In 2006 videographer Fred Wilharm and his freelance writer wife, Sharon, went to the theater to see Facing the Giants.
“We were excited to see an independent Christian movie so well done,” says Sharon. “It inspired me to go home and write a screenplay.” She immediately wrote Class of 91, but it didn’t work out for them to produce it at that time.
Three years later, the Wilharms saw Fireproof and decided the time had come to produce their own movie.
Class of 91 makes its premiere on March 6 when churches in 17 states plus Canada will be hosting free Class of 91 Movie Premiere Events.
About Them…
To spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through all types of media with an emphasis on radio, theater, church drama, music graphic novels, television and film.
The Gideon was started to give Christians who are interested in the media arts a place to encourage their talents, a venue to meet, learn, network and get advice from experts in the industry, and the opportunity to develop working and personal relationships that extend long after the Gideon is over.
Enter a Contest – Starting from age 16
http://www.gideonfilmfestival.com/Contests/index.cfm
www.gideonfilmfestival.com
The Rally is a gritty drama which follows several families living in a town riddled with crime and corruption. As the local church works to bring positive change to the town, they are confronted at every turn by those that desire to keep the city in bondage…until today. God has sent a team into the city to bring change.
Having starred in a number of movies seasoned actor Kenneth Copeland is virtually unrecognisable in his role as the father and rapper T-Bone is once again playing the role of a gangster.
The movie is directed by Rick Reyna who has worked in Hollywood with names – such as Al Pacino and Michael Mann.
The film will be premiered in LA on December 12 and shown in prisons on dec 26.
It is expected to be released internationally in early 2010.
One Event… One Church… One God… The Rally.
The Story
Dave, a widower, is working himself to death. Late nights doing paperwork and running on fumes is the norm. Bills are piling by the week, and foreclosure looms on the horizon. Blaming God for his wife’s death, he ends his relationship with the church.
David Corwin (Rob Reisman)
His son, Steven, the only remaining Christian of the family, has been watching his fathers unhealthy lifestyle with great concern. Along with his best friend Maggie, Steven works to reach his father in anyway he can.
Despite his grieving, Dave begins to move in the right direction seeking an answer to the question that has been haunting him since his wife’s death. WHY?
Standing Firm is a story of suffering, God’s purpose in it, and being joyful despite of it.
“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
(Psalm 119:50)
Corwin Construction business owner David Corwin has thrown family and church out the window. After the death of his wife Jen, he becomes cold hearted towards the things of God, despite his sons position in ministry. As time goes on, the bills pile, the pressure mounts, and David is left grieving the death of his wife and searching for the ultimate answer…why?
www.standingfirmmovie.com
Obsession: Radical Islam’s War Against the West is an award-winning feature film that documents the call for world domination and global jihad made by Islamic leaders on a daily basis. The controversial film features exclusive footage from Arabic TV rarely seen in the West, as well as interviews with former terrorists, and experts including Alan Dershowitz, Steve Emerson, John Loftus, Caroline Glick and Nonie Darwish. The film demonstrates parallels between Chamberlain’s doomed strategy of appeasing Hitler prior to WWII, with the West’s current attitude of appeasing Iran and radical Islamists.
Almost 70 years ago, Europe found itself at war with one of the most sinister figures in modern history: Adolf Hitler. When the last bullet of World War II was fired, over 50 million people were dead, and countless countries were both physically and economically devastated. Hitler’s bloody struggle sought to forge the world anew, in the crucible of Nazi values. How could such a disaster occur? How could the West have overlooked the evil staring it in the face, for so long, before standing forcefully against it?
Today, we find ourselves confronted by a new enemy, also engaged in a violent struggle to transform our world. As we sleep in the comfort of our homes, a new evil rises against us. A new menace is threatening, with all the means at its disposal, to bow Western Civilization under the yoke of its values. That enemy is Radical Islam.
Using images from Arab TV, rarely seen in the West, Obsession reveals an ‘insider’s view’ of the hatred the Radicals are teaching, their incitement of global jihad, and their goal of world domination. With the help of experts, including first-hand accounts from a former PLO terrorist, a Nazi youth commander, and the daughter of a martyred guerilla leader, the film shows, clearly, that the threat is real.
Islam is being hijacked by radical extremists, who actively seek to destroy the shared values we stand for. The world should be very concerned.
www.obsessionthemovie.com
Obsession: Radical Islam’s War Against the West
Synopsis: Director – Thomas Carter
Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (Actor in a Supporting Role, Jerry Maguire, 1996) stars in this true story about a renowned brain surgeon who overcame obstacles to change the course of medicine forever. Young Ben Carson didn’t have much of a chance. Growing up in a broken home amongst poverty and prejudice, his grades suffered and his temper flared. And yet, his mother never lost her faith in him. Insisting he follow the opportunities she never had, she helped to grow his imagination, intelligence and, most importantly, his belief in himself. That faith would be his gift – the thing that would drive him to follow his dream of becoming one of the world’s leading neurosurgeons.
Producer Tyler Perry is being sued by the estate of gospel singer/songwriter Bertha James, who claims the filmmaker/director illegally used an entire verse from a song she wrote in 1950 ‘When I Think of the Goodness of Jesus’ in his 2009 film ‘Madea Goes to Jail.’
According to court documents obtained by TMZ on Nov. 26, James’s estate alleges that the 40 year-old black movie maverick, whose real name is Emmitt R. Perry Jr., “incorporated the entire chorus in a monologue delivered by the main character in ‘Madea’ referencing her deliverance from a jail sentence and leniency for repetitive criminal conduct.”
The staged court proceedings were presided over by former ‘Divorce Court’ Judge Mablean Ephriam, who has previously appeared in Perry’s 2005 debut ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ and its follow-up ‘Madea’s Family Reunion,’ which was released one year later.
Lionsgate Entertainment, who distributes Perry’s movies, are also named in the suit, which seeks unspecified damages in excess of $75,000 for copyright infringement.
James’s estate is also requesting a jury trial.
Source: www.bvnewswire.com
Academy Award winner Louis Gossett, Jr. is lending his talent and good name to a faith-based movie about love and forgiveness.
“The Grace Card” is under production in Memphis, TN., and Gossett leads of a cast of newcomers that could get a boost from his star power.
Gossett plays George Wright, a civil rights pioneer and long-time activist minister who provides wisdom and advice to his grandson Sam, who’s chosen to follow in George’s ministry footsteps. The problem is, Sam Wright’s church is too small and budget-challenged. Sam’s a full-time cop on the tough streets of inner city Memphis, preaching on Sunday.
For veteran screenwriter Howie Klausner, landing Gossett to star in the movie has made top news in Memphis. Klausner said “People want to see big name actors, quality production values and good stories,” adding that “despite conventional Hollywood ‘wisdom’, the gospel and grace is just as real and relevant as a movie theme as it was 2000 years ago.”
Writer David Evans brought his original story to Klausner so the two of them could bring it to the big screen. Evans said he wants the story to motivate Christians in his community to tackle the city’s race problems and work toward healing. The film has already made an impact on the town.
“One of our most important scenes takes place in a predominantly black Memphis church,” says Evans. “Without giving the plot away, actors, crew and hundreds of extras from both black and white congregations were hugging each other and crying because of the subject matter.”
Evans’ church usually puts on an ambitious Easter program but opted to support the film instead this year. Church members help with everything from carpentry to catering on the set. Evans chose to balance the crew with many local and Hollywood-based professionals. Veterans from hit films such as “Walk the Line,” “The Rainmaker,” “Fireproof,” “Scream 2,” and “Bedtime Stories,” are on set.
“It’s a unique combination of volunteer and professional crew,” Memphis Deputy Film Commissioner Sharon Fox O’Guin told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “I’ve rarely seen such passion and dedication to a project.”
The film will complete production later this month and in theaters Spring 2010.
www.gracecardmovie.com
SYNOPSIS:
Tired of being a Preacher’s daughter and longing to experience more of life, 20-something ANGIE KING (LeToya Luckett) strikes out on her own for the very first time and joins a traveling gospel show.
In this modern-day rendition of the fable of The Prodigal Son, she soon discovers life on the road is tough but fears going home with nothing to show for herself, or worse, to a father who no longer loves her…
After much anticipation, the makers of runaway hits “Fireproof” and “Facing the Giants” announced Sunday night that their next film project will be about the need for godly fathers.
Deacons and church leaders of Sherwood church join Pastor Daniel Simmons of Mt. Zion Baptist Church to pray for the filmmakers of ”Courageous” at the film’s dedication service Sunday, November 15, 2009 in Albany, Georgia.
“Courageous,” the fourth film by movie-making church ministry Sherwood Pictures, will follow four police officers as they wrestle to make different decisions that will impact the lives of their families. The four men will go through a tragedy together that will challenge them to fulfill the role of fathers as God intended it to be.
“We believe God is calling us as a church family and through a movie to call men to rise up to spiritual leadership in their families,” announced Stephen Kendrick, co-screenwriter of “Courageous,” to about 1,300 people gathered at Sherwood Church in Albany, Ga.
In their announcement, Sherwood Pictures noted that 4 of 10 marriages end in divorce and more than a third of all children live away from their biological fathers.
“God calls Himself our father and … a father is supposed to represent the Lord to his children,” stated Kendrick. “[But] we often say that the fathers in this generation are misrepresenting God and children are growing up thinking that God is like their earthly father.”
The Kenrick Brothers
A Mother’s Prayer, the powerful and compelling stage play by Alvin Moore Jr. about a family torn apart and coming back together is now on DVD.
Embark on an emotional journey through song, laughter and triumph with Robin Givens (Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys), Johnny Gill (legendary R&B singer), Shirley Murdock (Man of Her Dreams), and Jermaine Crawford (HBO’s The Wire).
A Mother’s Prayer, tells the compelling, heartwarming tale of family members torn apart by their individual struggles. The only thing that can truly bring the family back together is a mother’s dying wishes. With a lot of love, this family is about to learn the true meaning of the saying: the family that prays together stays together. Come along on an emotional journey through song, laughter and triumph.
A Mother’s Prayer [DVD] [2009]
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Movie-making church ministry Sherwood Pictures and creators of ‘Fireproof’ reveal plans for 4th film
Click Here to Review Film and Buy
Movie-making church ministry Sherwood Pictures will be announcing the title and story line of its next movie this month and has been providing video “clues” over the past week.
“After much prayer, creative brainstorming, more prayer, wise counsel, and still more prayer, Sherwood Pictures is ready to move ahead with their fourth motion picture,” reported Provident Films, which worked with Sherwood for their latter two films.
So far, the makers of last year’s highly successful “Fireproof” film have suggested that their fourth project, like the three before, will start with the letter “F” and provided clues in two short skits – video segments redubbed from their first and third movies.
Aside from that, Sherwood Pictures has revealed little else but has been encouraging its supporters to stay up to date by joining their e-mail list.
“From their first movie, Sherwood Pictures has been focused on more than entertaining moviegoers,” expressed Provident Films. “Theirs is a true ministry endeavor. And each step along the way, they have seen the audiences grow and the impact enlarged.”
Though Sherwood’s first film, “Flywheel,” was largely unheard of and produced on just a $20,000 budget, the ministry has since grown, with its second film, “Facing the Giants,” chalking up over $10 million on a $100,000 budget and its third film, “Fireproof,” scoring over $33 million on a $500,000 budget.
The Kendrick brothers, who started Sherwood Pictures, had decided to enter the movie-making business after coming across the results of a 2002 Barna Group survey, which noted how movies are one of the leading influencers in American society while churches have lost much of their influence.
The Kendrick Brothers
Their church’s movie outreach has since been extended beyond the small community of Albany, Ga., and spread throughout North America and countries overseas.
Information about Sherwood’s fourth film will be revealed on Nov. 15.
Bruce Marchiano
Fifteen years ago, Bruce Marchiano was hired to play Jesus in the word-for-word dramatization of The Gospel According to Matthew. Marchiano’s portrayal shattered every stereotype. Reviewers often refer to him as “the happy Jesus,” whose passion, affection and love were a breath of fresh air to Christians and sparked the curiosity of countless seekers. During the making of the film, Marchiano witnessed firsthand the influence of investors’ visions for commercial success on the integrity of the gospel. He vowed that if he were ever calling the shots, he would make a Jesus film free from the conflict of the for-profit system. Little did he know that God would call him to fulfill that vow.
Fifteen years later, Marchiano’s God-given vision is being realized. Jesus…No Greater Love will be a word-by-word depiction of John’s gospel and Marchiano is considering a reprise of the role of Jesus.
On October 31st, Big Idea, Inc. (the creators of VeggieTales) will be releasing to retail
3-2-1 Penguins!: Escape from Planet Hold-A-Grudge!
The new DVD will feature your favorite penguins, Zidgel, Midgel, Fidgel and Kevin, as they go on three brand new adventures with seven-year-old twins Jason and Michelle.
Whether they are trapped on an angry asteroid, jettisoned into deep space or trapped in the Jelly Worm Hole, Jason and Michelle free the flock all while learning about forgiveness, kindness and teamwork based on the book of Proverbs.
Click Here to See the Collection
https://bigidea.com
Hillsong United makes its U.S. big screen debut featuring their inspirational “The I Heart Revolution” project in Hillsong United: We’re All In This Together special in-theater event on Wednesday, Nov. 4th.. Hosted LIVE from Australia, this one-night exclusive event includes a LIVE performance by the internationally recognized band followed by their documentary, “The I Heart Revolution: We’re All In This Together.”
Audiences in movie theaters nationwide are invited to join Hillsong United in their cross-cultural journey through six continents, 42 nations and 93 cities where they encountered people of faith addressing human slavery, child soldiers, displaced refugees, extreme poverty and other global concerns.
Joel Houston
Presented by NCM Fathom and Different Drummer, this unique event will feature a LIVE introduction by lead singer Joel Houston, followed by a performance from Hillsong United LIVE from their home church in Sydney and conclude with the debut of their cause-based documentary “The I Heart Revolution: We’re All In This Together.”
Filmed over two years, the documentary follows the band as they are confronted by the stories of remarkable individuals facing injustice and hardships around the globe. Hillsong United: We’re All In This Together will inspire audiences in 440 movie theaters nationwide during this one night event to join the tens of thousands who are changing the world by putting their faith into action.
www.theiheartfilm.com
BUY TICKETS: www.ncm.com/fathom
Click to BUY: Pilgrim’s Progress: Journey to Heaven [DVD]
Danny Carrales
From Director Danny Carrales comes this modern adaptation of the beloved Christian classic based on John Bunyan’s literary classic “Pilgrim’s Progress“. This movie is well done and a powerful allegory of the life of a believer on a journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City.
The film has some very good visual effects, beautiful locations and a solid cast that brings to life the story that has inspired each generation for hundreds of years. Follow CHRISTIAN (Dan Kruse) and his companions on a great Journey to the gates of Heaven as they face obstacles large and small, man-made and demon-spawned. This movie has an excellent message about salvation.
