‘Relatable’ teen movie to premiere

Written by Eric Tiansay

Thursday, 21 January 2010 05:19 PM America/New_York

Generating positive feedback from some secular media outlets, To Save a Life, a faith-based teen-oriented movie, will hit approximately 1,000 theaters screens nationwide tomorrow. The film--which was previewed at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in July--was produced by evangelism and church resource organization Outreach and is being distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films, which also distributed the surprise hit Fireproof nearly two years ago.

Thanks to grass-roots support from Christians--similar to that Fireproof received in order for it to be shown in more theaters--To Save a Life could make an impact at the box office this weekend.

"Simply by word of mouth, active street teams and local campaigns, To Save a Life has been gaining over 2,000 fans a day on Facebook--now with over 60,000 members--and has received e-mails from over 5,000 people who have requested to be local ‘Tower Crew' street team representatives," the movie's Web site reported earlier this week. "Screenings of the film to over 20,000 youth workers, teens, parents, teacher and coaches aided in building interest."

Starring Randy Wayne (The Dukes of Hazzard, The Last Hurrah) and Deja Kreutzberg (CSI Miami, Law and Order), the film is about an all-star athlete forced to make major changes in his life to help others. To Save a Life is rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements involving teen suicide and drinking as well as some drug content, disturbing images and sexuality.

MTV called the movie "a very relatable film for millions of moviegoers who have known or have been a hurting teenager."

More than 200 "Lifeline Squads" have pledged to each pre-sell a minimum of 1,000 tickets to the film for opening weekend, while 2,500 youth groups nationwide have plans to take their students and friends to theaters to view the movie, the To Save a Life Web site said.

"We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for the film," said Jim Britts, the film's screenwriter. "Hundreds of these groups are banding together to help hurting teens, and truly start a movement of hope. We are encouraged to see the film's powerful message really will help save lives."

Tammy Garner, owner of The Master's, a Parable Christian Store in Clovis, N.M., told the Clovis News Journal that her store and several churches had joined forces to bring the movie to the community. "We want to send the message to Hollywood that we want more movies like this," said Garner, who saw the movie at ICRS last summer.

To Save a Life also features several retail-related products, including a novelization by screenwriters Jim and Rachel Britts and Devo2Go-an interactive audio devotional featuring members of the cast-as well as curriculum and student kits. The theatrical release will be followed by church-based screenings, with a DVD release likely in the spring.

Click here for more information on To Save a Life.