Award-winning American actor Jon Voight, best known for his role as a Vietnam war veteran in the 1978 film "Coming Home," plays a major role in the new faith-based film "Woodlawn," which shares the true-to-life story of the Woodlawn High School football team back in the 1970s that defied the government-imposed desegregation.
Voight is heaping praises on the film's content, saying it "celebrates the Christian faith and its influence on young people." He considers the message very important especially now that there is heavy discrimination against Christians in the United States.
In the film directed by brothers Jon and Andy Erwin and produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, Voight plays coach Paul William "Bear" Bryant.
"I'm a fan of football and I knew who Bear Bryant was. I have the greatest respect for him and affection for him. I was flattered that they thought I could do it," he told Town Hall.
Even though the film is set 40 years ago, Voight said its message of faith, love, and racial reconciliation will always be relevant, especially now that the world is shifting its views against Christians.
"It's a faith-based story, it's a story about a Christian movement," Voight said. "With the wanton attacks on Christians throughout the world, which are disturbing and disheartening, deeply appalling, it celebrates the Christian faith and its influence on young people. It was almost a breath of fresh air, something we needed...."
Voight is concerned that America will be lost if people do not support their Christian brothers and sisters. He expressed sadness that people seem to be forgetting the positive influence Christianity has on society.
He hopes that "Woodlawn" will help remind today's society what it means to open hearts to people—even those who are different.
"It's a great football story," Voight said. "It's a thrilling story really. I think people are very moved by this story and the fact that it's all true. It's effective in that way. You know it's the real thing. You take the ride and it's beautifully shot and beautifully acted and people cheer at the end of it."
Other stars of the film include "Lord of the Rings" actor Sean Astin and newbie Caleb Castille, who portrays NFL player Tony Nathan. It is released by Pure Flix, and opened in cinemas on Oct. 16.
