I remember several years ago watching an interview with actress Andie MacDowell. She was on a news show promoting her film at that time. I can't remember the title of the film or even which year it was, but what I do recall is her words which have stuck with me ever since. To paraphrase, she said something like this..."People complain that Hollywood doesn't produce quality, wholesome, good family entertainment...this movie (sorry I can't remember) is one of those movies, the kind you are asking for...so if you want Hollywood to produce more films like this you have to SUPPORT movies like this! Go see this film!" I have often thought about that interview. She made it so clear to me. Movie producers are in business to make money. They too, just like the rest of us have family's to support and need to earn a livelihood. Just as a regular business person wouldn't invest in a poor investment, it doesn't make sense for a filmmaker to put their money and time into a film nobody is going to see, earning them no reward.
A few months ago I was at a Holiday Boutique in my neighborhood. My book, Finding the Perfect Wave had not been released yet, but I had copies I was hoping to sell. An older gentleman walked up to my table. His wife was searching the table next to me as he gazed at my book. I smiled at him, thinking he most likely wouldn't feel my book would be for him. I said hello and we started a short conversation. I began to explain my book in a much different way than I had ever before. I had always answered the difficult question, "So what's your book about?" with "its about a surfer girl who moves to the desert her senior year in high school...." But this time I began to tell him why I wrote this book. I explained that I felt inspired to create good, wholesome, faith promoting entertainment, which would give young and old people alike the motivation to live their faith and values. I wanted to create hero's who knew how to live life and have fun, but who also remained true to their beliefs and potential. And most importantly I wanted to entertain my readers. He smiled as he picked up my book and read the back matter. "I appreciate and admire what you are doing here," he said. "I'd like to buy a copy." My heart swelled with joy, not because I made a sale, but because somebody wanted to support me as I tried to make a difference.
It was at that moment when I made a decision to support those who are trying to make a difference, and let their lights shine in a sometimes dark world. I think the norm, especially in today's economy, equals a tight budget...this is true! My own family has had to buckle down on our budget to try to survive. Even though money might be tight, I would encourage you to support the good entertainment. So with that being said...
Soul Surfer is an excellent film for the entire family! (We've been twice!) It follows the remarkable journey of Bethany Hamilton, who looses her arm in a shark attack. You can't help but fall in love with her positive attitude and her sense of faith and purpose as she becomes an inspiration to so many around the world! This film promotes faith, charity, family, compassion, determination and hope, even during trials and tribulations. You will leave uplifted and edified and will be a better person for getting to know Bethany's story.
Now that I've completely inspired you...go support Affirm Films by watching Soul Surfer! Let's support the good ones and encourage these filmmakers to make more films like this one!
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