by Jeannie Law | The success of faith-based films in recent years has led to a resurgence of Christian movies being made in Hollywood. 2019 is expected to be another blockbuster year for Christian films. Here’s a list of five faith-based movies to watch for.
1. The Least of These: The Graham Staines Story
As the social fabric of life in rural India disintegrates in the late 1990s, journalist Manav Banerjee (Sharman Joshi) moves with his pregnant wife to the town of Orissa in hope of a better life and the promise of a lucrative career. When speculation mounts that local Australian missionary Graham Staines (Stephen Baldwin) is illegally proselytizing leprosy patients, Manav agrees to investigate undercover for the newspaper. What he finds is a series of revelations that are difficult to fathom and even harder to explain, and Manav is forced to make a choice between his own ambition and the truth. In the end, his actions spark a tragic event that is felt around the world. Based on a true story and shot on location in India, “THE LEAST OF THESE” beautifully illustrates the power of love, hope and forgiveness to overcome hate.
Release Date: February 1, 2019
Rating: PG-13 (1hr 52min)
Genre: Drama
Director: Aneesh Daniel
Writer: Andrew E. Matthews (as Andrew Matthews)
Stars: Sharman Joshi, Stephen Baldwin, Shari Rigby
Another film heading to theaters in the new year is the true story of missionary Graham Staines who was martyred in India in 1999. Titled “Staines,” the movie shares the story leading up to the murders of the Australian Christian missionary and his sons, Philip, 10, and Timothy, 6, who were killed after serving as missionaries to a community of lepers in India.
Featured in the film is Stephen Baldwin (“God’s Plan”), (Shari Rigby (“October Baby”), and Sharman Joshi.
“I know God called me to the ‘Staines’ movie,” Baldwin told The Christian Post in an interview earlier this year where he described the film as an answer to prayer and “empowered by the Holy Spirit.”
2. Breakthrough
When he was 14, Smith drowned in Lake Sainte Louis and was dead for nearly an hour. According to reports at the time, CPR was performed 27 minutes to no avail. Then the youth’s mother, Joyce Smith, entered the room, praying loudly. Suddenly, there was a pulse, and Smith came around.
Release Date: April 17, 2019
Rating: PG
Genre: Biography, Drama
Director: Roxann Dawson
Writer: Grant Nieporte
Stars: Topher Grace, Chrissy Metz, Josh Lucas
From the producer who brought the blockbuster hit “Miracles from Heaven,” Devon Franklin’s new film “Breakthrough” will tell the miraculous real-life account of Joyce and John Smith, a mother and son who show the true power of prayer.
“When Joyce Smith’s adopted son John falls through an icy Missouri lake, all hope looks lost. Even though John lies lifeless for more than an hour, his mother refuses to lose faith and prays for a miracle. To the astonishment of everyone present, her prayers are answered as John’s heart suddenly begins to beat again, defying every expert, every case history, and every scientific prediction. Mere days after the accident, he will walk out of the hospital under his own power, completely healed,” the movie’s synopsis reads.
The cast includes Chrissy Metz (“Thie Is us”), Topher Grace (“That 70s Show”), Mike Colter (“Luke Cage”), Josh Lucas, Lecrae and Marcel Ruiz.
“Breakthrough” is based on Joyce Smith’s book The Impossible, and was adapted for the screen by Grant Nieporte (“Seven Pounds”). Pastor Samual Rodriguez is listed as executive producer of the film.
3. Overcomer
This movie will unpack a pivotal issue in the life of students and adults alike.
Release Date: August 23, 2019
Rating: ??
Genre: Drama
Director: Alex Kendrick
Writers: Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick
Stars: Alex Kendrick, Ben Davies, Shari Rigby
The Kendrick Brothers wrapped up filming their new movie “Overcomer” last summer and the faith-based drama featuring strong female lead characters played by Priscilla Shirer and Shari Rigby is scheduled to hits theaters throughout North America on Aug. 23, 2019. The film will share the value of knowing one’s identity.
Known for their inspiring Christian films (“Fireproof,” “Courageous,” and the No.1 box office hit “War Room“), the Kendrick Brothers (Alex and Stephen Kendrick) aspire to have another blockbuster hit in their repertoire with “Overcomer.” In a visit to the set during filming, The Christian Post was told that the film centers around the book of Ephesians.
The sports drama stars Alex Kendrick in a leading role, along with several female co-stars including Rigby (“October Baby,” “Wildflower“), Shirer (“War Room,” “I Can Only Imagine“), and newcomer Aryn Wright-Thompson.
4. The Islands
Based on the incredible true-life story of Chiefess Kapiolani who descended into an active volcano to demonstrate her new-found faith and ushered in a new beginning in Hawaii.
Release Date: September 12, 2019
Rating: PG
Genre: Adventure
Director: Timothy A. Chey
Writers: Timothy A. Chey, Amanda Lauer | Umi Perkins
Stars: Teuira Shanti Napa, Mira Sorvino, Ricky Sua’ava |
The Islands is a faith-based historical film coming April 2019. The picture will be based on the true story of a Hawaiian Queen Chiefess Kapiolani who came to faith in Jesus Christ over two hundred years ago. Her conversion made such an impact that it brought Christianity to all of the Hawaiian islands.
According to a press release shared with The Christian Post, her stance is “considered the greatest act of moral courage by any world leader.”
The Tim Chey film was shot entirely in Hawaii and features newcomer Teuria Shanti Napa as Chiefess along with Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino and actor John Savage who play Boston missionaries who arrive in Hawaii in 1821. Many of the lead characters in the movie include native Hawaiians and Polynesians.
5. Roe v. Wade
Dr. Bernard Nathanson and Dr. Mildred Jefferson square off in a national battle in this untold conspiracy that led to the most famous and controversial court case in history.
Release Date: In Production
Rating: ??
Genre: Drama, History
Directors: Cathy Allyn, Nick Loeb
Writers: Cathy Allyn, Nick Loeb
Stars: Jon Voight, Nick Loeb, Robert Davi
Actor Nick Loeb is the co-director of the upcoming film “Roe v. Wade” about the landmark Supreme Court case.
The “Roe v. Wade” film was made to show the history of “what happened from 1966 through 1973” that led to the Supreme Court’s decision declaring existing state laws banning abortion unconstitutional. The featured film will tell “the untold story of how people lied, how the media lied, and how the courts were manipulated” to legalize abortion nationwide which has led to the killing of more than 60 million Americans, Loeb said in an interview on Fox News’ Tucker Carlson in March.
The cast includes famous Hollywood celebrities such as Jon Voight, Robert Davi, Corbin Bernsen, John Schneider and Stacey Dash, along with Loeb.
“Roe v. Wade” was written and directed by Cathy Allyn and Loeb, and was produced by Alveda King, Cathy Allyn and Mindy Robinson.
Jeannie Law joined the Christian Post Reporter in 1983, If You’d like to stay up to date on the Latest Christian and Entertainment News, Follow Me đŸ™‚Â @JLawCP
