Produced by Color Green Films, Ragamuffin: The True Story of Rich Mullins is set to premiere nationwide in select theaters on Friday, May 2, 2014.
Starring Michael Koch as Rich Mullins, the full-length feature film is slated to release in about 30 cities, in 30 theaters, across the country including Cincinnati, Nashville, Dallas, Indianapolis, Columbus, Atlanta, Phoenix, Colorado Springs and Wichita, among others.
“Rich Mullins story does echo the Gospel really well, in terms of, faith, God loving us, and redeeming us from our brokenness,” said writer, producer and director David Leo Schultz. “Ragamuffin is a stirring film that will touch audiences and challenge them to consider what is most important in their own lives. We are excited to see what God is going to do.”
Other primary themes addressed in the film include forgiveness and the overwhelming power of God’s unconditional love, he said.
Michael Koch as Rich Mullins and Elizabeth Anne Roberts as Jess. Photo Courtesy of Color Green Films.
“This is a story of redemption. Hard things can happen to us in our lives, but if we’re willing to face them down, understand, or to seek help from other people, God can redeem those things,” said longtime friend, Kathy Sprinkle, who met Mullins in 1975 at Cincinnati Christian University (CCU).
“A lot of Rich’s fans would say he would never want a movie made about him. I think if Rich saw the truth and redemption in the movie, and if he thought it would help even one person, relationship-wise, he would say, ‘Have at it.’ I think he would appreciate the healing part of this movie,” Sprinkle said.
“Based on some of the feedback I’ve heard from those that have seen it, I think this movie will bring healing to those with relationship issues. One friend has already told me, ‘This movie will heal my son.’ ”
Photo Courtesy of Color Green Films.
“Michael Koch, who plays Rich in the film does a fabulous job,” she said. “Telling the truth is the great thing about this, portraying Richard as man who was wounded, but he was a man that God used greatly. That’s the good news.”
The film is written by Ashleigh Phillips and David Leo Schultz and is produced and directed by Schultz. Additional producers include David Mullins (Rich’s younger brother), David Holechek and Ryan Bodie. Ragamuffin also features several members of the Mullins’ family and showcases the talents of Schultz (as Sam); Wolfgang Bodison (Bryan); James Kyson (Matt); Mel Fair (John Mullins); Carson Aune (Justin); Elizabeth Ann Roberts (Jess) and Michelle Keller (Neva Mullins).
With a runtime of 2 hours and 17 minutes, the film’s title comes from A Ragamuffin Band, a band name that was inspired by Brennan Manning’s book, “The Ragamuffin Gospel.” The film is not yet rated.
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Mullins, who died in a 1997 accident at the age of 41, grew up in Indiana, the son of a tree farmer father and a Quaker mother. He performed with a touring Christian music group in his teens, and then attended Cincinnati Bible College from 1974 to 1978.
Moving to Nashville in the 1980’s, Mullins penned songs for Amy Grant, Debby Boone and other Christian artists and recorded nine solo projects with Reunion Records.
Throughout his career, Mullins was nominated for twelve Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and had many #1 radio hits. According to the “Christian Research Report” in 1989, “Awesome God,” was voted as one of the top three songs of the decade. The song continues to be a popular church standard with congregations all over the world.
Michael Koch as Rich Mullins. Photo Courtesy of Color Green Films.
More of Rich’s best-loved songs include “Sing Your Praise to the Lord,” “Elijah,” “Hold Me Jesus,” “Screen Door,” “Creed,” and “If I Stand.”
In conjunction with the theatrical release, the “Ragamuffin Movie Tour” recently launched in January and is currently screening the film in more than 90 cities across the nation at churches, college campuses, prisons and other local venues. Debuting to a sold-out house at the Orpheum Theatre on Thursday, Jan. 9, the tour is expected to run through the end of April 2014.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Schultz. “God is using this film to touch lives, which is what we wanted to do in the first place.”
Michael Koch as Rich Mullins and Charles Lawlor as Brennan Manning. Photo Courtesy of Color Green Films.
Additionally, a newly released documentary Rich Mullins: A Ragamuffin’s Legacy is available now that includes behind the scenes footage and exclusive interviews.
Organizers said they are encouraging communities to use the theatrical opportunity to share the Gospel with their friends and neighbors, who may not frequent a church building, but might come to a movie theater. Readers may also pray that the movie would impact lives all over the world.
To learn more about the movie, check out its entry on the Christian Film Database
Want to see the film? Pre-sale tickets may be purchased at Seatzy
For the latest news and updates about Ragamuffin, go to Ragamuffin: The Movie
Ginny McCabe is a bestselling and award-winning author , writer, speaker, teacher and media professional. Ginny is the author of five books as well as four additional collaborations. She has also penned countless articles for publications, including Assistnews.net, Middletown Journal and Journal News, Crosswalk.com, Yahoo.com and Examiner.com, among others.
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