Faith in Film

These four movies, three based on real-life stories, will move, uplift, and inspire you.

THE FORGE

Isaiah Wright (Aspen Kennedy, at right) is a young Black man who finds himself lacking direction after graduating high school. His mother and a businessman both urge him to discover a more fulfilling path forward. Written and directed by the Kendrick Brothers, it debuted in theaters in August 2024 and has a 64% “Fresh” rating from the critics but a nearly perfect audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s an uplifting story about seeking spiritual support during challenging times.

GREATER

Greater is based on the life of Brandon Burlsworth (Christopher Severio), a walk-on football player who was underestimated, yet through unwavering dedication managed to secure a scholarship at the University of Arkansas. He earned recognition as an All-American player but tragically died in a car accident shortly after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. This poignant 2016 film, available to rent or buy, delves into themes of faith amid adversity and celebrates Brandon’s enduring influence over those whose lives he touched.

AVERAGE JOE

Also inspired by real events, Average Joe chronicles the story of high school football coach Joe Kennedy. Joe (who is portrayed at different ages by Eric Close, Austin Woods, and Ezra Richardson) garnered national attention after losing his job because he chose to pray publicly at the 50-yard line after games. This compelling 2024 drama, available to rent or buy, intertwines scenes of his tumultuous childhood in foster care and service in the Marine Corps with broader discussions regarding religious freedom, faithfulness, and redemption.

BONHOEFFER: PASTOR. SPR. ASSASSIN.

This exhilarating must-see dramatization, released in theaters in November 2024, depicts Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s brave resistance against Adolf Hitler during World War II. Starring Jonas Dassler as Bonhoeffer, it explores key aspects of the German theologian and pastor’s influential writings and how he maintained a steadfast belief in Christ amid horrific realities such as racism toward Black Christians in the U.S. and atrocities com­mitted against Jews during the Holocaust. It’s a powerful reminder of the deeply rooted social justice activism the real Bonhoeffer championed.