The divisive subject matter will likely predetermine your response to The Prodigal Son, a recently released short film shot in Eau Claire. The 15-minute film gives images to Keith Green’s rock opera-esque The Prodigal Son Suite, which is a retelling of the New Testament parable in which a young man demands his inheritance from his father, is overtaken with temptations, hits rock bottom, and humbly returns home. The film was directed and produced by Dean L. Bauman, an Eau Claire native currently residing in Toronto. It stars Kyle Woodman, Leonard Formeister, and Bauman himself. Bauman shot a great deal of the film in Eau Claire, including familiar sites such as Wigwam Tavern, Grand Avenue Bridge, and some alleys downtown. Though the subject and music have limited accessibility (what with religion being a hot-button issue and all), Bauman captured some excellent images over the course of the 14-year production. Watch the film in its entirety at Vimeo (www.vimeo.com/2292296)  or YouTube (www.youtube.com/user/manofvalor111). You can purchase the DVD and see more of Dean’s work at www.deanbauman.com.