'Woodlawn' Christian Film Spreads Message of Forgiveness and Redemption
"Woodlawn" joins the list of new faith-based films that are spreading the message of forgiveness and redemption as it premieres today in theaters.
The independent Christian film, which was released on Oct. 16 in theaters, tells how a Birmingham football team's faith moved the hearts of many. "Woodlawn" is one of the three similar movies being screened that drew standing ovations at the end because of its compelling message of reconciliation and revival, according to the Examiner.
Jon Voight of "National Treasure" and Sean Astin of "Lord of the Rings," and Caleb Castille are among the lead characters in "Woodlawn," the report adds.
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The story is set in 1973, when Woodlawn High School was ordered by the government to desegregate. The change brought about conflicts among students, but a visiting chaplain encouraged future Miami Dolphins player Tony Nathan and his teammates to put God at the center of their lives. Their decision ultimately led the whole town to follow their lead and inspire unity among them, Religion News (RN) reports.
"It was an anomaly event where an entire football team at once made a decision to love God and to love each other, in a school and a city that didn't know what that meant," RN quotes filmmaker Jon Erwin's statement. "Faith was an absolutely essential part of this story. It wasn't politicians that led the Civil Rights Movement, it was pastors."
In "Woodlawn," a high school football team in Birmingham, Alabama initiated a movement of redemption and revival during their time. The movie itself became a catalyst for similar movements to happen nationwide.
"Woodlawn" producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey presented a video showing what happened to viewers after watching the movie. In the simulcast, hundreds of participants were seen coming forward to support the message of "Woodlawn," the report details.
Aside from "Woodlawn," the films "War Room" and "Captive" also deliver the same message to its watchers. "War Room," which has been in theaters for several weeks and hit the top place in the box office at one point, tells the story of a family torn apart by problems and saved by prayer. "Captive" is about a person who has experienced transformation after reading Pastor Rick Warren's book "The Purpose-Driven Life."
