o t e o - w s e - d s r s s - e ” e s - f h - t e , s , COVER STORY 27 JULY 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition the author of the Christmas song, and depicts his personal loss and turmoil through the Civil War. While their next film to be released in 2026, “A Great Awakening,” is centered around George Whitfield, a minister and early founder of the Evangelical movement. Sight & Sound Films has purchased land for filming adjacent to the theatre in what they are calling their Back Lot - an old barn and horse training track that was transformed into full movie sets with Amish carpenters contributing to the build. "It was a great partnership. They showed up in their buggies and even brought their families to our wrap party. It was beautiful, and I think the story of Whitfield resonated with them,” said Neff. For casting, we also have this great pool of amazing talent from both past and present productions that we can tap into, which is just awesome. We know who they are, and we know their hearts are alive.” An immersive experience with the gospel Regardless of the medium Sight & Sound uses for storytelling, Neff said, “It always comes back to Glenn Eshelman’s original heart to immerse people in the story, with the gospel as the driving passion. The more realistic the show is, the more it can engage and then it's fun to see how the Holy Spirit works through that.” Since Sight & Sound began more than 50 years ago, more than 30 million people have encountered their inspired, immersive storytelling infused with the message of the gospel. Many have ventured there from sunny Florida to experience the theatrical wonder. Having traveled to Branson, MO, for productions of both ESTHER and JESUS, Julianne Aleman, of Fort Lauderdale, said, “It’s much better than Broadway! Sight & Sound makes the Bible come alive in front of you in real time and you feel like a part of it. This is one of those places you have to go with your kids once in a lifetime - or every summer.” Anna Copeland, age 11, the daughter of Eddie Copeland, director of Church United, saw the Sight & Sound production of DANIEL last summer in Lancaster, PA, during a trip with her grandparents. She was amazed and said, “My favorite part was Daniel in the actual lion’s den! It was crazy!!” The productions also have educational value. Sue Puchferran, a director of HEED Home Education Enrichment Day in Boca Raton, took a family trip to Lancaster, PA, about 25 years ago when her children were young so they could learn the American history of the region and experience an Amish farm, but she said seeing NOAH at Sight & Sound Theatres was the highlight for their family. “It was the best thing we did in Lancaster, and we’re planning to go back with the grandchildren.” Being able to witness a biblical story brought to life in such a large format seen nowhere else in America was an enriching experience and certainly worth a trip to Lancaster or Branson. To learn more about all facets of Sight & Sound, visit them online at www.sight-sound.com
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