There are many methods and ministries being used to reach and touch people’s lives. In recent years the growing number of quality faith-based films have truly been lights in the darkness of thousands of movie theaters. People have wept, rejoiced, been encouraged, and many have had their lives changed by the diverse messages in these films. This article gives a first glimpse into the exciting line-up of these films coming to theaters this year.
Faith-Based Theatrical Releases for 2019
The list of films for 2019 is still being finalized, so additional films will be added later. (Follow facebook.com/LightinDarkPlace for latest info.) Some of these films will play in a limited number of theaters while others will be wide releases. Check each film’s website for additional information and sign up for their email updates. Release dates for most of these films are final, but some are subject to last-minute changes. All films listed here with start dates are regular releases that will show at least a week in select theaters. Fathom Events (indicated by **) are scheduled for one to two nights only, though some might have one or two encore showings later.
“The Least of These” (starts 2/1) Based on the true story of Graham Staines, Baptist missionary to the lepers in India. Starring Stephen Baldwin. theleastofthese.movie
“Run The Race” (starts 2/22) Two desperate brothers, shaken by tragedies, show what’s possible when you run to instead of away from the overwhelming love of God. Produced by Tim & Robby Tebow. runtheracemovie.com
“The Islands” (starts 3/22) Based on the incredible true story of Chiefess Kapiolani who descended into an active volcano to demonstrate her new-found faith and ushered in a new beginning in Hawaii. theislandsmovie.com
“Unplanned” (starts 3/22) True-life journey of Abby Johnson, one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors who became one of the most ardent pro-life speakers in America. unplannedfilm.com
“Breakthrough” (starts 4/17 can booked as early as 4/5) True story of boy who falls through the ice and “dies.” Produced by DeVon Franklin (Miracles from Heaven, The Star) breakthroughmovie.com
“Ben Hur” (** 4/17, 19) 60th Anniversary showing of the 1959 film (which won 11 Academy awards) starring Charlton Heston as Judah Ben Hur. Based on the classic 1880 book Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ, which was written by a skeptic turned believer. fathomevents.com
“The Pilgrims Progress” (** 4/18, 20) Animated CGI version of John Bunyan’s classic 1678 book of an allegory of the Christian life. pilgrimsprogressanimation.com
“The Favorite” (June 2019) Story of two brothers as they experience love, forgiveness, loss, healed relationships, and ultimately the realization that we are all God’s favorite. Inspired by true events. Starring John Schneider. thefavoritemovie.com
“Overcomer” (starts 8/23) Tragedy turns to triumph as an unlikely coach helps the least likely runner attempt the impossible in the biggest race of the year. From the Kendrick Brothers (Facing the Giants, War Room) overcomermovie.com
“The Reliant” (late 2019) A family fights for survival and to hold onto their faith as society collapses around them. An exciting Apocalyptic thriller with a pro-2nd Amendment message. Starring Kevin Sorbo and Brian Bosworth. thereliantmovie.com
“Roe V. Wade” (Fall 2019) The untold story of how people and the media lied, and how the courts were manipulated to pass the law that legalized abortion in America. Produced by Dr. Alveda King (Niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) Starring Jon Voight and Steve Guttenberg. facebook.com/roevwademovie/
Ways you can help these films touch more lives
We can all have a part in helping these films touch and change lives since “…The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few…” (Luke 10:2a) To get involved you can…
- Stay informed about upcoming faith-based films through sites like facebook.com/LightinDarkPlace and/or by joining the movie email list (details below).
- Pray! Any successful ministry needs effective prayer (and fasting).
- Spread the word via social media, fliers, posters, church bulletins, etc. Share this list of upcoming films with your church.
- See the films on opening weekend and help your church or organization to organize groups (large or small) to attend. Feel free to contact me for discount tickets and for suggestions in organizing groups.
- Purchase tickets early as possible. Advanced ticket purchases can expand a film’s release to additional theaters and larger auditoriums.
See you at the movies!
For email notices about upcoming releases, advanced screenings and more, fill in your information at bit.ly/faithfilms. For up-to-date information, LIKE Stan’s Christian movie Facebook page (facebook.com/LightinDarkPlace) and Twitter @LightDarkPlace.
Stanley Goldenberg has been involved in grassroots promotion of Christian films for 12 years. He hosts a regular “Movie Connection” program on LIFE-FM (90.9 FM) in Miami. He is also a federal hurricane research meteorologist who has published scientific articles and appeared in numerous TV hurricane specials.
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