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.

Matthew West Performs at Restoring Unity

Matthew West performed his hit song “Do Something” for the Restoring Unity rally — an event that attracted more than 20,000.

The song carries a strong message about the importance of making a positive personal impact on the world.

“People living in poverty, children sold into slavery — the thought disgusted me,” the song’s lyrics read, in part. “So, I shook my fist at heaven, said, ‘God, why don’t You do something?’ He said, ‘I did, I created you.’”

Watch West perform “Do Something” (and the crowd go wild) below:

#RestoringUnity
Posted by Matthew West on Saturday, August 29, 2015

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!"

Reigning NBA MVP Joins Lecrae on Stage

Fans of rapper Lecrae received a surprise at his concert in Oakland when he honored NBA MVP Steph Curry who helped the Christian recording artist perform the song, "I'm Turnt."

Curry, the 27-year-old Golden State Warriors point guard, appeared onstage at Lecrae's tour stop in Oakland, California, last week to introduce "I'm Turnt" and dance alongside the rapper during the entire song.

The basketball star, who recently won an NBA championship for the 2014-2015 season, introduced the rapper's song by glorifying the "most high," saying "that's what it's all about."

After Curry danced onstage to the song during the Aug. 20 performance, Lecrae honored the Christian athlete.

"I love this dude because he really knows what it's all about. As good as he is, as amazing as he is on the court … his character, man, it comes from the most high all day every day," Lecrae told the audience while Curry was onstage before turning to the basketball player. "We love you; we appreciate what you represent man. God bless you."

#116

A photo posted by Wardell Curry (@stephencurry30) on Aug 21, 2015 at 12:31am PDT

Curry has been honored multiple times this year, and has made sure that his Christian faith has been at the forefront of it all. During his NBA MVP acceptance speech last May, Curry spoke about his blessings despite some of the struggles he was forced to endure.

"There were obviously good times and bad times. Times I wanted to shut it down," Curry said in his speech, which is featured on the official NBA website. "It just made me feel like how blessed and thankful I am to be in this position."

While the player shared notable memories with his teammates and Warriors staff, he also made it clear that his faith was one of the key reasons for his success.

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