This is part of a sponsored Megan Media and Sony Pictures blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own.
Motherhood: All love begins and ends there
-Robert Browning
It’s often been said that there is no greater love than that of a mother for her child. As a young girl, I got a glimpse of this love, often displayed in moments of conflict or trial with my own mother. But it wasn’t until I became a mother that my soul understood the depth and breadth of that love. It is out of this love that a mother will wake up 10 times (or more) to comfort her frightened child, drive an endless amount of miles to soccer practice and swim meets and cheerleading without complaint, create Pinterest-worthy recipes and crafts for birthday parties (or any party), trade places with her sick child in a heartbeat, or sense deep in her soul when something is wrong.
It is this inexplicable bond between a mother and a child that inspired Sony’s latest film, Miracles From Heaven. Inspired by the true story of the Beam family, Jennifer Garner stars as Christy, a mother of 3 girls who ascertains that her 10-year-old daughter Anna has a rare, incurable digestive disorder. As her daughter’s condition deteriorates, Christy becomes her daughter’s fiercest advocate, traversing all obstacles to find treatment for her. But the healing doesn’t come in the form of conventional medical treatments. After Anna has an unexpected accident, a miracle occurs as she is being rescued, leaving experts perplexed and renewing her family and community’s faith.
During a recent press event, Producer DeVon Franklin sat down with a group of influencers to share the inspiration for the film, how this incredible story was brought to life on-screen, what he hopes audiences will take away from the film, and why faith-based films are so necessary in today’s culture.
Franklin’s diverse background as a preacher, motivational speaker, author and film producer combined with his previous work on Heaven Is for Real, positioned him to take on his latest project. The success of Heaven Is for Real was unexpected, and it became apparent that the desire for Christian content was increasing among audiences. Shortly thereafter, Franklin received a book proposal by author Christy Beam titled Three Miracles From Heaven. As he read the story and how this mother fought for the healing of her daughter Annabel, he found the story compelling and different enough to begin adapting for the screen. The book was sold to Sony and the title changed to Miracles From Heaven as Franklin delved further into the story, realizing that “there are more than 3 miracles in this story.” Having gone through the death of his father at a young age, Franklin experienced the power of faith and film as therapy. “Sometimes it’s what you watch than can help you through and that life experience is what connected me to the story.” As Franklin read the story and gleaned reactions from others who were talking about it, his thought was that “perhaps this is the type of movie that could help someone in their life, as movies helped me in my own life.”
The adaptation from book to screenplay was quick, and in just under a year, the film was complete. And yet there were very real challenges, one of which was the practical rendering of the tree. “The tree you saw was built of styrofoam, concrete and wire and it was the most difficult aspect of the whole movie (Franklin).”Hollowed out all the way to the bottom, the production designer, director, and filmmakers had to re-construct the tree so that it looked like a real tree, but allowed for the stunts seen in the film.
Also integral to the success of the film was ensuring the Beam family was portrayed accurately. To achieve this, the Beam family was very involved with the film from beginning to completion, consulting on the script, visiting the set, and foraging relationships with the cast. Before Jennifer Garner accepted the role, she met with Christy to talk about her journey. Martin Henderson, who portrays Christy’s husband Kevin, stayed with the Beams for a whole weekend to ensure he understood the story. “There was a strong connection between the cast, the Beam family and the production team all the way through (Franklin).” Also of concern for Christy was authentically portraying her crisis of faith. “I don’t want to be perceived as if I wasn’t believing” she told Franklin. His response was that “you are being perceived as human…and that is so relatable.” Ultimately, Franklin and the filmmakers wanted the Beam family to be portrayed in a way that was “authentic and consistent with what they experienced.” “This is their life…this is their legacy. If we messed that up, it wouldn’t just be a reflection on us but a reflection on them (Franklin).”
Successes like Heaven is For Real speak volumes about what audiences are looking for. Families want more from films and they are tired of not having enough options at the box office. It is still rare to have a film that portrays values and situations that are family and faith-affirming. “This is a film that goes beyond entertainment…it can change lives (Franklin).” What he hopes is that people will walk away feeling love and joy and optimism…to come away with an understanding that “the real superhero is the everyday mom…the parent that fights for their child…and that the real superpower is faith.”
There is an upward trend in faith-based films, but as the industry grows, there is an undeniable obligation to produce films of quality. Sony’s collaboration on the film along with a compelling, authentic story and leading actors legitimizes the film. Franklin’s hope is that “we can get to a place where movies like this can appeal to a wide audience while still being friendly to a core of people who want faith.”
Movie Artwork ©
Miracles From Heaven debuts in theaters March 16th. You can watch the trailer here!
Share your own miracle using the hashtag #MiraclesfromHeaven. And if you leave a comment below with your miracle, you’ll have a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card. Be sure to check out the rules here before entering.
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so cool. great giveaway!
Sounds like an amazing movie. Looking forward to watching it.
My children are my #MiraclesfromHeaven!
My 5 kids and I watched Heaven is for real and we all really liked it. I can’t wait to tell them about this and watch it as well. My 5 children are my #MiraclesfromHeaven and when my first born daughters (twins) were born, I was in Iraq. I was called home however because they were born needing 24/7 care, someone had to be with them every minute. They are now almost 13 now and I am proud all of my kids love church and love hearing of all the miracles God does daily for all of us. Thanks for this opportunity, I loved reading about this.
I am always thankful for wholesome entertainment I can show the kids. Thank you
I love that it is a nice family-friendly film option.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
I don’t have any super miraculous miracles…but I know God has watched out for us in a couple accidents. The vehicles were totalled but the kids and I were injury free. 🙂
Really looking forward to seeing this. I love Jennifer Garner, and it looks like a fantastic film!
This looks like an amazing movie that my family would enjoy.
I can tell you right now this is going to be a heart mover and I love these stories they make me so appreciate my family and makes me think! Heart warming and so sweet thank you!
I want to watch this with my boys. I love movies the whole family can watch.
Thanks for the giveaway. I can’t wait to see this movie!
From the previews, I am looking forward to seeing it.
#MiraclesfromHeaven life is a miracle
All kids are Miracles From Heaven. I’m looking forward to see this movie.
I think this is a must see movie.
I just saw the first ad for this and thought it looked really great. I want to see!
I would love to take my son to see this movie!
I don’t have a miracle to share, so I’ll just share my belief here: Every baby born is a sheer miracle!
I like that the actors and directors were dedicated to the characters being portrayed accurately
My Dad has been in and out of the hospital for the past four years. He’s 87 and there is no explanation for why he is still alive other than some kind of divine intervention. (I joke that I feel bad for the next family member who gets seriously sick, because he’s taken up all our good luck!).
This sounds like a good movie for the whole family.
Looks like a very sweet film. I adore Jennifer Garner too 🙂
Looks like a great movie. I’m a big fan of Jennifer Garner and can’t wait to see this!
My husband and I tried to get pregnant for several years. We went through the gamut of infertility work-ups that ended joyously with us having two healthy and beautiful children. They are our two miracles.
I can not wait to watch this movie! I looks so good and heart warming!
Looks like a heart warming movie! Can’t wait to see this.
It truly was an inspiring movie and it was great to see you there!
Jilleen
http://www.socalfieldtrips.com
I like the saying “You can live two ways – one is that nothing is a miracle and the other is that everything is” – the fact that I have three healthy kids is not something I take for granted. My youngest has had several miraculous moments! We can’t wait to see the movie!
My miracle is my oldest son Eric who is 31 & has Down Syndrome. He has had some behavior issues in the past but is doing great now & doesn’t have any major issues like heart or lung problems,
Oh this movie looks so good! Jennifer Garner is always so good! What a perfect roll for her! I think I will bring my tissues! I have a feeling I will need them! Cannot wait to see!
my 3 children are my little miracles #MiraclesfromHeaven
My son is my miracle! I’d love to see this movie.
Very excited to see this movie. My son is my miracle and also my biggest blessing!