Traditionally, faith-based films were saddled with microscopic budgets and unable to draw big-name talent, either in front of or behind the camera. However in recent years there has been some extremely well-made and executed movies with religion as a theme that have received a lot of press and positive feedback from traditionally harsher critics and viewers.
Finally faith-based films have been able to get the budgets, star power, and wide releases necessary to compete on the national level.
Films studios have created departments geared towards producing such faith-based entertainment, such as Sony’s Affirm Films, which released “War Room,” “Miracles from Heaven,” and “Risen”.
Here’s a list of the seven more notable faith-based films scheduled for release this year.
Hacksaw Ridge
“An old-fashioned story that Gibson mainlines with bleeding-edge craft and technique.”
Mel Gibson returns to his religious roots with this true life story of Desmond Doss, as conscientious objector who enlists as a medic and saves the lives of 75 without ever touching a gun. With intense battle sequences and an epic scope, Hacksaw Ridge places Mel Gibson back on the same firm cinematic ground as films like The Passion of the Christ and Apocalypto.
Hacksaw Ridge DVD release was the 22nd May 2017.
The Shack
After suffering a family tragedy, Mack Phillips spirals into a deep depression that causes him to question his innermost beliefs. Facing a crisis of faith, he receives a mysterious letter urging him to an abandoned shack in the Oregon wilderness. Despite his doubts, Mack journeys to the shack and encounters an enigmatic trio of strangers led by a woman named Papa. Through this meeting, Mack finds important truths that will transform his understanding of his tragedy and change his life forever. With star turns from Sam Worthington (Avatar) and Octavia Spencer (The Help).
“The Shack promises to be the Christian cinema event of the year.”
The Case for Christ
Lee Strobel’s investigation into the real evidence of Jesus’ life and death has been a touchstone of belief for readers the world over; it touches on the honesty of searching for meaning, and the challenges of what is confronted. Taking the story of Strobel’s journalistic pursuit, the film studio Pure Flix have crafted a cinematic and thrilling chase of one man’s Case for Christ.
Coming to DVD 29th September 2017
Do You Believe?
The creators of God’s Not Dead have changed lanes somewhat.When a pastor is shaken by the visible faith of a street-corner preacher, he is reminded that true belief always requires action. His response ignites a journey that impacts everyone it touches in ways that only God could orchestrate.
The Do You Believe UK DVD release date is 28 July 2017.
The Star
An animated nativity story, “The Star” follows a small but brave donkey who, with the help of other animal friends, becomes an unsung hero in the Christmas story. There is little known about the film for now except that “The Muppet” creators Brian and Lisa Henson from The Jim Henson Company will be producing the film and Oprah Winfrey will be one of the voice talents.
Same Kind of Different As Me
The film is about an international art dealer who builds an uncanny relationship with a homeless man in order to save his struggling marriage. The movie stars Greg Kinnear and Rene Zellweger. “Same Kind Of Different As Me”is based on a true story.
Silence
Breakout artist Andrew Garfield stars in this film about two Christian priests’ quest to find their mentor in 17th-century Japan is sometimes hard work, but is full of conviction
“The film tackles themes of religious persecution, cultural differences and the “real price” of spreading the Gospel. The movie was released last January.”
The movie has received significant praise after getting an accumulated critics score of 85 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Be warned the content is strong and may not be suitable for younger or more sensitive viewers.
The Resurrection of Gavin Stone
Director Dallas Jenkins brings to us this Christian comedy drama. Former child star Gavin Stone (Brett Dalton) must perform 200 hours of community service after trashing a hotel in his Illinois hometown.
“Temptation strikes when Stone learns that the church he’s assigned to clean is staging a lavish religious production.”
After landing the lead role of Jesus Christ, Gavin finds himself drawn to the show’s director (Anjelah Johnson-Reyes), a young woman who also happens to be the daughter of the affable pastor (D.B. Sweeney).
