QUEEN OF KATWE and Unlikely Champions ~ Thoughts and Movie featurette

How often do we have people around us that find themselves in a seemingly impossible situation and yet they manage not only to survive these obstacles but to overcome them. There are unlikely champions all around us, many of whom never seek the spotlight and just live their lives quietly from day-to-day. You have to look carefully to see them but they are there.

I know of such an unlikely champion - B lived her life fighting to ensure those in the same situation as her would have a better life. The world she has lived in is one with many needs and lacks. But B has worked hard to get an education that many around her don't strive for. Her own health concerns have made her want to help prevent this from being the accepted norm of where she lives to becoming an exception. B is hoping to bring what she has learned home so that those she has grown up with will have the hope of a better tomorrow, one where medical help is just a few feet away rather than hundreds of miles.

People like B are unlikely champions who never win a medal, but they help make their small corner of the world better just through their efforts and their caring. These people are champions of the heart, whose greatest victories are those we never see. These  champions overcome the loss of family, health, and poverty through their perseverance and their drive to help others who may be in a similar situation. 

Disney’s QUEEN OF KATWE is based on the inspiring true story of Robert Katende and Phiona Mutesi.  Phiona was a young girl living in the slums of Katwe, Uganda.  One day she stumbles upon Katende and a group of children playing chess in a makeshift church.  Through the guidance of Katende and the game of chess, Phiona is encouraged to believe in herself.  Eventually, she finds herself not only competing in local chess matches, but winning in international competitions.  Robert and Phiona’s story celebrates the notion that champions can come from the most unlikely places.

QUEEN OF KATWE releases in theaters nationwide on Friday, September 30. 

The heartwarming featurette below features  Academy-Award winner Lupita Nyong'o and Academy Nominee David Oyelowo.

QUEEN OF KATWE Featurette.

GREATER star Chris Severio shares character building tips & Giveaway

Sports, and especially football, is a favorite pastime for so many, either in watching or in participating.  With determination Brandon Burlsworth overcame obstacles through dedication and hard work to achieve his dream of playing for the Arkansas Razerbacks.  Take a moment to examine and even share the lessons that Chris Severio took away from his role as Brandon Burlsworth.

GREATER Offers Great Life Lessons

By Chris Severio

Actors wait their entire lives to play a role as meaty and meaningful as Brandon Burlsworth. I was blessed to get that opportunity in my first movie, bringing Brandon to the big screen in GREATER, in theaters everywhere Aug. 26.

Brandon was a true champion and role model for so many, and I hope this movie entertains and inspires you and your family. For all the young athletes, new athletes, struggling athletes and dreamers out there (and their parents), these three lessons from Brandon’s life hold the key to building character and finding your destiny.

•         Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t:
Brandon was not the most physically gifted athlete. He struggled with being overweight, wasn’t naturally graceful, was a pretty unlikely candidate to be a college football All-American and then drafted into the NFL. He was able to do it all because he refused to listen to those who doubted him or his abilities. He always believed in himself, knew that through hard work and dedication,
he could be anything he wanted to be. The only thing standing between you and your dreams is how passionately you’re willing to produce them.

•         Dedicate yourself to something greater:
It’s no coincidence the film of Brandon’s life is called GREATER. As a Christian, he believed he was called to be a man of integrity and honor off the field as well as on – he dedicated himself, first and foremost, to God. Your faith can strengthen you, and like Brandon you can choose to be a role
model on and off the field.

•         Help others:
Brandon Burlsworth was a giver. He didn’t just play football, or live his life, focused exclusively on his wants. He made others’ needs a top priority – family, teammates, friends and fans. As he dug in deep to reach his potential as an athlete and a man, he encouraged and supported those who were taking that same journey alongside him. Brandon didn’t just make himself better; he made others better, too, because he was intentional about finding ways to help them.

Below, I’m privileged to share a clip from the movie that shows how dedication, persistence and helping others can contribute to your character and destiny.

https://youtu.be/vyYFGBUESIk

I hope you enjoy GREATER – and are as inspired by Brandon’s story as much as I and so many others who knew him and know of him have been. He was a remarkable young man, and having the privilege of bringing his life to the big screen was a remarkable experience.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Want to win a Razerback jersey?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please leave a comment below for a chance to win a 

Team Jersey for the Arkansas Razerbacks.

Open to US Mailing addresses only.

Comments must refer to this post and posted by 

August 31, 2016 11:59 pm CDT 

to be eligible for winning.

Hillsong - Let Hope Rise ~ Movie Trailer

Hillsong ~ Let Hope Rise

in theaters nationwide September 16, 2016

Directed by Michael-John Warren (Jay-Z's Fade to Black), HILLSONG - LET HOPE RISE chronicles the spectacular & miraculous rise of the Australia-based band, Hillsong UNITED, to prominence.

“HILLSONG-LET HOPE RISE is so much more than a film about a Christian band or even a
church. It is truly a theatrical worship experience,” said Michael Scott, chief production officer
and a founding partner of Pure Flix. “It is a dream come true for us, as a studio committed to
influencing the global culture, to partner with a church like Hillsong.”

“Anyone who regularly attends a church knows Hillsong’s music by heart. That’s how influential
they’ve become,” said producer Jonathan Bock. “And yet despite the fame and adulation, they’re
still just a humble worship band trying to do what tens of thousands of other worship bands try to
do every week -- glorify God through their music. How they balance that is a fascinating and
surprising story.”

From a single church in suburban Sydney, Hillsong Church now extends to cities on five
continents (including London, Paris, Sao Paulo, Capetown, Rio de Janeiro, and Phoenix) with
more than 100,000 weekly attendees, including thriving congregations in New York and Los
Angeles. In addition to its local church initiatives, Hillsong partners with international
organizations committed to ministry – examples include feeding and educating children in the
slums of India, building housing for those living with AIDS in Africa and rescuing victims of
human trafficking around the globe.

“We’re thrilled that Pure Flix, the No. 1 producer of faith films in the U.S., is our partner on this
project,” said Brian Houston, founding pastor of Hillsong Church. “It’s our hope that by sharing
an up-close and unvarnished look inside our music and lives, we can shatter pre-conceived
notions of what it means to follow Jesus in today’s modern world.”

ABOUT PURE FLIX

Founded in 2005 by Michael Scott, David A.R. White, Russell Wolfe, and Elizabeth Travis, Pure
Flix has become the largest independent faith and family studio in the world. With offices in Los
Angeles and Scottsdale, Pure Flix has produced, acquired, marketed, and distributed nearly 100
faith and family-friendly properties. Aligned with their mission to transform the human spirit
through values-based entertainment, Pure Flix is the industry leader in creating high-quality
inspirational feature film content. Pure Flix official website: www.PureFlixStudio.com.

Woodlawn ~ Review

Woodlawn

Racial unrest and violence was destroying Birmingham, Alabama.  Desegregation mandates brought many new students to Woodlawn High School.  Tony Nathan is one of those who joined the 1973 Woodlawn student body.  A talented football player Tony experiences firsthand the unrest that is erupting across the city.

When a sports counselor requests time to meet with football team amazing and miraculous changes are about to begin in Alabama and especially in Birmingham.  A message of love rather than hate, of forgiveness affects a change that spread across a hurting city.

This is a powerful and moving movie.  It is amazing how much time has passed since this movie was set and yet we are still struggling with many of these same issues.  It is sad that we learn so little from the mistakes of the past and are so quick to deny what can bring change and healing.

We all have a purpose, a gift 

and we need to live ours.

What is your God-given gift?

I was given access to an advance pre-release viewing of this movie in exchange for my review.

About the Movie:

A gifted high school football player must learn to boldly embrace his talent and his faith as he battles racial tensions on and off the field in WOODLAWN, a moving and inspirational new film based on the true story of how love and unity overcame hate and division in early 1970s Birmingham, Ala.

Tony Nathan (newcomer Caleb Castille) lands in a powder keg of anger and violence when he joins fellow African-American students at Woodlawn High School after its government-mandated desegregation in 1973. The Woodlawn Colonels football team is a microcosm of the problems at the school and in the city, which erupts in cross burnings and riots, and Coach Tandy Gerelds (Nic Bishop) is at a loss to solve these unprecedented challenges with his disciplinarian ways.

It’s only when Hank (Sean Astin), an outsider who has been radically affected by the message of hope and love he experienced at a Christian revival meeting, convinces Coach Gerelds to let him speak to the team that something truly remarkable begins to happen. More than 40 players, nearly the entire team, black and white, give their lives over to the “better way” Hank tells them is possible through following Jesus, and the change is so profound in them it affects their coach, their school and their community in ways no one could have imagined.

Joseph: Beloved Son, Rejected Slave, Exalted Ruler ~ Review

Joseph: Beloved Son, 

                    Rejected Slave, 

                               Exalted Ruler

I was recently offered the chance to view and review Joseph: Beloved Son,
Rejected Slave, Exalted Ruler.  This video is an excellent way to share the story 
of Joseph with the little ones in your life.

Opening with Abraham receiving a vision from God about his descendants and their servitude in a foreign land.  
At the time Abraham had no children about which the vision could be about.

We are then taken forward 170 years, witnessing Abraham's great-grandson Joseph receiving a gift of a coat of 
many colors.   We see Joseph's pride in his position of favoured son and his brothers' resentment.  And we see 
the moment when his brothers decide that they have had enough of Joseph.

Going from favoured son, to hated brother, to foreign slave within a few hours time Joseph's life takes a sudden 
and dramatic change.  We see Joseph's pride even in Egypt until a remark about his pride opens his eyes to the 
sin in his own heart.  A noticeable difference in Joseph's attitude brings about a change in his position as a slave
until he is betrayed by his master's wife.

When Joseph's gift of interpreting dreams is revealed to Pharaoh, God's hand is again revealed in his life. Pharaoh's
dreams are the means of bringing Joseph's family once again into his life.   


This is an excellent teaching tool, perfect for homeschoolers, Sunday school, and the home setting.

About the Film:

releasing May 5, 2016 

by Media4Kids International 

distributed via Vision Video

Based on the powerful Old Testament story, the 90-minute animated feature film from the makers of Torchlighters 
and Jesus: He Lived Among Us recounts the story of Joseph, the favored son sold into slavery by his jealous 
brothers only to become second in command of Egypt.

Joseph is a young dreamer, spoiled by his father and so resented by his brothers that they secretly sell him to
a slave trader. Eventually landing in the dungeons of Egypt, the young man who lacked nothing suddenly finds himself alone, forgotten, and overwhelmed with despair. Yet it is in this deep prison that Joseph begins to change, and in his humility he cries out to God. 

 
As the years pass, his growing faith and gift for interpreting dreams bring him to the attention of the Pharoah, who exalts the young man to a prominent position. Having learned humble obedience to God, Joseph becomes instrumental not only in saving Egypt but the brothers who initially betrayed him. Joseph is a moving story that powerfully demonstrates God's hand in all things, big and small. 

 
For ages 5 and up.

Old Fashioned ~ Review

Old Fashioned
Novelization by Rene Gutteridge
Screenplay by Rik Swartzwelder

Chivalry 

          makes a 

                           comeback

Clay Walsh has made a vow to be a changed man.  He no longer wants to be the man that he was, even if it means isolating himself away.  He wants to treat women with the respect they deserve.  Clay's ideals are the source of ridicule in the town in which he lives.  His theories on love and romance are odd and outdated, but he has been living by them for nine years.  He has yet to meet the woman who understands his views.

But when Amber Hewson arrives in town his theories are about to be tested.  Something about Amber draws him and terrifies him at the same time.  Amber senses something about Clay is different though she's not sure what it is exactly.  But when her apartment needs a repair she learns quickly what about Clay is different - he won't do the needed repair and be alone with her in the apartment.  His "rules" confuse and intrigue her, but how do you get to know another person when you don't know the rules?

This is a book that I highly recommend - the values Clay lives by are in fact ones that I was taught from a young age and men and women who live by these standards are hard to find today.  Pressure to conform to the lax morals of today come from all sides and it is hard to stand for what one believes as evidenced by the ridicule Clay faces (even from friends).

I think my favorite line comes from Betty - "You know, marriage is kind of like a tea bag. You don't know how strong it really is till you get it in some boiling water.  And the water don't boil till you're over the heat, and the heat don't come till you say, 'I do.'"

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Tyndale through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Former frat boy Clay Walsh has given up his reckless lifestyle and settled down to run an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town. Determined to put his partying ways behind him, Clay has become notorious for his lofty and outdated theories on love and romance. But when Amber Hewson, a free-spirited woman with a gypsy soul, rents the apartment above his shop, Clay can’t help being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate embrace of life. 

New to the area, Amber finds herself surprisingly drawn to Clay and his noble ideas, but her own fears and deep wounds are difficult to overcome. Can they move beyond their differences and their pasts to attempt an “old-fashioned” courtship?

The Identical ~ Movie Review

The Identical

This Labor Day week-end I had the pleasure to view a pre-release screening of The Identical a movie starring Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, Erin Cottrell, and Blake Rayne.  This movie is set to hit the BIG Screen this week, September 5th to be exact.  And this is movie was a delightful surprise - one I want to see again.  If you like good music (early rock and roll era) and an entertaining and powerful story rolled into one package you have to see this movie.

In 1935 William and Helen Hemsley are living in Decatur, Georgia, when they have twin sons.  But for Wiliam this is the worst possible news - he is out of work and jobs are scarce.  But on the night of his sons' birth a tent revival is taking place and William thinks he has found the perfect solution - the preacher Reese Wade and his wife Louise are unable to have children and have requested prayer.

In a heartbreaking decision the Hemsleys offer to give the Wades one of their sons because it is better to give than to receive.  Both boys are raised separately never knowing the other.  Ryan is raised believing he is the only child of a Tennessee preacher.   Dexler is raised believing his twin brother died at one day of age.

This movie is Ryan's story and his journey to discover his path and his calling.   And in an unexpected twist both young men are drawn to music.  One finds fame with his gift and the other is The Identical of the other.

This is a movie that is moving as one brother struggles with discovering who he is amid pressures to follow in his father's footsteps.  This is a movie that is suitable for the family (PG) and at 1 hour and 46 minutes it is a perfect length.

THE IDENTICAL

starring Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd and newcomer Blake Rayne 

opens in theaters all across the country on Sept. 5, 2014.

The Power of Entertainment and the Bible

The power of media and entertainment is an interesting and intriguing phenomena.  How many times do we read a book only to seek out a dramatization of this same work or see a movie only to the search out the book on which it is based.  Well, apparently NOAH has had the same effect on the early movie goers as the following just released statistic shows:

In the days after the Noah Movie hit theaters, 

people opening the Noah story in Genesis 6 

increased about 300% in the U.S. & 245% 

globally on the YouVersion Bible App. 

Talk about the power of movies!

When's the last time you read the story of Noah from the Bible?
Check out Genesis 6 here.

Godtube Exclusive – NOAH Christian Music Video from gracehillmedia on GodTube.

More Noah movie tidbits

Check out this just released video featuring clips from the movie NOAH 

and the thoughts of faith leaders who have seen it.

Noah's Ark ~ Featurette and Press Release

Here are some more exciting tidbits from the upcoming release NOAH

This just released featurette looks at the Ark and its construction.

It is amazing to see it all coming together and I love

the conceptual aspect of this video - a real behind the scenes extra

that you don't have to wait for the DVD release to see!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

(02/27/2014) Nashville, TN – The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) and Paramount Pictures jointly announced today the decision to add an explanatory message to future marketing materials for the upcoming film Noah from acclaimed filmmaker Darren Aronofsky. 

The move follows an appeal by Dr. Jerry A. Johnson, President & CEO of NRB, to help audiences better understand that the feature film is a dramatization of the major scriptural themes and not a line-by-line retelling of the Bible story. Dr. Johnson’s request to Paramount Pictures to consider adding this clarification to Noah’s marketing materials ahead of release was an idea fully embraced by the studio, and follows a precedent established by other films based on biblical NRB’s reaching out to Paramount was prompted by a special public event earlier this week at the NRB 2014 International Christian Media Convention in Nashville, TN, where Dr. Johnson led an engaging and insightful panel discussion with John Snowden, a biblical consultant for Noah, along with filmmaker, media consultant, and writer Phil Cooke, who is also a member of the NRB Board of Directors.

Together, the panelists - all three of whom had earlier seen the entire film - discussed the cinematic attributes of the film, including examples of adherence to and departures from the biblical text. Exclusive clips from the film were also shown to the crowd of several hundred. 

"Because of the quality of the production and acting, viewers will enjoy watching main themes from the Noah story depicted in a powerful way on the big screen," stated Dr. Johnson in sharing his overall reaction to the film. "However, my intent in reaching out to Paramount with this request was to make sure everyone who sees this impactful film knows this is an imaginative interpretation of Scripture, 

Future marketing materials, including a soon-to-be released online trailer, the film’s official website, and 100% of print and radio, as well as a percentage of the film’s online and broadcast, will contain the following explanatory message: 

"The film is inspired by the story of Noah. While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values, and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide. The biblical story of Noah can be found in the book of Genesis." 

“We are deeply appreciative of Dr. Johnson’s efforts to bring this idea to us,” said Paramount Picture’s Vice Chairman, Rob Moore. "Our goal has been to take every measure we can to ensure moviegoers have the information they need before deciding to buy a ticket to see the film. We are very proud of Darren Aronofsky’s Noah. We think audiences all over the world will enjoy this epic film.” 

Adding to that, Dr. Johnson said, "It is a significant and welcome development when a leading Hollywood studio like Paramount makes a major film about a 

"Many people will go to this film and enjoy it," expressed Dr. Johnson, who holds a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and has taught a Cinematic Theology course at the undergraduate level in college, as well as a course on the Theology of Movies and Visual Media at the graduate level in seminary. "Christians should be ready to engage with them about the biblical themes that are portrayed in the film, namely sin, judgment, and salvation."

While Dr. Johnson noted that there are more than a few creative liberties taken that may be of concern to those who know their Bible well, he said he feels that the explanatory message will help make it clear to people of faith that the film is not being presented as a literal presentation of Scripture. 

"We are grateful that Paramount is striving, with this disclaimer, to strike a proper balance between artistic creativity, character development, and honoring the sacred Scripture," Dr. Johnson stated. 

 To learn more about NOAH, which opens in theaters March 28,

visit www.noahmovie.com 

For more about the NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS, 

visit www.nrb.org 

The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) is a non-partisan, international association of Christian communicators whose member organizations represent millions of listeners, viewers, and readers. Our mission is to advance biblical truth; to promote media excellence; and to defend free speech. In addition to promoting standards of excellence, integrity, and accountability, NRB provides networking, educational, ministry, and fellowship opportunities for its members. Learn more at www.nrb.org. 

About The NRB Convention 

The annual NRB International Christian Media Convention is the largest nationally and internationally recognized event dedicated solely to assist those in the field of Christian communications. The dynamic Exposition consists of around 200 companies and is an active marketplace for those seeking tools and services to expand their organizations. NRB 2015 will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, TN, February 21-24, 2015. For more information, go to www.nrbconvention.org. 

About Paramount Pictures Corporation 

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed  entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. 

Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group. 

Media Contact: 

Briana McElroy 

(818) 762-0000

briana@gracehillmedia.com

NOAH

Paramount Pictures and Regency Enterprises Present 

A Protozoa Pictures Production

A Darren Aronofsky Film

Produced by Scott Franklin, Darren Aronofsky, Mary Parent, Arnon Milchan 

“Noah” 

Producers Ari Handel, Chris Brigham 

Written by Darren Aronofsky & Ari Handel

 Directed by Darren Aronofsky 

Cast:           Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Emma Watson,
                   Anthony Hopkins and Logan Lerman

Synopsis:     Academy Award® winner Russell Crowe stars as Noah, a man chosen by
                    God for a great task before an apocalyptic flood destroys the world.

Release:      March 28th, 2014

This film has not been rated.

CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE

“Noah” is a Paramount Pictures release

NOAH ~ Movie Trailer Reveal

As an added excitement for Friday I'm sharing the just released 

movie trailer for NOAH which stars Russell Crowe.

In a word WOW!

Don't believe me check it out...

Even if you do believe me check it out!

Can't wait for this to be released.

If the trailer is any indication this will be an incredible film!

Now a little bit about NOAH...

NOAHSynopsis: After visions of an apocalyptic deluge, Noah, the world’s only righteous man, is chosen to undertake a divine mission to build a massive ark to save his family and all of creation before the impending rains fall and the flood waters rise. 
Cast: Russell Crowe, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jennifer Connelly and Emma Watson
Director: Darren Aronofsky 
Trailer