New Song Pictures and Outreach Films, in association with Fireproof’s Samuel Goldwyn Films, will release the highly anticipated Christian film for teens To Save A Life in theatres January 22, 2010. The film is the story of an all-American teen whose world turns upside down after the death of his best friend, and he is forced to make unexpected choices and sacrifices while having the courage and determination to persevere against all odds.
Jim Britts, the screenwriter of the film and a working youth pastor, wrote the script to tell the story of the choices and challenges he sees teens facing today. Britts said “We hope that To Save A Life can truly help give a voice to the hurting, and inspire this generation to make a difference in the lives of those around them.” Director Brian Baugh said, “(This is) a film made with a different approach, a different production value, with a different vision…(it) looks at real teen culture—as edgy and uncomfortable as it can be at times…with characters and a story that have credibility.”
With 12,000 church leaders and youth seeing the film in pre-screenings, viewers rated the film’s quality at 9.0 out of 10 and 9.3 out of 10 for ministry usefulness. The film has also been hailed by leading teen ministries: Josh McDowell called the film “excellent” and“relevant”; Ron Luce of Teen Mania Ministries called the film “important” and “a wake-up call for teens”; and author and veteran youth minister Brooklyn Lindsey called the film “more than a movie—it’s an invitation for teens to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”
The creators of To Save A Life have launched a leader’s site to provide a multitude of help for parents, teachers, youth workers and teens. These materials are focused on opening discussion, and providing help to those who may need more information on some of the sensitive topics covered in the film. The site also provides information about organizing group events surrounding the film. View the film’s trailer here.