Lifetime Puts Emphasis on Faith-Based Storytelling This Summer
The stigma that Hollywood does not allow space for stories of faith has been challenged in recent years. Faith-based stories are thriving, and Christians within the industry are boldly using their creative talent and public platforms to glorify God and inspire audiences.
As one of the premier networks for inspirational stories, Lifetime is emphasizing faith-based storytelling this summer. Beginning July 19th and continuing through August 9th, the network is airing four new faith-based films: Faith in the Flames: The Nichole Jolly Story (July 19), Before Your Father Finds Us (July 26), Terrie Blackstock’s If I Run (August 2), and Finding Faith (August 9).
The films tell stories about faith while also spotlighting women of faith (Chrissy Metz, Alexa PenaVega, Paula Patton, and Kat Graham) in the lead roles. The Collision had the opportunity to chat with the four actresses during a roundtable event.
The four leading ladies were emphatic about the importance of creating hope-filled, faith-based stories in Hollywood. Chrissy Metz (of This is Us fame) acknowledged, “The reason why these films are being made is because there’s a need for them. There’s a want and a desire, and it’s so refreshing. People are searching for something they haven’t found, and a lot of that has to do with their spirituality and faith.”
Paula Patton (Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol) added, “It’s through stories that we feel like we can get through anything. When I was at my hardest times, it has always been stories about other people’s journeys and how they got through it that helped me. And so, it’s really a beautiful gift that Lifetime is giving folks in these four stories. It gives you hope, especially when people are feeling at their darkest moments.”
Having established successful careers within the industry, the women understand that not all movies are uplifting or edifying. Kat Graham, the star of Lifetime’s upcoming Terrie Blackstock’s If I Run, shared, “In Hollywood, there’s so many films and projects that don’t glorify God or positivity or spirituality. There’s all this dark stuff, and all this negativity, and all these demonic things. I’m really excited that Lifetime has made these incredible films for such a positive reason. That these beautiful faith-based stories led by women can show that those movies have an impact too and that those audiences are just as important and just as expansive as these other audiences that might not be into the more positive storytelling and things that actually feed our soul in the best way. I’m excited to show them what we can do, and to show Hollywood too.”
Several of the actresses talked about experiencing a deeply personal connection to their roles. Patton recalled feeling stressed and anxious one day and praying, “ I give it to you, God. I lay it at your feet. I’m going to walk this next week as if everything is working out in my favor.” She said that after she prayed, “This peace washed over me.”
A few hours later, she got a call from someone about the script for Lifetime’s movie Finding Faith. “I was floored,” she said. “It was heaven sent. I thought to myself, ‘I don’t even need to read it. With this title alone and that it came to me on this day, I’d have to do it.’ But then I read it that night, and it mirrored things I had been through in my own life, issues of addiction and going through something that was really challenging and finding yourself on the way out. I knew that this was something I had to do.”
Sharing a similar experience, Alexa PenaVega (Spy Kids, Sleepover) said, “I love my relationship with God, because I will bring everything to him.” Although happy with her career, she found herself praying for something different from her usual rom-com roles. Just a few weeks later, the script for Before Your Father Finds Us—an action-packed, faith-based story—arrived. She viewed it as an answer to her prayer.
Despite representing four unique films spanning different genres and filming locations, the films and the talent behind the projects share a similar mission: elevating faith-based entertainment through inspiring storytelling. Responding to a question from The Collision about the opportunity to do press alongside other women of faith, the actresses were exuberant about the experience.
“It’s such a joy,” exclaimed Kat Graham, “I’ve never done anything like this before, but I love it. We need more of this.”
“I totally agree,” added Paula Patton. “What’s great is because it’s faith-based movies, it brings up a different conversation that you’re not really going to have on a junket or about the craft or anything like that. This is about the deep inner workings of our souls and what makes us all tick, and to find this commonality is really incredible.”
Listening to the four women speak honestly, humbly, and transparently not just about their upcoming films but about their faith in Jesus and their desire to shine a light in the industry provides an encouraging glimpse into a rarely seen side of Hollywood. Lifetime’s summer “Faith Slate” is evidence that God is at work in the entertainment industry.
To watch and support these faith-based films, tune into Lifetime from July 19th through August 9th.
See the release schedule below:
Faith in the Flames: The Nichole Jolly Story (July 19th)
This gripping film is inspired by the true events of the devastating 2018 fire that ripped through Paradise, California. The movie chronicles the story of Nichole Jolly (Chrissy Metz), a heroic EMS provider who risked her life to save and evacuate residents trapped in the deadliest wildfire California had ever experienced.
Before Your Father Finds Us (July 26th)
Escaping to an old remote cabin in the woods together, Alex (Alexa PenaVega) and daughter Emily (Jaeda Lily Miller) must hide from Alex’s ex-husband Mason (Tamon Penikett), a dangerous escaped convict who is determined to make the family whole again.
Terrie Blackstock’s If I Run (August 2nd)
Casey Cox (Kat Graham) is a woman on the run after discovering her best friend has been murdered . . . and she is being framed for it. She must allow her faith to guide her through numerous obstacles.
Finding Faith (August 9th)
Following the sudden death of her husband, Faith (Paula Patton) spirals out of control and loses her trust in God. But with the unwavering support of her family, pastor, and close friends, Faith starts to find her way out of the darkness, rebuilding her life one step at a time.
