'Heaven,' A New Film from My Hope with Billy Graham, to Debut Next Month

Churches across U.S. Making Plans to Use Never-Before-Seen Message from Billy Graham to Reach Out in Local Communities CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 8, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is making its final preparations in advance of the debut of the new film called "Heaven," which will release on Nov. 7 coinciding with Billy Graham's 96th birthday. In addition to the never-before-seen message from Billy Graham - filmed last year from his home in Montreat, N.C. - the program includes the impactful stories of writer and speaker Laurie Coombs and Los Angeles firefighter Cheyane Caldwell. "We are excited about the release of this new film called 'Heaven' next month," said Steve Rhoads, vice president of My Hope 2014 with Billy Graham. "We are offering this as a resource for evangelism to the local church and Christians nationwide to help them simply share Jesus in their communities." Over the last several months, area coordinators have been spread across the nation, encouraging local pastors in their efforts to reach people with the Gospel. Though only one month remains until the new film is released, there is still time for churches and individuals get involved in My Hope. "We are asking God to move in the hearts of people across the country," added Rhoads. "But, it begins as Christians everywhere pray specifically for people they know who need to hear this message of hope." Churches and individuals are encouraged to get started, like thousands of others have already done, by ordering a free copy of "Heaven" and beginning to pray and prepare for an event in their community.  For more information on My Hope, including tips on how the free My Hope resources can be used, visit www.MyHopewithBillyGraham.org. About  My Hope Beginning in 2002, My Hope has been implemented in 59 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. More than 305,000 churches and 4 million individuals have participated, and more than 10 million salvation and rededication decisions for Jesus Christ have been recorded. About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., the BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries. For more information, please visit www.billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BGEAnews.

'WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL'

"Must-see.'  'A great movie.'  'Stand up and cheer.'

SPORTS LEGENDS, COACHES, AND TEAMS INSPIRED BY TRUE STORY

Coach Bob Ladouceur Set Records at De La Salle High School Calling Out the Higher Purpose of Football LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Sept. 5, 2014 – From sports legends, to coaches, to entire sports teams excitement and praise continue to roll in for WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL in theaters nationwide now. Across the country as football season gets into full swing, jersey-clad teammates are seeing WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL together. The film features Jim Caviezel (THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST,Person of Interest) as Coach Bob Ladouceur, who led his De La Salle High School Spartans to the nation’s longest win streak with a focus on commitment, character and giving a “perfect effort.”  “Coach Lad’s” teams posted a 151-game win streak that shattered all previous national records. Yet their toughest challenge was overcoming loss and tragedy to “stand tall.” Inspired by a true story, WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL is a film about brotherly commitment besting adversity that inspires audiences of all ages.  TEAMS TACKLE THE MOVIE Among many professional and college football teams that have attended WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL are:  Pros Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers Colleges Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Georgia, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Auburn, Alabama, Oregon, Tulsa and Clemson WHAT THE LEGENDS ARE SAYING "All are going to stand up and cheer for this powerful film."  Bobby Bowden Former head football coach, Florida State University Winningest coach in college Division 1 football history "A great movie. I would recommend this movie to all parents whose kids participate in sports."  Jerry West NBA Legend “As a player, you will long to have the opportunity to be involved in a program like that. The responsibility and accountability of the players was amazing. As a coach, the leadership, motivation and character he displays should encourage coaches and leaders all over to strive for the same.”  Tim Brown 1987 Heisman Trophy winner  THEATER EVENTS NATIONWIDE Among many, many events across the country drawing coaches and players to share the experience are: • In Bonaire, Ga., Fellowship of Christian Athlete leaders took over 140 students to the film. Inspired high school seniors joined a “Perfect Effort” mentoring program to mentor juniors in their school. • In College Station, Texas, all four area high schools bought out screenings with more than 1,000 players, coaches and fans attending. • At San Jose State University, hundreds of college and high school athletes watched the film at an FCA-sponsored event. • A church in Clackamas, Ore., took 175 football players to the film. • More than 100 players and coaches from Grant High School in Portland, Ore. saw the film together. “This is a film that can change your attitude about life,” said Caviezel. “It’s in the tradition of the great sports films that inspire us and touch people in a way that makes their lives better.” From Tri Star Pictures in association with AFFIRM Films and Mandalay Entertainment, WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL is directed by three-time Emmy winner Thomas Carter (COACH CARTER) and also features three-time Golden Globe winner Laura Dern (JURASSIC PARK, Enlightened); Emmy and Golden Globe winner Michael Chiklis (The Shield); and Alexander Ludwig (THE HUNGER GAMES). Screenplay by Scott Marshall Smith.  Story by Scott Marshall Smith and David Zelon, based on the book by Neil Hayes. SYNOPSIS Inspired by the true story of De La Salle High School Coach Bob Ladouceur (Caviezel) and his Assistant Coach Terry Eidson (Chiklis), WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL shows an underperforming team transformed by Coach Lad’s focus on players who share big goals for sport and life and hold each other accountable to give their best effort every play. The result was a record-breaking 151-game, 12-year winning streak. But when tragedy and loss strike, will the principles that built such success be enough to sustain Coach Lad and his players? WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL is produced by David Zelon, who also produced the hit film SOUL SURFER, the inspirational, true story of Bethany Hamilton whose faith helped her return to championship-level surfing after losing an arm in a shark attack. For interviews, contact:  Michael Conrad  Michael@Lovell-Fairchild.com 214-616-0320 Connect on Facebook at: Facebook.com/whenthegamestandstall Connect on Twitter at: Twitter.com/wtgst See Coach, Player and Team Photos, quotes and more at: www.Facebook.com/WeAreStandingTall And visit Lovell-Fairchild.com for: • WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL Fact Sheet • WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL Bio—Bob “Coach Lad” Ladouceur • WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL Bio—Jim Caviezel • WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL Suggested Interview Questions About Mandalay Entertainment Mandalay Entertainment is a development, production and financing company, which focuses on films exhibiting innovative storytelling, premier talent and global appeal. About AFFIRM Films AFFIRMFilms.com Affirm Films is a division of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA), a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company, dedicated to producing, acquiring and marketing films that inspire, uplift and entertain audiences.  Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go tohttp://www.sonypictures.com.

New Christian Movie Targets Senior Adults

SPRINGFIELD, Tenn., Jan. 15, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Flowers for Fannie," a new faith-based film resonates with seniors and encourages young adults to look at the elderly with a fresh perspective. "This is an amazing story about something that few movie producers address, our seniors," says Phyllis Schaddelee.

"Flowers for Fannie" is the story of Fannie (Patricia Binkley), an elderly widow who masks her loneliness with crankiness and Louise (Brittany Wilharm), an equally lonely young woman who befriends Fannie. "This is a unique story about how we treat one another and the importance of love no matter if you are a relative or not," says Dove Foundation.

"When I found out that this was the lead role, I went, really?" says Ms. Binkley, a 72-year-old retired schoolteacher. But filmmakers Fred and Sharon Wilharm knew that she could relate to Fannie.

"In my life I can relate to death of a loved one or being abandoned or whatever, so I can cry when I think of certain things," says Ms. Binkley.

Other senior cast members include seasoned film actors Roger Eldridge, Jean Reinke, and Lynda Evjen, newcomer Ralph Hollingsworth, and a cameo appearance by the Knifty Knitters.

"Most movies are written for a young male audience, but we feel that older adults deserve a movie they can relate to," says Ms. Wilharm. "And young viewers appreciate it as much as their elders. The humor, music, romantic storylines, and relatable characters appeal to young and old alike and give them a better appreciation of each other."

"It's a humorous film that compels you to look at your life and your future," says CFDb.

"Flowers for Fannie" releases to DVD on February 1, but online viewers can watch a free sneak peek on Saturday, January 26 at 7:00pm CST. The entire movie will be available for online viewing for three hours.

"Our desire is that churches will use 'Flowers for Fannie' as a way to bridge the gap between youth and senior adults," says Ms. Wilharm. "If churches have a dinner and movie night with the youth serving the seniors, it puts into practice the message of the movie. I'd love to see them follow up with an Adopt a Grandparent program."

For more information about the movie or to schedule a screening at your church or senior center visit the website.

Josh McDowell and NASCAR Race Team Partner to Promote Inspiring, True Movie 'Undaunted'

EchoLight.com/undaunted

DALLAS – Oct. 31, 2012 – Supporters are literally racing to help promote the inspiring faith film UNDAUNTED: THE EARLY LIFE OF JOSH McDOWELL, which launched on DVD this month. NASCAR team MacDonald Motorsports; author and film producer Jeff Elliott; and film distributor EchoLight Studios team with Josh McDowell Ministry to highlight the film at Saturday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge at the Texas Motor Speedway with on-car promotion, DVD giveaways and special appearances by McDowell with drivers and race fans.

“The opportunity to reach NASCAR’s vast audience with UNDAUNTED’s message of hope and the power of forgiveness is truly awesome,” said McDowell, a world-renown Christian apologist, author and humanitarian. “I know this story of finding faith and God’s love through the most challenging circumstances will resonate and spread word of the film to many who need to hear about it.”

UNDAUNTED: THE EARLY LIFE OF JOSH McDOWELL is an award-winning, “pull no punches” docudrama. A dysfunctional family life, an alcoholic and violent father, and a sexually abusive worker on the family farm contributed to deep scars in McDowell’s life, causing him to deny God's existence. UNDAUNTED unfolds the dramatic spiritual transformation that occurs when Josh faces his past head-on and puts everything in God's hands. Produced by Moonlit Pictures, UNDAUNTED is distributed by EchoLight Studios.

The NASCAR opportunity for UNDAUNTED weaves a fascinating story in itself. Many members of the MacDonald Motorsports team have long supported Motor Racing Outreach (MRO), which offers chapel services for NASCAR drivers and teams. Inspired by the UNDAUNTED story, MacDonald Motorsports truly stepped up by making the car available through a sponsorship package to gain awareness for the film, and Josh’s story of God’s love.

Enter Jeff Elliott, a retired Illinois firefighter telling an overcoming faith story of his own. Elliott wrote a book and has now connected to SOUL SURFER producer Dutch Hoffstetter to make HOOVEY, a film about his son miraculously recovering from brain tumor surgery and eventually achieving his dream to play college basketball. Working with EchoLight Studios, which has green lit HOOVEY based on the true story, Elliott learned of UNDAUNTED and the NASCAR opportunity. He immediately felt compelled to help underwrite the cost of the sponsorship.

“A story like Josh’s—of faith winning out over adversity—just touched my heart because in my family we needed that same faith as our son faced brain surgery,” Elliott said. “I’m proud to be a part of bringing Josh and UNDAUNTED to ‘NASCAR nation.’”

With the sponsorship, McDowell gains a rare opportunity to encourage NASCAR teams at the Motor Racing Outreach services this Saturday before the O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge, part of NASCAR’s Nationwide Series. And in addition to other exposure, McDowell will also lead Sunday’s MRO services before NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series AAA Texas 500, and be on hand for the race, meeting drivers, teams and fans and encouraging them with his story.

"Being able to take advantage of this NASCAR opportunity—people coming together to inspire and uplift—is exactly the kind of story EchoLight Studios was created to share,” EchoLight Chief Global Strategist Christopher Morrow said. “What a privilege it is to partner in bringing the vital message of UNDAUNTED to NASCAR’s millions of fans.”

UNDAUNTED is available now through such leading online and retail providers as ChristianCinema.com, Amazon.com, CBD, Family Christian Stores and Walmart among many others.

About Josh McDowell
Since 1961, Josh McDowell has crisscrossed the world sharing the Good News about Jesus with the Josh McDowell Ministry under the umbrella of Cru (the U.S. division of Campus Crusade for Christ International). He has spoken to more than 25 million people, through 26,000 talks, in 125 countries. Josh has written or co-written more than 138 books including New Evidence That Demands a Verdict, named by Christianity Today as among the most influential Christian books of the past 60 years. In addition, Josh’s humanitarian relief efforts have sent more than $46 million worth of aid to help children in the former Soviet Union. Learn more at Josh.org

About MacDonald Motorsports
MacDonald Motorsports owner Randy MacDonald has been around NASCAR circles since 1985, when he began his own racing career with the loving support of his father “Doc” and his mother, Pat MacDonald. As a NASCAR driver, Randy was successful in making it all the way to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The MacDonald family became NASCAR team owners in 1986 and have fielded cars in all three of NASCAR’s elite series following faith-based principles.

About EchoLight Studios
EchoLight Studios is the first vertically integrated Christian movie studio to offer production financing, marketing and distribution across all releasing platforms. Based in Dallas, EchoLight produces and distributes high-quality faith and family-friendly entertainment through a full film distribution platform servicing theatrical, home video, digital/VOD and broadcast in both U.S. domestic and international markets.

For more information about:
UNDAUNTED EchoLight.com/undaunted
EchoLight Studios EchoLight.com
MacDonald Motorsports MMS81.com

For film clips and trailer, visit:
http://www.ChristianCinema.com/undaunted
http://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/undaunted

Engaging, Inspiring 'The Perfect Gift'--Perfect DVD for Christmas Season; Debuts Nov. 6

FILMMAKER JEFFERSON MOORE’S ‘THE PERFECT GIFT’
IS A PERFECT DVD FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Funny, Uplifting Family Film Offers a God’s-Eye View
on the ‘Christmas vs. Holiday’ Debate

DALLAS – Oct. 17, 2012 – From actor and filmmaker Jefferson Moore—and featuring exciting young actress Christina Fougnie—comes an early Christmas delivery for the whole family—THE PERFECT GIFT, available on DVD Nov. 6.

What if your birthday fell on Christmas and you decided that this year would be a celebration about you alone? Welcome to THE PERFECT GIFT, where one young girl learns the real meaning of Christmas from a mysterious wanderer who seems to know a lot about it.

“In addition to being a funny, uplifting film, THE PERFECT GIFT is timely and timeless,” said Moore, who wrote, directed and stars in the movie. “It lands in the middle of the ‘holiday’ versus ‘Christmas’ debate, and then it clearly communicates the eternal message of hope that Christmas is truly all about.”

THE PERFECT GIFT poses a challenging question: What if the world threw you a birthday party . . . but you weren’t invited? Stacy is an overworked single mom whose spoiled daughter, Maxine, hates having a birthday that falls on Dec. 25. Tired of sharing her special day with the rest of the world, Max refuses to acknowledge the true significance of the holiday. But all that changes when she’s forced to spend afternoons at the local church. It’s there she meets Jess, a mysterious drifter who’s helping construct a nativity scene. Jess knows everything there is to know about the true meaning of Christmas, and if Max pays attention, she might learn an important lesson about faith, tradition and the real reason for the season.

Jefferson Moore is well-known as an actor, writer and director for The Perfect Stranger TV film series and films such as CLANCY, also starring Fougnie, and 1 MESSAGE.

Kelly’s Filmworks produced THE PERFECT GIFT with distribution by EchoLight Studios. DVDs can be pre-ordered now with deliveries and immediate sales starting Nov. 6.

For more information, visit: EchoLight.com/theperfectgift

An Angel In Small-Town Texas? DVD 'I Am . . . Gabriel' Brings It To Life

‘I AM . . . GABRIEL’ DVD DEBUTS AUG. 28
MOVING FILM TRACKS VARIED RESPONSES TO THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S WORK IN DAILY LIFE
Starring Dean Cain and John Schneider
EchoLight.com/IAmGabriel

DALLAS – Aug. 14, 2012 – I AM . . . GABRIEL—a moving and mysterious film about divine interaction in our daily lives—launches DVD sales nationwide and online Aug. 28. From Director Mike Norris, I AM . . . GABRIEL weaves multiple stories of individuals touched by tragedy and their varied responses to an unlikely messenger from God with an amazing message of hope.

“I AM . . . GABRIEL shows what happens when people turn to God in prayer and start to trust Him for the circumstances in their lives,” said Norris, who also co-wrote and acts in the film. “The mystery of faith comes to life and encourages every viewer to see God at work in every little detail.”

Starring Dean Cain (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman), John Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville) and Gavin Casalegno in his breakout role as the title character, I AM . . . GABRIEL opens in present day Promise, Texas, a town parched for rain and hope, whose citizens feel cursed after a tragedy 10 years earlier. Then a young boy wanders out of the wilderness into the lives of the beleaguered residents. Miracles start to happen. Some believe and find hope. Some don’t and grow desperate. Some see a messenger from God, others a runaway kid, a huckster. Finally, as the town’s last skeptic backs him into a corner, the young boy reveals his identity. I AM . . . GABRIEL is a story of faith that leads to real hope, regardless of circumstances.

Produced by 2nd Fiddle Entertainment and Heaven’s Promise Productions, I AM . . . GABRIEL is distributed by EchoLight Studios.

"We are absolutely thrilled to be distributing stories created by inspirational filmmakers like Mike Norris,” EchoLight Chief Global Strategist Christopher Morrow said. “And it is so encouraging to be in development with Mike on another EchoLight Studios project slated for production in 2013."

I AM . . . GABRIEL can be pre-ordered now with deliveries and immediate sales starting Aug. 28. The film is available through such leading online and retail providers as Amazon.com, LifeWay Christian Stores, Family Christian Stores, among many others.

ABOUT DIRECTOR MIKE NORRIS

Actor, director, writer and producer Mike Norris, son of legendary performer and martial arts champion Chuck Norris, founded 2nd Fiddle Entertainment to create faith-focused films that make a difference. With numerous film and television acting credits, Norris also directed films and multiple episodes of the long-running series Walker, Texas Ranger.

For interviews, contact: Monique Sondag Monique@Lovell-Fairchild.com 214-536-4319.

For more information, visit: EchoLight.com/IAmGabriel

Connect with the film on Facebook: Facebook.com/IAmGabrielmovie