Shot-In-Portland Film “Blue Like Jazz” Opens Nationwide April 13

Blue Like Jazz, the big-screen adaptation of Portland author Don Miller’s New York Times Bestselling book, is set to open in select theaters nationwide on Friday April 13.

The film, which follows a Reed College student’s exploration of faith and love, became a “crowdfunding” success story two years ago when fans of Miller’s book raised over $345,000.00 in 42 days to fund the production.

Though the majority of Blue Like Jazz was filmed in Nashville, the production shot scenes in and around Portland and Reed College in early 2011.  As we’ve previously reported the production employed over 50 Oregonians in crew positions, and spent approximately $135,000 in Oregon.

As the film nears release it has been the subject of some controversy: well known musician Steve Taylor, who directed the film,  claims that the “Christian Movie Establishment” (most notably the producers of the popular faith-based films Fireproof and Facing The Giants) “is out to get us.”  Taylor claims that the producers of those films have pledged not to work with anyone who appears in Blue Like Jazz, and have actively worked to stop the film’s trailer from being shown before screenings of the new film October Baby.