Our Favourite Faith Films to Enjoy this Holiday Season
This week we are in, you know the one... in between Christmas and New Year’s... where it feels like time moves a little slower?! It is the perfect time to catch up on those movies you had wanted to see but just didn’t get a chance to. We have put together a list of some of our staff’s favourite Faith Films for you to cozy up with this holiday season. In a year which has been hard on our friends in the film industry, consider supporting some of these films!
FATIMA
A powerful and uplifting drama about the power of faith, Fatima tells the story of a 10-year-old shepherd and her two young cousins in Fátima, Portugal, who report seeing visions of the Virgin Mary. Their revelations inspire believers but anger officials of both the Church and the secular government, who try to force them to recant their story. As word of their prophecy spreads, tens of thousands of religious pilgrims flock to the site in hopes of witnessing a miracle. What they experience will change their lives forever.
I STILL BELIEVE
One love can change your life. One life can change the world. From the creators of I CAN ONLY IMAGINE comes an inspiring love story for the ages. Rediscover the wonder of love in I STILL BELIEVE, based on the real-life story of chart-topping singer Jeremy Camp.The new movie from directors Jon and Andrew Erwin and producer Kevin Downes stars KJ Apa, Britt Robertson, Shania Twain, and Gary Sinise. A hopeful reminder that faith tested is faith worth sharing.
OVERCOMER
Life changes overnight for Coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team and state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant shuts down and hundreds of families leave their town, John questions how he and his family will face an uncertain future. After reluctantly agreeing to coach cross-country, John and his wife, Amy, meet an aspiring athlete who’s pushing her limits on a journey toward discovery. Inspired by the words and prayers of a new-found friend, John becomes the least likely coach helping the least likely runner attempt the impossible in the biggest race of the year.
A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (portrayed by Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about kindness, love and forgiveness from America’s most beloved neighbour. While this is not a Christian-content film, it is family-friendly and warm-hearted.
UNSTOPPABLE
BETHANY HAMILTON: UNSTOPPABLE tells the story of surfer Bethany Hamilton, who at age 13 was out surfing when she was attacked by a 15-foot tiger shark, a run-in that cost Hamilton her left arm. But not only did Hamilton survive the attack, she was back on the competitive surfing circuit less than a year later. More than a decade later, Hamilton, now a mother, undertakes her greatest challenge: chasing a toddler and the biggest wave of her career.
THE FRANCIS IMPACT
The Francis Impact features four impactful stories: Friendship from Tragedy in Quebec – details the friendship and alliance that formed between the Cardinal-Archbishop of Quebec and a mosque founder in Quebec City after an anti-immigrant attack killed and injured many worshippers in the mosque. Refugee Crisis in Lampedusa – shares the stories of thousands of migrants from Africa and the Middle East who perished in the Mediterranean Sea trying to reach Europe. Water Over Gold in El Salvador – outlines how the Catholic Church, inspired by Pope Francis, took to the streets to demand legislation be passed by the government of El Salvador to ban all metallic mining. Pastoral Reform in Minnesota – introduces viewers to lifelong devoted Catholics going through the lengthy annulment process and the impact Francis’ reforms made on their relationship and families.
BREAKTHROUGH
Breakthrough is based on the true story of John Smith who fell through ice whilst playing with friends and is put in a coma. The film follows his parents Joyce (Chrissy Metz) and Brian (Josh Lucas) and how despite against all odds their son will not survive, their faith in God keeps their hope and belief alive that John will survive. The movie was filmed in Manitoba from March to May 2018. Locations for the 31-day shoot included Winnipeg, Selkirk, and Portage la Prairie.
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE
Based on the incredible true-life story that inspired the beloved, chart-topping song, I Can Only Imagine is a powerful reminder of how God can soften the hardest of hearts, offer forgiveness to the unforgivable, and mend broken relationships. The movie is directed by the Erwin Brothers, Jon and Andrew, and produced by Kevin Downes—the creative team behind Moms’ Night Out and Woodlawn.
THE STAR
A small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day he finds the courage to break free, and finally goes on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock and Dave, a dove with lofty aspirations. Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told – the first Christmas.
SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME
Based on the true story and book by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent is the story of an international art dealer Ron Hall (Greg Kinnear) who must befriend a dangerous homeless man (Djimon Hounsou) in order to save his struggling marriage to his wife (Renée Zellweger), a woman whose dreams will lead all three of them on the most remarkable journey of their lives. Jon Voight plays Hall’s father, with whom he reconciles thanks to the revelations of his new life. Look for these titles on your favourite streaming app or online store. Do you have a favourite Faith Film we should watch before the holiday season is over?