Over the past couple of years, the production of Christian movies in Hollywood has been on an uphill climb, with more and more faith-based movies being produced.
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This past fall we saw a variety of movies including “God Bless the Broken Road,” a story of a widow who battled with God after her husband is killed in combat in Afganistan. We also watched “Unbroken: Path to Redemption” which told the story of Olympic gold medalist Louis “Louie” Zamperini who was a Japanese prisoner of war during World War II.
Earlier in the year, “I Can Only Imagine,” a Christian film based off of the MercyMe hit song “I Can Only Imagine” grossed $17.1 million in its opening weekend alone. “Paul, Apostle of Christ” also brought great successes when it placed in the top 10 films in its opening weekend.
This upcoming Spring we can expect to see many more faith-based film released, including one called “Breakthrough” that features ‘This Is Us’ star, Chrissy Metz.
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Here is a list of six faith-based films to look out for this spring, in order of release date:
1. ‘The Least of These’
Release date: February 2019
The first Christian film heading to theaters in the new year is the true story of missionary Graham Staines who was martyred in India in 1999. Initially titled “Staines,” “The Least of These” shares the story leading up to the murders of the Australian Christian missionary and his sons, Philip, 10, and Timothy, 6, who were helping a community of lepers in India.
Last April, Stephen Baldwin, who stars in the movie, told The Christian Post that God had called him to act in the movie, calling his casting an answer to prayer.
2. ‘Heavenly Deposit’
Release date: February 2019
‘Heavenly Deposit, written by actor George Vincent, and directed by Rock Irvin, is a movie about finding God in the chaos.
Peter Ranos, lost his father as a young child, and in turn, also lost his relationship with God. In ‘Heavenly Deposit,’ viewers watch as the years fast forward and Peter gets married and becomes a struggling actor. He struggles with his finances, his marriage, and his career path, but when his wife faces a life-threatening issue Peter has to decide once in for all where his relationship with God stands.
3. ‘Run the Race’
Release date: February 2019
As previously reported by Faithwire, ‘Run the Race,’ “tells the story of two brothers — one who believes in God and another who doesn’t — struggling to find purpose after their mother’s death and their father’s abandonment.”
The film, co-produced by Tim Tebow and his brother, parallels Tim’s own story, where the main character chooses to “runs to — instead of from — the love of God,” in his time of need.
“Reeling from his mother’s death and his father’s abandonment, Zach, an All-State athlete, finds glory on the football field, working to earn a college scholarship and the brothers’ ticket out of town. When a devastating injury puts Zach — and his dreams — on the sidelines, David laces up his track cleats to salvage their future and points Zach toward hope,” the film’s synopsis details.
Viewers watch as the brothers lean on the power of love and sacrifice to get to truly know the character of God.
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4. ‘XL: The Temptation of Christ’
Release date: March 2019
‘The Temptation of Christ’ will depict the 40 days and 40 nights Jesus spent in the desert, according to Matthew, Mark, and Luke, after He was baptized by John the Baptist. During that time period, the Bible depicts that Jesus was tempted by Satan relentlessly, which the film wishes to convey.
Faithwroks, an independent film company, launched a Kickstarter attempting to grow funds to be able to produce the movie.
“This film will serve as a powerful tool to help others come into the faith. The journey in the desert should represent something for all of us. We feel it’s vital for all Christians to understand the significance of Christ and his rejection of sin. Christ did this while fasting in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights. Let that sink in. This is a BIG subject,” the Kickstarter described.
Shayan Ardalan is tackling the role of Jesus in this new film.
5. ‘The Islands’
Release date: March 2019
‘The Islands,’ is a faith-based movie that is based on the true story of Hawaiian Queen Chiefess Kapiolani. The film depicts the Queens decision to follow Jesus, in turn bringing Christianity to all of the Hawaiian Islands, at a time where it was sparse.
In an act of immeasurable faith and courage, viewers watch as the Queen enters an active volcano in order to challenge the islands volcano god.
According to The Christian Post, the Queen’s actions were “considered the greatest act of moral courage by any world leader.”
6. ‘Breakthrough’
Release date: April 2019
“Breakthrough,” tells the story of a real-life miracle that a small family witnessed firsthand when their 14-year-old son fell through the ice and was pronounced dead. After the incident, John and Joyce, John’s parents, are told by the doctors: “We’ve done everything medically possible — there’s nothing more we can do.”
Follow along with the movie as Chrissy Metz, also known as Kate from ‘This Is Us,’ turns to God in the toughest time of her life.