Christian power couple Mark Burnett and Roma Downey weaved their talents onto the big screen once again as their faith-based football drama "Woodlawn" is set for release next month,
"Woodlawn" stars Sean Astin and Jon Voight. The story is based on the true events concerning a high school football team in 1973 in Birmingham, Alabama, which struggled with government-mandated desegregation, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The movie's synopsis reads: "A gifted high school football player must learn to boldly embrace his talent and his faith as he battles racial tensions on and off the field in 'Woodlawn,' a moving and inspirational new film based on the true story of how love and unity overcame hate and division in early 1970s."
Because of Astin's character Hank, the whole football team—composed of black and white players—dedicated their lives in pursuit of the "better way." Their collective prayers and actions changed not just their own perspectives but also that of the whole community.
"The goal of all of our faith-based projects has been to spotlight the power and goodness of God," explained Downey. "'Woodlawn' fits that bill perfectly."
The film is directed by the brothers Jon and Andy Erwin, while Kevin Downes is the producer. Burnett and Downey are the executive producers. Other stars of the film include Nic Bishop, Sherri Shepherd, and C. Thomas Howell.
It is slated for release on Oct. 16.
Burnett and Downey have already done several faith-based films and television series prior to "Woodlawn." These were "Son of God," "The Bible," "A.D. The Bible Continues," and "Dovekeepers," among many others. In fact, "The Bible" was such a successful miniseries that it raked in over 100 million audiences when it premiered on Easter Day back in 2013.
Burnett has had a successful streak as well in handling reality shows such as "Survivor," "Shark Tank," "The Voice," and "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader."
