News
COURAGEOUS Hits Theaters September 30-2011
ALBANY, Ga – Dec. 6, in the year of our Lord 2010 – COURAGEOUS – the next movie from Sherwood Pictures, makers of FIREPROOF – debuts nationwide Sept. 30, 2011, with an exciting story of the difference that dedicated fathers can make in the lives of their families. What FIREPROOF – the No. 1 independent film of 2008 – did to encourage couples to bring unconditional love to marriage, COURAGEOUS stands to do for parents and their children. The film will be distributed by TriStar Pictures, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Produced by Sherwood Pictures in association with Provident Films and AFFIRM Films, COURAGEOUS follows the lives of five men, four of them deputy sheriffs in Albany, Ga. A sudden and unexpected tragedy forces each man to consider what kind of father he has been . . . and just what God intends of fathers.
“My hope is that COURAGEOUS will cause men to re-think what success really is,” said Michael Catt, executive producer, and senior pastor of Sherwood Church, the ministry home of Sherwood Pictures. “Success in life is not in things, but in your most intimate relationships. You are successful if you have a strong faith, children who love you, and a wife who adores you.”
Across the country, churches, ministries, support organizations for fathers, and fans of Sherwood Pictures are mobilizing to see and use COURAGEOUS for the important conversation it starts. Sherwood Pictures has a well-deserved reputation for entertainment with a purpose, producing faith-based films that entertain and enlighten, in theatrical and DVD hits such as FLYWHEEL, FACING THE GIANTS, and FIREPROOF.
The Sherwood Pictures executive team is Sherwood Church Senior Pastor Michael Catt, Executive Pastor Jim McBride, and Stephen and Alex Kendrick. COURAGEOUS was co-written by Stephen and Alex, and directed by Alex, who also plays one of the law enforcement officers in the ensemble cast.
Fatherhood Under Fire
COURAGEOUS debuts at a pivotal period.
“We live in a time when 40 percent of children are born in a home with no father around,” Alex Kendrick said. “Our guide for moviemaking is simple: ‘What does the Lord want us to do?’ Every member of our team felt strongly that now is the time for the message that COURAGEOUS brings to life.”
Statistics continue to mount related to the importance of fathers to their children. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sites studies showing:
- good father-child relationships produce children who are more secure and less likely to suffer from depression.
- children with fathers at home enter school at higher levels of academic readiness.
- homes with mothers and fathers present produce children who earn more A grades and are less likely to have to repeat a grade.
Movies That Make a Difference
Well before COURAGEOUS opens, many churches will buy out entire showings and build sermons and curricula on the topic of fatherhood. At pre-theatrical screenings, influencers will receive “resource DVDs” with movie excerpts for lessons and discussion. Local action groups already are volunteering to promote and publicize the film. The film’s ministry partners and many smaller groups will spread the word that COURAGEOUS spurs conversations that can change lives. Books and study guides will support the film and expand its impact.