'Russ Taff: I Still Believe' Fills Theaters Across the Country

Premiering in more than 700 movie theaters nationwide for a one-time special presentation, Fathom Events/Fuseic Entertainment's "Russ Taff: I Still Believe" was the #2 per screen average (PSA) movie in America for the night of October 30, according to data collected by Comscore. With multiple screen sellouts in several cities--including Dallas, Minneapolis, Nashville and Tulsa, Oklahoma--the documentary is one of Fathom Events' top faith-based music-themed presentations.
 
"Russ Taff: I Still Believe" chronicles the Grammy and Dove Award winning artist's unparalleled musical journey and behind-the-scenes battle with alcoholism. Taff candidly reveals how a tumultuous past fueled his own addiction and the ultimate healing he embraced in the power of Christ's love and forgiveness. Immediately following the presentation, theater audiences were treated to a special acoustic session with Taff and Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriters Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman.  

 
 
"I had no idea what it would feel like to sit in a theater with many of the people I love most in this world and watch some of my darkest moments and deepest regrets play out," Taff says of the film's premiere. "What I was completely unprepared for was the wave of unconditional love, compassion, acceptance and encouragement I felt in telling the truth."
 
"Our prayer is that this movie starts a conversation about the impact of addiction and trauma," he adds. "I believe God can use our story to help coax other hurting people out of the shadows--and that is worth every moment of pain it took to get here."
 
"We are humbled and overwhelmed by the response we have received from the movie," said director Rick Altizer, Fuseic Entertainment. "God has done amazing things with this story. We are hearing from people struggling with addictions or marriage issues who saw the film and recognized their own need for help. It took courage for Russ and Tori to be this honest, and their heart to see others find healing is apparent in 'I Still Believe.'"  

In addition, Taff's debut praise and worship recording, Believe, bowed last week. The full-circle, 12-song release is Taff's first recording in more than seven years and is available at physical and digital retailers everywhere.

The third-biggest movie in America this weekend was I Can Only Imagine

The third-biggest movie in America this weekend was I Can Only Imagine, a movie that shares a title with a Christian song that first charted 17 years ago. It’s a retelling of the story of MercyMe's Bart Millard (played by newcomer J. Michael Finley) and his journey to forgive his abusive, alcoholic father (Dennis Quaid), as well as his father’s movement toward faith before his death.

Directed by brothers Andrew and Jon Erwin, whose previous movies like Mom’s Night Out, Woodlawn, and October Baby were modest box office successes, I Can Only Imagine startled many by hauling in over $17 million, making more than $10,000 per screen and beating A Wrinkle in Time in its second weekend. That means it’s the seventh-biggest faith-based film opening ever (the fourth if the Narnia films don’t count), and the biggest since Heaven Is For Real in 2014.

There are a few reasons that I Can Only Imagine did well, and the biggest is the song that inspired the movie. It tells the story behind the most successful  contemporary faith song that was ubiquitous on Christian radio — and eventually crossed over to mainstream radio.

There might be two other faith-based movies that might be a breakout hit this month.

Vox argues that movies for the faith-based audience can be broken into three main categories. One is the inspirational category, more uplifting than specifically evangelistic, to which I Can Only Imagine belongs, along with high-performing movies like Heaven Is For Real, War Room, and The Shack.

Another is stories based on the Bible, with movies like The Passion of the Christ and Son of God. And the third is movies that are essentially political in nature, like the God’s Not Dead movies.

On the Friday before Palm Sunday, Paul, Apostle of Christ will open in theaters and start competing with I Can Only Imagine for the faith-based audience. The film stars Jim Caviezel, who is best known among the faith-based audience for playing Jesus in The Passion of the Christ (and reportedly will reprise his role in an upcoming sequel).

And on Good Friday, God’s Not Dead: A Light in the Darkness, the third installment in the God’s Not Dead series, opens in theaters. In this one, a pastor discovers that his church has burned down and that the university on which it was housed is using this as a reason to move the church off campus.

The God’s Not Dead series is hugely popular — and, like I Can Only Imagine, takes its title from a song, this time from the Christian rock band the Newsboys — and will pose stiff competition to the other two films.

'The 15:17 to Paris' Features the Actual Heroes as Actors

Now in theaters nationwide, The 15:17 to Paris is a new movie based on the real-life story of three men whose brave act turned them into heroes during a highspeed railway ride. Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos, Spencer Stone, Jenna Fischer, Judy Greer, Ray Corasani, PJ Byrne, Tony Hale and Thomas Lennon, the Warner Bros. Pictures film premiered February 9th.

The heroic trio of Anthony Sadler, Oregon National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos, and U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Spencer Stone, play themselves in the film. In the early evening of August 21, 2015, the media reported a thwarted terrorist attack on Thalys train #9364 bound for Paris--an attempt prevented by three courageous young Americans traveling through Europe. The film follows the course of the friends' lives, from the struggles of childhood through finding their footing in life, to the series of unlikely events leading up to the attack. 

The stars of the film credit God for what happened that day: "The odds of our exact situation happening to us are too astronomical to believe that it was just purely chance; God had a hand in it," says Alek Skarlatos.

"I believe we¹re vessels, to be used by Him, to do His work. And it was an honor to do something that good," Spencer Stone states.

Anthony Sadler agrees, saying, "I think it¹s our responsibility to take that message and be responsible with it and spread it as much as we can so we don¹t waste the opportunity that HE gave us. We¹re meant to spread the story and it¹s meant to touch people."

Lauren Daigle Featured on 'Blade Runner 2049' Soundtrack

Lauren Daigle's original song "Almost Human" appears on the Blade Runner 2049 soundtrack.

Daigle's management was contacted by record label Alcon Sleeping Giant, requesting her talents. Lauren had just finished telling her management team of her desire to eventually write a score for a film, when they chuckled and told her the news. "I started laughing because timing is not something I take for granted; I see it as fingerprints." Daigle wrote in a lengthy Facebook post about her experience. After accepting and flying to LA, it took Lauren and a writing team only two days to finish the song. "There is a moment in the writing room that I wait for, the moment where I can feel God breathe on something," Lauren said of her writing experience. "In the first day of writing, it seemingly wasn't there. I left feeling like that was my life or death, my yes or no. I knew we had to tweak some things. The next day, I went in to complete the song lyric and lay down the vocal. For me, I was still waiting. Back and forth, sitting still, walking in circles. And then, the last lyric came. We ran around the room like children. It was the moment the 'yes' showed up. The breath was there filling the words on the page and equipping my soul for territories I have never known."

Lauren described her heart behind the song and how she drew on some deep, redemptive themes from the movie to bring it to life: "We, as humans, long for hope. We long for love. We long for value. I was walking through a time where I needed to be reminded of those same things. Not because of what I do. Not because of successes. Not because I have a voice or people telling me I'm valuable. But because of whose I am and who I am. If this whole world changes, am I still whole in the end? Although, I had never seen Blade Runner 2049, I was told the synopsis of the story during the writing session. I didn't have an acting role in the film, but I had the opportunity to become a sonic actor, to tell a story of searching and questioning through sound. I dove in, relating to the emotions and feelings of each character. When it came time to act my scene, the pen and paper became the backdrop where lyrics evolved into life. I embraced the idea of what it felt like to never meet your full potential, to strive for something you could never attain, and long for what you could never have. We, as humans, can be tossed aside and undervalued even while giving life your hardest fight, your best effort. This is where I see my need for something greater. This is where I see my need for God to give me the hope I long for, the love I'm desperately wired for, and the value my identity searches for."

Hawk Nelson Song Used in Jumanji 2 Trailer

The music from Hawk Nelson's Just Getting Started is used in the first half of the new Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle trailer.  The movie stars Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Jack Black and Kevin Hart.

Former Anthem Lights' Alan Powell Joins Cast of New NBC Drama

Alan Powell formerly of pop band Anthem Lights will appear in a new NBC show. Powell was one of the band's founding members, but left in early 2016 to pursue another of his passions -- acting.

He made his acting debut by landing the lead role in the 2014 film, The Song, a love story and modern re-imagining of the life of king Solomon. Powell has since appeared in several movies including Out of Ashes, Caged No More, and Where Hope Grows.

Now Powell has landed his first TV role joining the cast of the new NBC drama "Redliners." According to Deadline.com the show "mixes humor, romance and espionage" and "follows a pair of former operatives who get reactivated and drawn into a larger conspiracy while attempting to maintain their undercover lives." Alan will play New York cop Wynn Rhymer.

Thousand Foot Krutch's Trevor McNevan Records Song For the #1 Movie in the Country

Thousand Foot Krutch lead singer Trevor McNevan recently shared on Facebook a few days ago that he recorded a theme song for the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie "Out Of Shadows."

"I had the privilege of singing and writing a rhyme for the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme song for the new movie "Out Of Shadows" (June 3rd) along with my good buddy Phil X and an incredible cast of players!  Hearing the verse lyrics and the melody brought back so many memories!! Hilarious. Had a blast!"

The movie premiered at the top of the box office earning over $35 million.

TFK's upcoming album releases June 17th.

Director of 'The Young Messiah' Shares How Film Survived Bankruptcy During Production

"The Young Messiah" will hit theaters March 11th but the upcoming biblical drama almost did not make it to the big screen after losing millions before it was even released.

Based on the novel Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt by Anne Rice, "The Young Messiah" sets out to illustrate the life of a young Jesus Christ. Directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh, "The Young Messiah" chronicles one year in Jesus' life when he was seven.

Christian Post interviewed Nowrasteh about the film:

Christian Post: What would you says is a unique story having to do with faith or Christianity surrounding the making of the film?

Nowrasteh: An earlier incarnation of the film was shut down while we were in pre-production in Italy, [because of] a devastating occurrence on any film which usually means you're done. $3 million dollars went down the drain. The assumption was that we would never get the film made. It took one-year-and-eight months to get the film back up, it would not die. And, in the end, the film was much better for it. That sacrifice made for a more powerful, more orthodox, film.

Christian Post: How did the film impact you?

Nowrasteh: Making this film, getting the opportunity to tell this unique story, was a privilege and honor. The entire experience has humbled me and brought me closer to God.


Read full article

Risen is For Real

Risen opens in third place with $11.8 million along with a solid "A-" CinemaScore. The film should continue to do well through March and into early April as it scored one of the biggest faith-based openings of all-time, placing seventh behind the likes of The Passion of the Christ, Son of God and Heaven is for Real as well as the three films in the Narnia trilogy. The audience was 53% female with 70 percent 25 years of age and over.

Rudy & Hoosiers Writer Brings Us Another Inspirational Movie

From the writer of "Rudy" and "Hoosiers" comes "My All American," the inspirational real-life account of University of Texas football player Freddie Steinmark, whose life was cut short by cancer.

Steinmark was a committed Christian who believed in the power of prayer and whose brief life impacted many.  In "My All American" he is portrayed by actor Finn Wittrock, who told The Christian Post that Steinmark's core values set him apart from others. Wittrock asserted that people who knew the former Longhorn football player called him the "best person" they had ever known.

In the film, Steinmark's zest for life is contagious. Wittrock even noted the inspirational character's impact on his own life, saying that playing Steinmark was "a very healthy thing" for him "mentally and spiritually."

Aaron Eckhart plays Steinmark's coach, Darrell Royal, the character with which the movie begins and ends. Eckhart said he wanted to be involved with the film because of its positive message.

"He [Steinmark] stood strong in his beliefs and that's a good message right there, that's a good example for kids today. I think, if anything, Freddie's example as a respectful, well-mannered, humble, appreciative, loving kid is something that every kid needs to see."

"My All American" is in theaters now.

Watch the film's trailer:

Woodlawn Opens in Top 10

"Woodlawn," a faith-based film that tells the true story of a 1970s Alabama high school football team that came to Christ during a time of racial injustice, raked in $4.1 million to open in 9th place during its opening weekend.

Produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, the film stars Jon Voight, Caleb Castille and Sherri Shepherd.

3 Faith Titles in Top 15 at the Box Office

The PG-13 rated Captive premiered in 11th at the box office, while War Room dropped to #6 and 90 Minutes in Heaven to #13.

War Room dipped only 19% in its fourth weekend (thanks in part to 300 more screens) to an estimated $6.3M pushing its total to $49M.

War Room Drops to #3 & 90 Minutes in Heaven Premieres in Top 10

hit War Room dropped from first to third with an estimated $7.4M, off just 22%. The Sony film has made $39.2M to date.

Opening in ninth place was the new faith-based drama 90 Minutes in Heaven which debuted to an estimated $2.2M from 878 locations for a lackluster $2,461 average. Based on a best-selling book, the PG-13 pic stars Hayden Christensen and Kate Bosworth and did not connect with its target audience the way many others from recent years have.   This was the widest opening for Samuel Goldwyn since 1992's Rock-A-Doodle and the largest three-day total since 2008's Fireproof.

John Schneider Stars in New Film Adrenaline

Adrenaline – It’s not what you drive, it’s what drives you.

A drag racer’s life is turned upside down after a near fatal car crash, leaving him semi paraplegic. Forced to face his new circumstance, he struggles to walk, to trust, to love, and ultimately, race again.

Releasing to DVD today, the film features John Schneider (Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville), Gregory Alan Williams (Remember the Titans, Necessary Roughness), and Charlene Amoia (How I Met Your Mother).

Adrenaline Official Movie Trailer from Living Water Films on Vimeo.

War Room Now the #1 Movie in the US. How Long Can It Continue Its Run?

War Room dropped a slight 18% in its second week, taking in $9.3M for the three-day domestic box office and the #1 spot on the charts. As far as the opening films, A Walk in the Woods, with $8.2M, ambled past The Transporter Refueled, which made $7.2M.

Neither of those films could move Straight Outta Compton out of the #2 spot.

The last time that a film failed to open at #1, only to rise to do so later, wasn't that long ago. Inside Out, in its third weekend, took #1 over the Fourth of July holiday, finally moving past Jurassic World, in its fourth week of release.

War Room rose from second to first place thanks in part to a 34% boost in screens. The Sony title raised its total to $27.9M. Nice comparison to Heaven Is For Real and Fireproof.

Universal is reporting that Jurassic World crossed the $1B threshold at the international box office. It's only the fourth film to ever reach the milestone joining 2009's Avatar ($2.027B) 1997's Titanic, ($1.528B) and this year's Furious 7 ($1.162B).

Another Faith Film Shocks Hollywood with Box Office - War Room Opens in Second Place

The faith-based drama War Room delivered a terrific opening in second place despite playing in only 1,135 locations as the Sony release grossed an estimated $11M. The PG-rated movie, which beat Compton (this week's #1 title) in theaters on Friday, had a robust $9,692 per screen average.

War Room, however, was the story of the weekend. Sony's faith-based film from their Affirm division flew so far under the radar that it didn't even get a Cinemascore. But it nearly stole Compton's title and, at the same time, became the biggest hit for the Kendrick brothers. Their modestly-budgeted flicks have a great return on investment. War Room has a reported budget of $3.5M while their 2011 Courageous had a $2M budget, going on to a domestic cume of $34.5. Their 2008 Fireproof had a $33.5M domestic cume on a budget of $500K.

Chonda Pierce to make Big Screen Debut

“Chonda Pierce: Laughing in the Dark,” a one-night only cinema event will premier in select theaters around the country Tuesday, October 27, at 7 pm.

A deeply personal glimpse into the life of Chonda Pierce, the Christian humorist and best-selling female comedian of all-time, the film chronicles a series of tragic circumstances she recently faced, including the loss of her husband. Leaning on her faith in a season of heartbreak, Pierce perseveres—her signature wit intact—hoping to inspire and encourage others with her story.

"I'm nervous! I have allowed a film crew to expose very tender and private moments in my life simply hoping to continue a dialogue about faith, depression, grief and pain to promote healing for brokenhearted people,” Pierce says. “I love the Church, but it's not perfect. I love God, but life is hard. This movie ‘shows’ it all, not just ‘tells’ it all. Mental illness is not a lack of faith and loving Jesus doesn't exempt you from pain. And being a comic doesn't mean you laugh all the time!”

Immediately following the film, theater audiences will have the opportunity to view a special post-event presentation, “Finding Light in the Darkness.” Various celebrities and public figures, including Roma Downey, Kevin Sorbo, Sherri Shepherd, Monica Crowley, Corbin Bernsen and “Duck Dynasty’s” Miss Kay Robertson, are slated to discuss the impact of Pierce’s story.

“This event really brings to light the importance of having faith through life’s most difficult times,” says John Rubey, CEO, Fathom Events. “Chonda’s ability to use humor to overcome her struggles is truly inspiring and a great lesson for us all.”

“Chonda has always been able to do the impossible,” says “Laughing in the Dark” producer Kent Songer. “She’s the best-selling female comedian in history and at the pinnacle of her career she allows her fans full access into her life. She’s an amazingly brave and talented woman, and I am proud to be a part of this unique Fathom event.”

for King & Country Filming Priceless Movie

Joel and Luke Smallbone of for KING & COUNTRY have announced that they are filming a movie.

The film is titled Priceless, in keeping with the message they have been speaking from stage for years. In an email update to fans, the brothers elaborated

"So many of you have rallied with us and stood alongside us when it comes to a woman's worth... Around America and the world, there are well over 150,000 of you with priceless necklaces around your neck and bracelets on your wrist. And now, this message is coming to the silver screen!"

Joel is playing the lead in the film, playing James Stevenson, a man who finds himself in the middle of the world of human trafficking and ultimately has to fight to shut down a trafficking ring. The dramatic story is being filmed in New Mexico.

The band has already been sharing updates and pictures from the filming process on the movie's official social media accounts, encouraging fans to keep up through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The brothers also hope to see this movie become even more of a rallying call, saying "We can be a part of spreading this Priceless message and movement into theaters and peoples homes around the world!"

Third Day to Appear in Miracles from Heaven?

Will Third Day appear in upcoming movie, Miracles From Heaven, starring Jennifer Garner?  Scotty Wilbanks' last two tweets imply as much:

Up early for a movie shoot...gonna be a long day. pic.twitter.com/2mIT8GNPKB

— Scotty Wilbanks (@scottywilbanks) August 10, 2015

Oh just hangin out with Jennifer Garner....ha. She's really cool and nice! pic.twitter.com/3NhwMCYnR5

— Scotty Wilbanks (@scottywilbanks) August 10, 2015

Antonio Banderas Film 'The 33' Will Highlight Christian Faith of Trapped Chilean Miners

'The 33' is a disaster-survival drama film based on the real events of 2010 mining disaster, in which a group of thirty-three miners were trapped inside the San José Mine in Chile for more than two months. The film stars Antonio Banderas as Mario "Super Mario" Sepúlveda, who sent videos to the rescuers to notify them about the miners' condition.

A new trailer for the upcoming film "The 33," tells the true story of 33 Chilean miners who were trapped over 2,000 feet underground for 69 days in 2010, and provides a glimpse of how the faith of the survivors will be central to their dramatic story.

"We can say a prayer together," says one of the trapped miners, while another responds, "I don't know the words." The first miner answers, "God doesn't care."

The miners had only about three days worth of food and drink if they rationed. After their rescue, the group recalled how God had performed various miracles to keep them alive while they were trapped below the surface.

"Super Mario" (Banderas) is the public face of accident who sent videos to the rescuers to update them on the miners' condition. Martin Sheen, Cote de Pablo, Gabriel Byrne, Bob Gunton also star.

In June 2013, it was announced that Jennifer Lopez has joined to lead the cast of the film but later left due to scheduling conflicts with American Idol. She was replaced by Juliette Binoche.




Producer Mike Medavoy, who also produced "Apocalypse Now," has worked with the miners, their families, and those involved to put the film together.