua Ray Walker. Jordan converted to Orthodoxy with his wife 11 years ago, which influenced his filmmaking approach. The project is described as the first English-language Orthodox feature film of its kind, positioning it as an unusual intersection of faith-based themes and independent art-house sensibilities.
Goals, future screenings and festivals
The Jordans aim to build a movement of indie films that honor Texas culture and spirituality. Josh Jordan expresses a desire to create films that invite viewers into spirituality without being preachy. The couple looks forward to attending the Quo Vadis film festival in Romania in November as part of the film’s festival strategy and international outreach.
Related activities and items of note
Heritage Auctions is involved with a portion of the collectibles from Guillermo Del Toro’s Bleak House collection, which Josh Jordan worked on during a wildfires rescue mission. That involvement surfaced as part of the broader set of cultural and collectible activities tied to the film’s release and the filmmakers’ community connections.
Context and significance
The film arrives at the intersection of regional storytelling, independent production and religiously inflected art cinema. Its rapid shoot, low budget and local support model reflect current indie practices, while the framing as an English-language Orthodox feature marks a niche the filmmakers and supporters expect will attract specific cultural and religious audiences as well as general art-house viewers.
FAQ
When is the world premiere?
The film will screen at the Texas Theater on October 6, followed by a director Q&A.
Who directed and produced the film?
El Tonto Por Cristo (The Fool For Christ) is directed by Josh Jordan and produced by Jessica Jordan.
What is the film’s tone and visual style?
The film is described as having a meditative tone, moody soundtrack, and dreamlike black-and-white visuals.
How did a critic summarize the film’s style?
David Lowery has compared El Tonto to Tarkovsky by way of Texas.
What is the story of the film?
It tells the story of a holy fool monk, Father John, on a journey toward sainthood on the Texas coast.
Is this film notable within its religious or linguistic context?
It is the first English-language Orthodox feature film of its kind.
What is known about Josh Jordan’s background?
Josh Jordan’s background includes performing as an opening act for his father, a traveling evangelist.
What was Jordan’s career path into directing?
He transitioned from acting to directing, having previously directed videos for bands like Polyphonic Spree and Joshua Ray Walker.
How did personal faith influence the film?
Jordan converted to Orthodoxy with his wife 11 years ago, which influenced his filmmaking approach.
Who appears in the cast?
The film’s casting includes Matthew Posey, Franky Mosley, Jordan Walker Ross, Tim DeLaughter, and Barry Corbin.
What does the narrative focus on?
El Tonto Por Cristo’s narrative revolves around the everyday life of Father John, highlighting minor miracles.
How long did production take and where was it filmed?
The film was shot in just 15 days with an ultra-low budget, utilizing local locations in Dallas and beyond.
Who composed the soundtrack and what instruments are used?
A soundtrack composed by Michael Paraskevas features a unique mix of instruments including banjo, lap steel, and a wooden semantron.
How is the film being marketed?
The upcoming film tour is marketed using grassroots efforts and social media outreach for local screenings.
What merchandise is available?
The merchandise for the film includes posters, stills, a double-album soundtrack, a scarf, and a fragrance named after St. Genesius.
What are the filmmakers’ broader aims?
The Jordans aim to build a movement of indie films that honor Texas culture and spirituality.
What is the director’s stated filmmaking approach?
Josh Jordan expresses a desire to create films that invite viewers into spirituality without being preachy.
Where will the filmmakers appear internationally?
The couple looks forward to attending the Quo Vadis film festival in Romania in November.
Is there any notable auction or collectible connection?
Heritage Auctions is involved with a portion of the collectibles from Guillermo Del Toro’s Bleak House collection, which Josh Jordan worked on during a wildfires rescue mission.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Director | Josh Jordan |
| Producer | Jessica Jordan |
| World Premiere | Texas Theater — October 6 |
| Screening Event | Director Q&A after premiere |
| Filming Schedule | Shot in 15 days |
| Budget | Ultra-low budget |
| Visual & Sound | Dreamlike black-and-white visuals; meditative tone; moody soundtrack |
| Soundtrack Composer | Michael Paraskevas (banjo, lap steel, wooden semantron) |
| Cast | Matthew Posey; Franky Mosley; Jordan Walker Ross; Tim DeLaughter; Barry Corbin |
| Marketing | Grassroots tour and social media outreach |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dallas News: Dallas Filmmakers Texas Theatre Premiere
- Wikipedia: Film
- Dallas Observer: Dallas Director Works with Guillermo Del Toro
- Google Search: independent film
- D Magazine: Josh David Jordan Makes Films
- Google Scholar: Texas Theater
- Dallas Observer: Dallas Filmmakers React to New Texas Legislature Film Incentive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas cinema
- Dallas News: John Waters Brings Humor to Dallas
- Google News: independent film Texas
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
