Recently, I had the opportunity to interview a director whose films have had a profound effect on me, as I know they have on many others: Timothy A. Chey. Mr. Chey recently directed “The Firing Squad,” a faith-based film with a unique angle.
I’ve reviewed a dozen of his 16-film repertoire. They are a little edgier than other faith-based pieces I’ve watched. His film “Final: The Rapture” (2013) explores the concerns of a group of people facing the impending Rapture. A favorite of mine—“Interview With the Antichrist” (2020)—focuses on a live broadcast interview with the Antichrist as the world is turned upside down.
Mr. Chey’s body of work appeals to a wide audience—there’s something for everyone. It was fascinating to learn more about the man himself, his journey to embracing Jesus Christ, and the elements that have shaped his remarkable career as a standout filmmaker.
The Epoch Times: It’s a real pleasure to get the opportunity to speak with you today, Mr. Chey. Are you aware that I’ve reviewed almost all of your films? I’m not sure if anyone told you that yet.
Mr. Chey (chuckling): Yes! I know! I was telling my wife, “This is the guy, Ian Kane, who has reviewed a bunch of my films and helped me out so much!”
The Epoch Times: I have to thank you if anything, since you helped to bring me closer to God through your films. Okay, we’ll just say, we’re in the Mutual Appreciation Society.
I’ve enjoyed all of your films for different reasons. For instance, “Final: The Rapture” actually scared the living daylights out of me because of how you presented and dramatized its very serious subject matter. On the other hand, “The Epic Journey” (2015) hit differently since it was a globe-spanning documentary that detailed how people from different countries found God.
Having said that, although I love all of your great films, after watching your most recent one, “The Firing Squad,” I have to say that it had the most profound effect on me. Have you heard that before?
Mr. Chey: Yes! Out of all of my films, “The Firing Squad” has already made the largest impact on screening audiences. Through this film, I’ve been blessed enough to bring people to Christ. I’ve also never seen so many people crying before. It’s very moving as a filmmaker.
The Epoch Times: I know how they feel! One of the main characters in the film repeatedly said she never cried. I feel as though she transferred all of her tears to me because I was reaching for tissues.
Mr. Chey: I am humbled by that. Yes, it’s something else.
The Epoch Times: What is your background that drew you to write the script of “The Firing Squad?”
Mr. Chey: A while back while I was in Asia, I saw a special report on Asia CNN about three prisoners who had been captured for different reasons and ended up in a prison camp in a third world country. The three were Christians who were so strong in their faith that they were an inspiration to many others, and that inspired me to write the screenplay.
The Epoch Times: Yeah, even though it’s a dramatized account of these Christian prisoners’ lives, knowing that it’s based on a true story makes it all the more gripping. Its production values were also right up there with any Hollywood production.
Mr. Chey: Thank you.
The Epoch Times: What challenges did you face in filming?
Mr. Chey: That would have to be all of the locations we had to travel to. We shot in L.A., Las Vegas, an abandoned prison, casinos, a subway, and a studio for the courtroom and office scenes.
The Epoch Times: That must have been brutal.
Mr. Chey: I’ll tell you this—God definitely had a hand in helping us. Initially, we were going to have to travel to an Asian country to shoot the prison scene. However, at the last minute, we found the perfect abandoned prison right in my backyard in Florida! It was beyond coincidence.
The Epoch Times: What movies have you most enjoyed working on?
Mr. Chey: “The Firing Squad” is the most compelling, tear-jerking, and emotional, and so impactful that it brought many people to Christ. I’d say after that, “Suing the Devil,” because it was such a blast to work with Malcolm McDowell. “The Islands,” because it was so difficult to make but also so, so rewarding. The real-life story is also incredibly powerful.
The Epoch Times: What future projects do you have in mind?
Mr. Chey: I might retire after “The Firing Squad,” which was also very challenging and very rewarding. But, as you know, as a film director, Ian, directing is so hard and I don’t know if I’m up to it anymore, as I’m getting older. So, probably no more directing, only writing and producing.
The Epoch Times: What is the best part of making a movie for you?
Mr. Chey: Ah, that’s an easy one. Casting for the parts and trying to find the best actors to play the roles. That’s such a thrilling thing because you’re trying to match actors with their very particular parts. Also, when you first arrive on set early in the morning, watching all of the film vans and set stuff, grabbing a coffee, collaborating with other creatives, and creating something together that people will watch—the process of filmmaking is the greatest one in the world!
The Epoch Times: Do you have any siblings?
Mr. Chey: An older brother, Pastor Victor Chey.
The Epoch Times: What events led you to become a Christian?
Mr. Chey: I directed my first film for Universal Studios, then traveled to Manila in the Philippines to celebrate. I ended up gambling away all of the money I earned from the film. I remember being so depressed and in a very dark place, holed up in my hotel room. But then I saw a Bible in my room and began to read it. After a while, I got down on my knees and let Christ into my heart and soul. That was 24 years ago.
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