The filmmakers behind Overcomer talk about encouraging movie audiences to find their identity in Christ.
The highly anticipated sixth film from Alex and Stephen Kendrick, Overcomer, will be in theaters this August. Filled with a powerful mix of faith, a twist of humor, and a ton of heart, the Kendricks’ new venture tackles the vital issue of spiritual identity in a unique and fresh way.
Filled with a powerful mix of faith, a twist of humor, and a ton of heart, Overcomer stars Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, Shari Rigby, Cameron Arnett, and introduces Aryn Wright-Thompson. Opening nationwide on August 23, Overcomer dares to leave you filled with hope, inspired to dream, and asks the question: What do you allow to define you?
“The movie Overcomer is about identity, an issue everyone deals with,” says Stephen Kendrick. “Everyone needs to answer the questions: ‘Who is God?’, and ‘Who am I?’, and the Scriptures deal with both of those things. When a person discovers who they are in Christ, it opens up an understanding of how they can live that out in a daily basis in what they do in their relationships with others. When we started the process with Overcomer, Alex began to unpack this idea of a cross-country runner who’s dealing with the issue of identity, and at the same time, I’d been studying Ephesians 1 and 2. We can see how the Lord was paralleling our paths to specifically make this movie.”
“Cross country is a very difficult sport,” says Alex Kendrick. “From the time you start, you do not stop or pause until you cross the finish line. And in many regards, that’s like our life; that’s our journey of faith.”
“As people are walking out of the theater,” says Stephen Kendrick, “we hope that they begin to ask questions about where their identity is found, because too often we find it in our circumstances, in our titles, in what other people are saying about us, in our jobs, in our positions or awards. Those things can be taken away.”
“I hope moviegoers will realize their salvation is about much more than just having a ticket to eternity,” says Priscilla Shirer, who plays the role of high school principal Olivia Brooks in the film. “They were actually given a brand-new identity. Which means, they have access to spiritual blessings, they have an inheritance, they have all this stuff that’s available to them, this side of eternity. And when you realize that, that means the decisions you make, the relationships you have, the trajectory you choose, the ambitions that you hold, all of that stuff will reflect, and be indicative of your brand-new identity. That changes and transforms the way you live.”
Click to continue…
Building A Legacy Of Faith On Film
“We’re just amazed at what the Lord’s done with it,” says Alex Kendrick.
In the years since that debut, the filmmakers’ body of work has grown to include hits Facing The Giants, Fireproof, Courageous, and War Room—all of which made an impact at the box office. With more than $150 million in box office receipts across five films, plus millions more in DVD and on-demand sales worldwide, the Kendrick Brothers are recognized as leaders in faith-based films.
“When the Kendrick Brothers start a new film, a lot of people around the world take notice,” notes Rich Peluso, Executive Vice President of Affirm Films. “We’re really excited about Overcomer. I think we’re going to see the biggest, widest impact of a Kendrick Brothers’ story that we’ve ever seen.”
Despite their successes, the Kendrick Brothers did not deviate from their tried-and-true formula for Overcomer. First, they pray for a topic. Then, they seek confirmation. During the process, Stephen Kendrick pores over Scripture developing content that can be used for the film along with ancillary items such as books and curriculum.
They called upon Christian novelist Chris Fabry to write the novelization of the movie’s captivating story based upon biblical themes from the book of Ephesians. Known for his rich character development and trademark lyrical prose, Fabry translated the Kendricks’ new movie into an inspirational novel of three characters’ journeys as each find and refine their true identity in Christ.
In fact, director Alex Kendrick specifically requested Fabry’s involvement. “We have great admiration for Chris Fabry’s work and ministry heart. He was an absolute joy to work with on the novelization of War Room and was able to read the Overcomer script early and join us on set this summer to hear the message and heart behind this new film.”
Click to continue…
What Is An Overcomer?
“Overcoming is about powering through,” says Shari Rigby, who plays the role of Amy Harrison, “and realizing that on the other side of it you are stronger and more courageous than when you started.”
“Being an ‘overcomer’ means you keep your head up and you know that you’re going to get through it,” says Aryn Wright-Thompson, who plays the role of Hannah Scott. “You figure out a way to get through it, you keep your faith strong, you get through it, and you just thank God.”
“At Affirm Films, we want the movie to matter,” says the studios’ Rich Peluso. “We want people coming out of it changed, thinking about their lives and their relationships differently. It really is an investment of time that I think can change lives.”
Click to continue…
Reel Life
“Audiences are going to see a much more cinematic film than they’ve seen from the Kendrick Brothers before,” says Stephen Kendrick. “We have four different sets right next to one another that our art department has built from scratch. It’s incredible to be able to see the progress in the filmmaking. The
learning curve has been steep for us. It’s not only fun for the crew, but the quality of the finished product is going up.”
“With these guys, what you see is what you get, and they are so genuine it’s scary,” says Cameron Arnett, who plays the role of Thomas Hill in the film. “They have a clarity that comes from trusting God, from believing God, and it’s penetrating…it calls you, because deep calls unto deep.”
“One of my favorite parts about being on set with the Kendrick Brothers is that every single day starts with devotions,” says Priscilla Shirer. “Not only that, but throughout filming, throughout the days, they will often times stop and gather cast and crew to pray over a particular scene, just to ask God to have His favor and blessing upon it in a unique way. This is one of the things that sets their filming sets apart from others: everything is dedicated to God.”
Visit our Christian movie section for news, interviews, and new releases:
https://familyfiction.com/genre/movies/
Overcomer
Directed by Alex Kendrick
Produced by Stephen Kendrick
Screenplay by Alex and Stephen Kendrick
Affirm Films
Provident Films
Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team’s state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant in town suddenly shuts down and hundreds of families begin moving away, John must come to grips with the challenges facing his family and his team. Urged by the school’s principal to fill-in and coach a sport he doesn’t know or like, John is frustrated and questioning his worth—until he crosses paths with a student struggling with her own journey.
Buy Overcomer resources from our store!
RELATED LINKS:
Chris Fabry—Bringing Overcomer To The Page
Kendrick Brothers’ Film ‘Overcomer,’ Novelization This Summer