July 14, 2011
Faith-based films have enjoyed new popularity in recent years, and people have been putting down money for movies that share their values and carry a positive message. One of the newest of these, Soul Surfer, the true story of teen surf champion Bethany Hamilton starring AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid, has brought in more than $44 million worldwide on an $18 million budget since it opened in early April. Sherwood Pictures’ Fireproof, the surprising pro-marriage hit of 2008 starring Kirk Cameron, went mainstream with $34 million in domestic earnings. And the new film Jumping the Broom featuring Angela Bassett starring with an all-black cast in a story of family forgiveness, has grossed about $37 million so far. Christians everywhere are eagerly anticipating the newest film from Sherwood Pictures, Courageous, set to open in theaters September 30.
Bishop T. D. Jakes, one of the producers on Jumping the Broom, commented that these films have broad appeal because of their universal subject matter, i.e., families, marriage, forgiveness, and fatherhood. “We have the same challenges. We deal with the same issues on a continual basis,” he said. Sony vice president of production DeVon Franklin, who worked on Jumping the Broom, said in the Courier Press that interest and demand for faith-based films continues to grow, and Hollywood is seeing it. “[Faith-based films] provide hope and inspiration and encouragement in a time that’s very difficult. I do think when you see these films it does inspire you to keep going and to keep pushing. So I think that’s part of the reason they’re very successful.”
Producers urge the faithful to attend a film on its opening weekend to provide the greatest support and to send the strongest message to Hollywood on its behalf. Soul Surfer will release on DVD August 2, and Jumping the Broom will release August 9.
