Screenwriter Todd Komarnicki is deeply inspired by the main characters of the Clint Eastwood film "Sully," which tells the story on how Capt. Chelsey Sullenberger (Tom Hanks) and First Officer Jeff Skiles (Aaron Eckhart) managed to safely land an Airbus A320 airliner carrying 155 passengers and crew in the Hudson River on Jan. 15, 2009 after losing both engines of the plane due to multiple bird strikes.
Before writing the movie's script, Komarnicki tells the Gospel Herald that he asked God for guidance so that he would be able to do justice in writing the epic story.
"My faith is the central thing to my existence; it's why I'm alive," he says. "I'm very steeped in prayer. I pray throughout the day, and I pray before I write, I pray while I write. It's all part of the same piece for me."
Komarnicki says Sully's story is the perfect example of how God works in mysterious ways and uses people to carry out His plans. "God is constantly working in our lives, and most of the time we don't notice that His invisible hand is ever present," he says. "He works through people. He didn't reach into the cockpit and land that plane; Sully landed that plane, and next to him was his co-pilot. The brave passengers got off the plane, and the flight attendants and crew were amazing, and the rescue workers that came — physical human beings raced to rescue to pull this off. It's the miracle on the Hudson, and it's an act of wonder and grace."
At the same time, the writer says Sully showcased the best of humanity during that difficult time. He was grounded, thoughtful, and dedicated to save lives. He is certain that after people watch the film, they will reflect, "What's my Sully moment?"
Komarnicki says there are many ways people can emulate Sully and help other people. "Look around the world and see emergencies everywhere; we've got refugee crises, we've got homeless situations, we've got people suffering everywhere," he says.
"Sully" was released on Sept. 9, 2016.
