Here’s the latest from the crossroads of faith, media & culture: 07/12/23
The world of sports continues to provide a wealth of material for filmmakers inclined toward inspirational storytelling.
Never Give Up, the true story of deaf tennis legend Brad Minns (played by Harrison Stone), is set to launch in select theaters nationwide on September, 1st. The dramatic film tells the extraordinary tale of what is considered to be one of the greatest tennis matches of all time – and one the biggest comebacks in sports history.
Competing in the Men’s Singles Tennis Finals at the World Games for the Deaf in 1985, the twenty-year old Minns fought through a grueling five-hour match to somehow come back from match point in the third set to win the gold medal in the fifth set.
Writer-director Rob Loos declares “This tennis match was truly one for the ages…Minns achieved the impossible that day on the court but that is nothing compared to his ability to overcome incredible challenges to truly live life to its fullest. This match is reflective of Brad’s entire life.”
After losing his hearing at the age of three, Minns’ parents were determined that he live a normal life and decided to teach him to read lips. Through faith in God and his family’s support, he was able to overcome his challenges and pursue a public school education while discovering his passion for sports.
Minns recalls “My parents always believed that my hearing loss was not the end…Their faith, their prayers and their encouragement allowed me to live a life I could have never dreamed. I pray that when people see my story, they are challenged and inspired to go and run the race that God puts before them.”
Never Give Up is produced by Rick Eldridge for ReelWorks Studios.
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The Catholic faith-and-family-friendly content provider Family Theater Productions has inked a deal with the public broadcasting syndicating service PBS Plus to distribute the company’s half-hour film on Malia Kipp, a young member of the Blackfeet Nation tribe who used her basketball skills as a ticket to college and for giving back to her people.
Native Ball: Legacy of a Trailblazer will be available to broadcast on PBS affiliates nationwide starting in November when it will also stream via PBS.org and the PBS app.
In praising Kipp’s accomplishments, Family Theater National Director Rev. David Guffey says “She exemplifies how playing sports can develop character, unite people, and forge friendships,” adding “The film is sure to open hearts to the ways one person can make a difference in the lives of others.”
Father Guffey went on to quote Pope Francis who, reflecting on the value of athletics to the overall culture, said “Sport fosters contact and relationships with people who come from diverse cultures and walks of life. It accustoms us to live and welcome differences, to turn them into a precious opportunity for mutual enrichment and discovery. Above all, sport is a precious opportunity to recognize one another as brothers and sisters on the journey, to foster the culture of inclusion’.”
John W. Kennedy is a writer, producer and media development consultant specializing in television and movie projects that uphold positive timeless values, including trust in God.
Encourage one another and build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
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