The idea for a documentary about the various responses to the purity movement and models for Christian dating and relationships over the last 20 years was the idea of Jessica Van Der Wyngaard, the film's director and sole producer.
In early 2016, Jessica approached Joshua Harris while they were both pursuing master's degrees at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C. to discuss the idea of making such a film together.
THE FILM
THE PRODUCTION
The documentary project has been partially funded through the generosity of Kickstarter Backers.
Without the backing of a big studio, investors or production house, creating this film was only possible because crew members—including Joshua Harris—volunteered their time.
The film is the work of Director Jessica Van Der Wyngaard's production company DOCSology. Van Der Wyngaard and DOCSology have contributed more than 12 months of full-time volunteer hours to the production. For answers to common questions on the financing and creation of this film, visit the FAQ page.
(Any revenue generated in the film's release received by the production company will go towards further thoughtful Christian media content. Joshua Harris receives no compensation.)
In 1997, I Kissed Dating Goodbye effectively "turned the Christian singles scene upside down" and catapulted its unsuspecting author, Joshua Harris, into the Christian spotlight. Published when Josh was just 21 years old—and single, his revolutionary book on romance and relationships became
an international bestseller and continues to shape the consciousness of how Christians view singleness, dating, and
the roadmap to marriage.
THE BOOK
Through the connective platform of social media, Harris has been dealt a battering of online criticism from disenchanted Christians and others in recent years. Some have lashed out at him directly for I Kissed Dating Goodbye, and a few have even set up websites dedicated to his "victims." Some online have called for Harris to apologise for what they believe was hurtful teaching. Meanwhile, others applaud his work—including some who attribute the success of their marriages to it — and encourage him to stand his ground. From all sides, Harris has felt pressure to take action.
