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MEMPHIS TN – September 9, in the year of our Lord 2010 – Graceworks Pictures and Calvary Pictures have announced that THE GRACE CARD, a gritty drama that poignantly illustrates that the worst prisons are the ones we make ourselves, will open in theaters on February 25, 2011. Set in Memphis, THE GRACE CARD features Academy Award®-winner Louis Gossett Jr. (Best Supporting Actor, AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN) and centers on the unlikely partnership between two cops: Mac, embittered by tragedy, angry at life and God and everyone else; and Sam, a rising star in the department, promoted over Mac.  As Mac’s life nosedives, the tension builds: can he accept grace from a God he abandoned and a man he detests?

"The point is to grab people by the heart," says director David Evans.  Evans is a successful optometrist known in Memphis for his 15-plus years producing Calvary Church’s annual passion play. THE GRACE CARD is his feature film-directing debut—and through Graceworks Pictures, he’s also executive producer. Calvary Pictures is a ministry of Calvary Church in the Memphis suburb of Cordova.  THE GRACE CARD will be marketed and released by Affirm Films and Provident Films and distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films, the three companies behind FIREPROOF and FACING THE GIANTS.

Real Life. Real Answers.

As with independent, faith-based films such as FIREPROOF and FACING THE GIANTS, THE GRACE CARD showcases people in unvarnished challenges, confronting what they believe against the hard places in life. How far does forgiveness go? That question beats at the heart of THE GRACE CARD.

THE GRACE CARD assembled a talented crew of Hollywood professionals and dedicated local volunteers. Producer and writer Howard Klausner, a Hollywood veteran, is well known for his script of the Clint Eastwood-directed hit SPACE COWBOYS. Producer John Saunders’ two decades of industry experience includes WALK THE LINE and LEATHERHEADS. John Nasraway, also producing, has a string of credits working with Oscar-winning directors on top-grossing films such as MASTER AND COMMANDER and TERMINATOR 3.

Passionate Support

A small army of 300 volunteers attended Calvary Pictures’ “boot camp” before working on the shoot itself. “I’ve never seen such passion and dedication,” said Deputy Sharon Fox O'Guin of the Memphis Film Commission. From catering to wardrobe to anything needed, these volunteers, many of whom had worked with David Evans on the Calvary Passion Play, turned THE GRACE CARD into a feature-length film.

The people of Memphis also jumped on board. THE GRACE CARD’s full support of local leaders included Memphis police, who allowed use of their logo, badges, and facilities.

Calvary Church, led by Rev. Lynn Holmes (since 1996), was founded in 1937.  From the
Memphis suburb of Cordova—and under the banner “Hope for Life. Help for Living,”
the church pursues reconciliation in outreaches that range from family-focused to arts-
centered, from Uptown Kids, student and college ministries, to special men’s and women’s ministries and small groups.

Synopsis

THE GRACE CARD
Witness the Power of Forgiveness
Everything can change in an instant . . . and take a lifetime to unravel.  When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erode his love for his family and leave him angry with God . . . and just about everyone else.  Mac’s rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he’s partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force—who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man.  Can they somehow join forces to help one another when it’s impossible for either of them to look past their differences—especially the most obvious one?

Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God’s grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD … and never underestimate the power of God’s love.

THE GRACE CARD  TheGraceCardMovie.com
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