Georgia theaters now booking September "Fireproof" screenings

Sherwood Productions

Former Camilla and Americus pastor Harris Malcom and his wife Phyllis play a prominent part in the upcoming movie “Fireproof.” Harris Malcom is a GBC Ministry Resource Consultant for the Southwest Georgia Region.

ALBANY — Georgia theaters are now reserving screen time for the fall premier of “Fireproof,” produced by the media arm of Sherwood Baptist Church. The movie’s Hollywood debut will occur Sept. 25 at ArcLight Theater, followed by its national launch the next day.

The multiplex theatre on Hollywood’s famous Sunset Boulevard is where Sherwood Productions premiered its earlier release, “Facing the Giants,” two years ago. That movie went on to garner national acclaim as a faith-based, family-friendly movie that dealt with heavy social issues from a biblical perspective while avoiding a sense of preaching to the audience. The football drama drew $10 million in box office receipts and remains a best-selling DVD.

“Fireproof” is expected to open in more than 700 theaters on Sept. 26. As of mid-August more than half of the screens have been booked for the opening.

Forty-five Georgia theaters have already signed on with new screens being added daily. Individuals wanting to see a trailer and desiring to see if a theater near them will show the movie can see the updated list by going to www.fireproofthemovie.com and click on the “Find a Theater” link.

Stephen Kendrick, who with brother Alex co-wrote and produced the movie in addition to their full-time ministry responsibilities at the Albany church, said the third installment from the church’s media ministry continues in the tradition of using media to impact the world for Christ. As in previous movies, dating back to their first venture with “Flywheel: The Movie,” virtually all the actors were volunteers from the church or Albany community and all scenes were shot locally.

“Giants” was filmed with a $100,000 budget and “Fireproof” cost $500,000 – still a tiny fraction of the multi-million production budgets of the larger studios. But that use of local talent, filming on a shoestring budget, and free meal catering by Sunday School classes and local businesses is not evident on the big screen.

The brothers have maintained Hollywood standards in filming and storytelling that result in positive reviews from across the film industry. And “Fireproof” has its first big-time star, Christian actor Kirk Cameron, cast in a lead role.

The “Fireproof” storyline focuses on a young couple, Caleb and Catherine Holt, whose seven-year-old marriage is on the rocks. Divorce is imminent when Caleb’s father, played by former Camilla and Americus pastor Harris Malcom, issues a “love dare” to his firefighter son as a last-ditch attempt to save the marriage. Malcom’s wife, Phyllis, plays the firefighter’s mother.

Kendrick said the movie focuses on helping restore struggling marriages and strengthening existing marriages through a greater dependence on a walk with Christ. Churches wanting to use the movie as an outreach ministry can receive tips by visiting FireproofMyMarriage.com.