Faith-Based Film Finds Big Distributor

Vivendi Entertainment has picked up possibility Pictures’ “Letters to God” for North American distribution. The film directed towards those of faith has been given a March 12 release date.

“Letters to God” is the story of a 9-year-old fighting cancer that writes letters to God to deal with the troubles he faces. A beleaguered postman is the person who reads the letters, which aid him in battling his own demons.

Faith-based film veteran David Nixon directed “Letters, with help from Patrick Doughtie. Robyn Lively, Jeffrey S.S. Johnson, Tanner Maguire, and Maree Cheatham star. Production recently wrapped.

The film is the first from Possibility Pictures. The production company is the brainchild of Nixon and producer Kim Dawson, executive producer Tom Swanson and writer Sandra Thrift.

Co-director Doughtie based the story on his son’s battle with cancer. He wrote the screenplay with Art D’Alessandro, Sandra Thrift, and Cullen Douglas.

Another David Nixon faith-based film, “Fireproof,” starred Kirk Cameron and grossed $33 for Samuel Goldwyn after opening with $6.8 million last fall. Vivendi executive vice president Mark Kristol believes “Letters to God” can do similar and expects to open the film at 800 playdates.

Vivendi has over 3,000 DVD titles in its library but just added its theatrical distribution arm last year. “New York, I Love You,” was the first film released theatrically by the entertainment group.

Kristol said that Vivendi plans to release four to six films next year. These films will focus on niche markets, like the faith-based genre.

Source:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118009809.html?categoryId=13&cs=P