Dan filming David in Malawi.jpg

ABOUT

Speak Up Productions, founded in 2008, is a St. Louis based production company that makes films about what matters. Our goal is to entertain, educate and inspire people to action through story.

In our fast paced world, people choose to engage precious time exploring their imaginations, relationships, convictions and futures through the lens of a story. We hope to be the avenue through which they see stories that are raw, original, and true. Raw in the sense that we don’t distance ourselves from stories that make some people uncomfortable, but get right into the heart of the issue. When it comes to being original and true, author C.S. Lewis said it best, “No man who values originality will ever be original. But try to tell the truth as you see it, try to do any bit of work as well as it can be done for the work’s sake, and what men call originality will come unsought.” We invite you to join us on this journey.

Our stories & footage have been covered in thousands of media outlets including national programs like CNN, The View, Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, FUSE TV and Univision’s Aqui y Ahora. Our films have played at numerous film festivals including Heartland Film Fest, St. Louis International, SXSW EDU, DocUtah, Lower East Side, Omaha, BronzeLens, Awareness, Global Peace and more. Our films have also played hundreds of colleges. Visit each film’s individual website to learn more about past screenings and how to book your own screening.

Awards

What Matters?

WINNER | BEST DOCUMENTARY - St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase
WINNER | VISIONARY AWARD - Awareness Film Fest
HONORABLE MENTION | AUDIENCE AWARD - Heartland Film Fest & Omaha Film Fest

When the Saints?

WINNER |BEST DOCUMENTARY - Jamaican International Faith & Christian Online Film Festival
WINNER | INSPIRING FAITH AWARD - Inspired Faith Film Festival

Thunderdome

WINNER | BEST DOCUMENTARY - Universal Film Fest
WINNER | SILVER AWARD | World On Fire Film Festival
WINNER | BEST FOREIGN FEATURE DOCUMENTARY | Fort Worth Indie Film Showcase

Dan Parris

WINNER |DISTINGUISHED YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD - Biola University

Learn more about the heart behind Speak Up Productions from Founder Dan Parris: