You Can Help Upcoming Faith-Based Films Touch and Change Lives

The theaters have already seen a number of faith-based films earlier this year such as “The Resurrection of Gavin Stone,” “The Shack,” “The Case for Christ,” and “The Champion.” These films touched many lives while on the big screen, and since most of them are now available on DVD, streaming and for church licensing, they are continuing to touch lives. These movies inspire and encourage believers, providing a special opportunity for an uplifting experience for our families while serving as an outreach to the unchurched as well.

However, believers should understand that, unlike many secular films, there is rarely a large amount of resources to adequately promote these films, and they normally only play in a limited number of theaters. If we work together, it only requires a little effort on our part to help these films succeed at the box office and be used to impact many lives in our communities and in the world. Learn of upcoming releases below.

 

Here are some ways we all can help:  

  1. Stay informed about upcoming faith-based films through sites like facebook.com/LightinDarkPlace and/or by joining my movie email list (see below for details).
  2. Pray! Any successful ministry needs effective prayer (and even fasting) behind the scenes.
  3. Help spread the word via social media, fliers, posters, church bulletins, etc.
  4. See the film on opening weekend and try to organize a group (large or small) to attend.  If enough people do not see a film opening weekend, the theater will not keep it for the next weekend. Ask your church or organization to get involved, at least to consistently let people know about each faith-based film coming out and to organize groups to see some of the films during opening weekend. Feel free to contact me if you would like information about obtaining group discount tickets or how you can become a movie contact person for your church or ministry.
  5. Purchase tickets as early as possible. The simple act of planning ahead is far more important than people realize. Successful advanced ticket purchases can expand a film’s release to additional theaters and larger auditoriums.  This is especially important for the one-night Fathom event films.

 

Theatrical Releases for Remainder of 2017

“All Saints” (starts 8/25) Based on the true story of a salesman-turned-pastor, the tiny church he was ordered to shut down, and a group of refugees from Southeast Asia, who together risked everything to plant seeds for the future. allsaintsmovie.com

“Extraordinary” (**9/7) Based on the amazing true story of ultra-marathon runner/college professor and his wife, and their attempt to finish their marriage race well. Features Shari Rigby (October Baby), Karen Abercrombie (War Room), and Kirk Cameron (Fireproof). extraordinarymovie.com

“The Heart of Man” (**9/14) Tears the veil of confusion over the church’s current identity crisis to enable it to invite the rest of the world to the banquet God is throwing all of us. unearthedpictures.org/hearts-of-men

“Because of Gracia” (starts 9/15) Story of four teenage high school seniors and the life altering decisions that they have to make. Great film for youth groups and parents!  becauseofgracia.com

“Steve McQueen:American Icon” (**9/28) Erwin Brothers (Woodlawn) partner with Greg Laurie to tell the true, faith journey of actor Steve McQueen. stevemcqueenmovie.com

“A Question of Faith” (starts 9/29) As tragedy strikes three families, their paths converge as they discover God’s love, grace. With T.C. Stallings (War Room), Jaci Velasquez and more. aquestionoffaith.com

“Mully” (**10/3,4,5) Rags-to-riches story of Charles Mully, whose rise from orphaned poverty in Kenya leads him on a journey of selflessness. mullymovie.com

“The Stray” (starts 10/6) Inspiring true story of a stray dog who appears out of nowhere just in time to save a family that is falling apart. thestray.movie

“Same Kind of Different as Me” (starts 10/20) Unforgettable true story about an international art dealer who befriends a homeless man in order to save his struggling marriage. With Renée Zellweger, Djimon Hounsou, Jon Voight and Greg Kinnear. samekindofdifferentasmemovie.com

“Revive Us 2” (**10/24,11/1) Live (on 10/24) from the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., an inspiring National Family Meeting of Hope, Courage, Unity with host Kirk Cameron and Dr. Ben Carson, Joni Eareckson Tada, Francis Chan, Ravi Zacharias, and more. reviveus.com

“Let There be Light” (10/27) An atheist experiencing a near-death experience converts to Christianity. Starring Kevin Sorbo (“God’s Not Dead”). Produced by Sean Hannity. facebook.com/LTBLfilm

“I’ll Push You” (**11/2) Lifelong friends, one of whom is confined to a wheelchair, make a pilgrimage across the 500-mile El Camino de Santiago trail. illpushyou.com

“The Star” (starts 11/10) Animated film about a small but brave donkey and his animal friends who become the unsung heroes of the first Christmas. thestarmovie.com

 “Genesis: Paradise Lost 3D” (**11/13) Using stunning visual effects and the latest in scientific research, this film brings GENESIS to life and uses it to share the gospel. genesismovie.com

“A Salted Christmas” (date pending) Inspirational comedy filmed in South Florida highlighting adoption and foster parenting told through a day in the life of a family just prior to Christmas. manifestpictures.com

 

Get involved

Visit the movie websites for trailers, theater listings and other information and “LIKE” their Facebook pages to receive updates. Release dates are subject to change, and additional films might be added later. If you have a strong interest in a particular film, you can even help bring that film to your community by following instructions on the film’s website.

Fathom Event releases are indicated by ** For tickets go to fathomevents.com. Most Fathom events are scheduled for one night only, but if they do well – there are usually one or two encore showings within the next several weeks.

All other films are regular releases. These films will play for a week or longer in select theaters.

To receive notices about upcoming releases, leaders advanced screenings, group discount tickets and more, email your contact info to Stan at [email protected] (with “SUBSCRIBE” in the subject line) to be added to a Christian movie email list. For more 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 over 10 years. He hosts a regular “Movie Connection” show 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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