Good News - August 2019

MOVIES 30 AUGUST 2019 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition What do you allow to de- fine you? This question invites each of us to reflect on our identity and what it looks like to craft a meaningful life. “Overcomer,” a new film de- buting on August 23, 2019, takes viewers on a journey as the characters wrestle with this question themselves. From the makers of “Fac- ing the Giants,” “Fireproof,” “Courageous,” and the number one box-office hit, “War Room,” is a story of redemption and healing intertwined with humor and an ending that will warm your heart for days. This movie is for anyone seeking inspiration and wisdom on how to over- come their circumstances and find hope and purpose. “‘Overcomer’ is the next powerful film from Alex and Stephen Kendrick, storytellers who have impacted the lives and hearts of millions of people around the world, had their work translated into over 40 lan- guages and counting, and gen- erated over $150 million in worldwide box office so far. When the Kendrick Brothers start a new film, a lot of people around the world take notice,” said Rich Peluso, Executive Vice President of AFFIRM Films. During my interview with Stephen Kendrick, he enthusi- astically noted, “We have a big- ger budget, better cameras, and we believe, in so many ways, it is our best film.” Finding inspiration In reflecting on how the movie was developed, Stephen Kendrick replied, “Let me brag on my brother here. All six of Alex’s kids have won state champi- onships in cross-country. He’s a great dad and always cheer- ing them on to do their best in whatever they do. It was in the midst of him supporting them at races that he came up with the original storyline and twist of ‘Overcomer.’ At the same time, I was studying identity in Christ through the book of Ephesians. As we were shar- ing with one another, we began to see that God had been preparing us to write and produce this specific film.” I asked Stephen if there were individuals or circum- stances that inspired the char- acters and the plot. He shared, “They say you write what you know and all of our films incor- porate some of the things we are learning at that season of our lives. Making ‘Facing theGi- ants’ was literally like taking on a giant in our filmmaking jour- ney. Our marriages were tested by fire while we were making ‘Fireproof.’ We were personally discovering more about our own manhood and role as fa- thers while working on ‘Coura- geous.’” “And with ‘Overcomer’ we have incorporated Alex’s cross country learnings, our father’s bedridden state, my adopted daughter’s birthdate into the twists and turns of the storyline. After seeing the impact of ‘War Room,’ and after praying and preparing for years on ‘Over- comer,’ we are really looking forward to hearing how God uses it in people’s lives.” The storyline The main character in the movie is John Harrison, a high school basketball coach, unwill- ingly turned cross country coach. “John Harrison probably is representative of any middle America guy in a small town. He has a family and a job and may find too much of himself in his work and not enough in the Creator that made him. John would call himself a good per- son. He wants to be a good dad, husband and a very suc- cessful worker. But he has his identity out of order,” said Alex Kendrick. He continued, “As a Chris- tian, he would say that the Lord is important to him, but if you were to watch his life you would see that his coaching opportu- nities, his championship run, is what he identifies with themost. Over the course of this film we see how that has to be re- ordered.” This film promises to be one that touches your heart, strengthens your faith and fills your spirit with joy. Though the film debuts on August 23, groups can set up special view- ings beginning August 5. To sign up for a special viewing for your community, church or or- ganization or to purchase tick- ets for the showings beginning August 23, visit overcomer- movie.com Terry Morrow Nelson, Ph.D. is an assistant dean and associate professor at Nova Southeastern University. She is also president of the Partner- ship for Leadership and Trans- formation. Terry is happily married with two small children. “Overcomer” Brings Faith, Humor and Inspiration Terry Morrow Nelson Good News