ONTARIO — Christian movies are often categorized into their own genre, but Ontario residents have a personal investment in watching “The Fix It Boys.”
The movie will feature Jonas Risner, 11, playing a bully who learns about Jesus.
Jonas, son of Ontario Christian Fellowship’s head minister John Risner, said the movie has been quite an experience.
Jonas portrays a bully named Marty in the film — a real change of pace from the true character of the actor. His father said he’s not allowed to call people names, unlike Marty who refers to other characters as “dork-boy” excessively.
“I think there’s one time where I actually call someone by their real name,” Jonas said with a smile.
The Fix It Boys are brothers, Cricket and Ben, who counsel Jonas’ character and two other boys — a pretty boy and a nerd — and lead them to Christ during a camping trip, Jonas said.
“It’s great to be able to reach kids, and tell them about Jesus,” Jonas said. “I think that it’s what God wants me to do, to tell the world about Jesus.”
This is Jonas’ first movie with a speaking part. In the not-yet-released film ‘Lifestone Velocity,’ he portrayed a younger version of the protagonist.
His father started his Christian acting career eight years ago as the lead actor in 2011 movie, Redemption Ride, directed by Mike Dornbirer.
“When I heard about this new film that needed these three characters: the bully, nerd and the preppy guy, I just inquired because Jonas loved the Lifestone Velocity opportunity.” Risner said. “He thought it was great.”
Jonas auditioned for Marty on the steps of his father’s church. Risner said Dorbere was originally looking for a larger, meaner actor to portray Marty the bully, but after the audition, Jonas had changed his mind.
“It was really simple; I just read a few lines. He told me what to do, and how to do it,” Jonas recalled.
The audition filled Risner with pride, he said.
“I was proud because he’s not a big kid,” Risner said. “And Mike was a little skeptical, but he was blown away from the get-go. He was like, ‘Oh wow. He really does have some ability here.’ I thought he nailed the audition. I was not surprised when he got it.”
The film was shot in parts around Bucyrus and in Lowe-Voke Park in Crestline, Risner said.
Risner said the video is expected to be an internationally released film and available for purchase in every Christian book store as of April 3.
“The kids are kind of an example that no one is perfect, and no one always done the right thing,” the young actor said. “People need Jesus to help them be the right person that he wants us to be.”
