FEATURED COVER STORY
Coach Harrison (Alex Kendrick), Amy Harrison (Shari Rigby) and Hannah Scott (Aryn WrightThomspon) talk strategy before a track meet.
Unity Christian School Brings Alex Kendrick To Rome
“F
lywheel,” “Facing the Giants,” “Fireproof,”
sought. “Facing the Giants” had been screened by several
“Courageous,” “War Room,” and
distributors but had not received a release date until seeking
“Overcomer” are incredible Christian films
permission to license a song from Provident Label Group in
that have touched many lives. Born and raised in Georgia,
Nashville, Tennessee. At this time, the film was requested
the Kendrick brothers, Shannon, Alex, and Stephen, have
for review, and the president of the company sent “Facing
been producing Christian films since 2002. Their journey
the Giants” to its parent company, Sony. Shortly thereafter,
started as young boys who had a passion for filmmaking
Provident and Sony partnered for the release of “Facing
and shooting movies on Super 8mm film. As sons of
the Giants.” Much to everyone’s surprise, it received a PG
an ordained minister and schoolteacher, Scripture and
rating for “explicit Christian content.” “Facing the Giants”
faith were poured into them daily. Through this strong,
astounded Hollywood by earning $10.1 million in theaters
faith-based upbringing, they each developed a personal
and selling 2.5 million units on DVD. Again, God prevailed.
relationship with God. Eventually, Alex and Stephen were
Through diligent prayer, God once again inspired
in ministry together at Sherwood Baptist Church, where
the storyline for “Fireproof,” a marriage-focused film that
they were led to produce a low-budget, full-length movie
was produced through partnering with Provident Films.
as an outreach to their community. This led to their first
A pivotal part of the film is “The Love Dare,” a 40-day
film, “Flywheel,” which unexpectedly sold out multiple
challenge that the husband takes on while endeavoring to
showtimes and was the week’s second highest-grossing
save his marriage. Following the production of the film,
movie of the cinema’s 16 screens.
Alex and Stephen wrote “The Love Dare,” a ministry tool
After months of prayerful consideration, a second film
for couples. B&H Publishers published and released it
was developed about a high school football team who had to
in conjunction with the release of the film. “Fireproof”
face their fear with faith. God answered prayer after prayer
generated $33.5 million at the box office and was the No. 1
with funding and equipment which were not “formally”
independent film of 2008. Both “Fireproof,” the novel, and
22 // March 2020
