With movie theaters closed for the pandemic, entertainment options can seem a bit limited.
But there’s good news for those of us who still want to watch a new movie!
The most moving Christian film of the year is now available to watch at home.
Although its theatrical release was cut short by stay-at-home orders and business closures, I Still Believe is still impacting audiences for Christ.
And now it’s being made available for rent online earlier than planned.
The latest faith-centered film from director Jon Erwin tells the heartbreaking story of singer Jeremy Camp’s marriage to his first wife, Melissa, who passed away shortly after their wedding.
Camp, a Christian songwriter from Indiana, has released eleven albums to date, but the inspiration behind this new movie lies in one song written early in his career: “I Still Believe.”
This soulful ballad details Camp’s struggle to keep his faith after Melissa died of ovarian cancer. In the lyrics, Camp reflects on God’s faithfulness and the truth of His Word—even during times of great struggle and suffering.
“I still believe in Your faithfulness / I still believe in Your truth / I still believe in Your holy word / Even when I don’t see, I still believe,” the song tells listeners.
“The only place I can go is into your arms / Where I throw to you my feeble prayers / In brokenness I can see that this was your will for me / Help me to know You’re near.”
It’s a beautiful tribute to Camp’s loss and to the God Who sustained him through it all, and the message is communicated wonderfully through this new film.
“The whole theme of the movie is ‘I Still Believe even when I can’t see,’” said Erwin.
“It’s sort of fitting,” he admitted, reflecting on the unforeseen circumstances surrounding the movie’s release.
I Still Believe was initially released on March 13th just as the coronavirus was beginning to spread in the U.S. The film was number one on its opening night, but theaters closed almost immediately afterward, preventing further screenings.
It was a disappointing turn of events for Erwin, who had high hopes for the movie’s impact on viewers.
“Life is full of things that you can’t control and things that don’t go according to plan,” he realized.
But—just like the film’s main characters—the director kept his faith throughout a tough situation and moved forward.
Erwin and his team brainstormed ways to release I Still Believe on digital streaming services, knowing that families would be searching for quality entertainment more than ever.
They wanted to use the movie to offer Christian concepts—faith, prayer, and sacrificial love—as an antidote to the worry and anxiety spreading along with COVID-19.
And now that it’s available at home, the movie is changing lives just liked Erwin hoped!
As both Christians and non-Christians look for new entertainment during quarantine, they’re coming across I Still Believe and seeing the Gospel on-screen.
“We keep hearing stories of people coming to faith in Christ or being encouraged by the movie or finding hope while watching the movie,” Erwin said.
“I’m glad we got the movie out.”
Despite the unexpected circumstances of his movie’s release, Erwin is thankful for the opportunity to speak in the lives of his viewers and spark conversations about the things of God.
“The film is designed to give people hope and give people a glimpse of the power of the gospel and the change that it can have in your life,” the director said.
“It is meant to create discussions at the local level.”
“People need hope, people need the gospel,” Erwin added. “That’s why we do what we do.”
I Still Believe has been described as “a sweet and lovely tearjerker.” With a PG rating, it’s suitable for families and children of all ages.
Stirring performances by Britt Robertson and KJ Apa are sure to bring you to tears, and Apa’s musical skills are on full display as he performs some of Camp’s real-life hits!
LifeWay has also released several supplemental resources, including a journal, a book, and a small group-study kit to help you and your church get the most out of this wonderful film.
Enjoy I Still Believe on Amazon Prime today!
