Here are today’s dispatches from the crossroads of faith, media and culture.

How one little movie can make a big difference.  Written and produced by Psych‘s Corbin Bernsen (who also directed and stars) 25 Hill  (available now on DVD) helped raise money and awareness in support of the financially-struggling  Akron, Ohio based Soap Box Derby. The organization recently landed a new national sponsor (First Energy) and is now, as they say,  rolling toward financial stability—marking its 75th anniversary on July 21, 2012, with Bernsen in attendance.

I had the opportunity to meet Corbin Bersen during Variety’s recent Family and Faith-Based Media Summit. A very nice man who really believes in the positive power of film.

Watch the 25 Hill trailer below followed by Bernsen talking about why he decided to make the film and how it came to be.

Synopsis: 25 Hill tells the story of 12-year-old Trey Caldwell (Nathan Gamble) whose life is shattered when his father is killed in combat in Afghanistan. His dad’s final gift, an unfinished Soap Box Derby car in the garage, is a constant reminder of what could have been, leaving Trey with a hole in his life.  When Trey is introduced to Roy Gibbs (Bernsen), a grizzled Fire Chief devastated by the loss of his firefighter son on 9/11, a new friendship forms and old wounds finally begin to heal. As the unlikely team works to complete the Soap Box car and train for the upcoming Derby, they’ll learn that life isn’t about the starting line or checkered flag – it’s about the journey of faith and courage in between.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0E-SdYg9ho&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7sbPa9XZGk&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL3A901D3FF50D5399

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzSp6FDaUiw&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL3A901D3FF50D5399

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2XLXkiksLk&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL3A901D3FF50D5399

BTW, does any TV network broadcast the Soap Box Derby? If not, it seems an opportunity. I could even envision a reality series showing focusing on participants preparing for the event.

Encourage one another and build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11