“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” ― C.S. Lewis
Born in 1892, J.R.R. Tolkien was raised Catholic from an early age, continuing his love of writing throughout his life and even in wartime. C.S. Lewis, a lay theologian who also held a deep passion for English literature, shared a friendly rivalry with Tolkien in Inklings, a writers' circle in Europe.
Prior to The Lord of the Rings being published, Tolkien wrote, "‘The Lord of the Rings’ is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision...For the religious element is absorbed into the story and the symbolism.’" Tolkein's masterful ability to weave religious symbolism and themes within his literature draws in a wide audience of Catholics, Protestants, and non-Christians alike. C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia clearly incorporates metaphors into religious-like characters such as Aslan, who rises from the dead to defeat evil in a similar manner as Jesus Christ.
Susan and Lucy mourn the supposed death of Aslan.
Aslan is resurrected through the prophecy.
With film and visual storytelling, the same method of thematic symbolism should apply. Weaving elements such as the Ten Commandments, prayer, faith, and forgiveness should remain not on the surface but within the field of realism and an internal battle a character faces.
Samwise forgives Frodo for abandoning him on their quest to cast the Ring into Mordor.
Thus, it would seem that short films and visual storytelling oriented around Christian values should be conveyed in this way, also. With film and visual storytelling, the same method of thematic symbolism applies.
With God's help, J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis were skilled in interweaving Christian symbolism in their own worlds. With film, we can do the same.