Overcomer, a new movie about finding our identity in Christ comes to the big screen August 23.
The inspirational sports drama is created by the Kendrick Brothers (War Room), AFFIRM Films, a Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (SPE) company, and Provident Films. Director Alex Kendrick will once again return in a leading role, along with Shari Rigby (October Baby, The Least of These: The Graham Staines Story), and Priscilla Shirer (War Room, I Can Only Imagine).
Rich Peluso, Executive Vice President of AFFIRM Films, says of Overcomer, which is the next powerful film from Alex and Stephen Kendrick, that they are “…storytellers who have impacted the lives and hearts of millions of people around the world, had their work translated into over 40 languages and counting, and generated over $150 million in worldwide box office so far. When the Kendrick Brothers start a new film, a lot of people around the world take notice.”
Dr. Diane Howard has an exclusive interview with Shari Rigby for Sonoma Christian Home. Shari is an actress and also a director, writer and inspirational speaker. She is outspoken and passionate about her faith and family. She has received seven awards including an IFFF Spirit Award and Best Justice Film, as well as named one of the “Top 15 Impressive Box Office Performances of 2012” by CNN for October Baby. Further, Shari has founded “The Women in My World,” a women’s group focusing on identity, purpose, ministry, serving others and living life in Hollywood.
Shari Rigby is an actress and is outspoken about Christ in Hollywood.
Shari plays the role of Amy in this movie, who is Coach John Harrison’s wife and biggest fan. She also works at his school as a teacher and is a kind and supportive help to those in need, including Hannah on whom the movie focuses. Though changes with John’s job have taken a toll on their marriage, Amy refuses to allow their circumstances to bring distance into their marriage. She supports John with faith, love and encouragement, and reminds him that his self-worth is not wrapped up in titles but in Christ.
Alex Kendrick, who plays Coach Harrison says of his character and Shari’s, “John is grappling with losing many of the things that were important to him in his work and he begins to tank emotionally. Amy tries to step in and help him, and at first he rejects her… She then does something that’s remarkable. She has the opportunity to say, ‘Hey, put your big boy pants on and do some growing up here.’ But instead, she plays the love card. She steps in and says, ‘You know what, I’m sticking by you because I love you,’ and it causes him to drop his guard. It’s a beautiful picture of how a spouse can help another spouse.”
Shari Rigby says, “Amy is very strong, and yet at the same time, she has this very intimate personality, where she can really sit and listen and feel the depths of somebody else and what they’re going through.”
Stephen Kendrick says, “Shari Rigby’s testimony, her heart for the Lord, her prayer life really set her up to understand this role. She plays this strong, wise wife for John. She speaks truth into his life. It is her prayerful support and encouragement that really helps guide him and Hannah through this journey that they’re on.”
SCH: How is this movie timely for today’s world?
SR: It is especially timely with the issue of identity. Three characters struggle with identity but overcome to find their true identities.
SCH: What does overcome mean in the movie?
SR: Three of the characters overcome to find their true identifies, as they struggle to overcome their pasts, presents and futures.
SCH: How does the movie picturize unity?
SR: This movie deals with unity in different strategic places: school; family; marital partnerships; racial relationships and more. It deals with people as individuals not for their color, positions, titles… but with who they really are. There is mutual inspiration among them.
SCH: How will this movie relate to mothers?
SR: It deals with mothers’ influence on children, their own and others. It addresses mentoring the next generation, in and out of our homes.
SCH: How the movie deal with men and fathers?
SR: It shows how men, even Christian men, tend to find their identity in jobs, roles, titles before finding their true identities in our Lord.
SCH: How will this movie relate to young people?
SR: It will be encouraging in many ways to young people and to us all, especially in the areas of identity and belonging. It also shows main character, Hannah, putting in effort to discover her true identity and to whom she belongs.
How to Deal With Relationship Problems
SCH: What are the other important themes in the movie?
SR: Other important themes in the movie relate to fatherhood and marriage. Fathers, of their own children and of those of other fathers, have their own human fathers but also a Father in Heaven. The movie shows fathers in these different relationships. The film also shows marriage as a partnership and how when marital partners don’t agree how to tackle this challenge.
SCH: How does the movie show the value of mentorship and discipleship?
SR: Mentorship and discipleship go hand in hand. The movie shows how it can be hard to find the time for these, but it also shows how important it is to be involved in these and reminds us of our influence and need to captivate, cultivate the next generation.
God Uses Imperfect and Flawed People
SCH: How is the movie honest and authentic?
SR: The Kendrick brothers do a good job with honesty and authenticity in their movies. Their characters are real and flawed. Through their movies, we see that God uses flawed people and that our Savior is The Great Physician who redeems us with our flaws, loving us no matter what.
SCH: How does the movie picturize the real Christian life?
SR: Again, it is honest with the characters’ flaws and struggles with identity. It shows how we can become defined by our Savior, who enables us to overcome our obstacles. It shows how we can find our true identities not in the world but in our Lord.
In the movie Overcomer, life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team and state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant shuts down and hundreds of families leave their town, John questions how he and his family will face an uncertain future.
After reluctantly agreeing to coach cross-country, John and his wife, Amy, meet an aspiring athlete, Hannah, who’s pushing her limits on a journey toward discovery. Inspired by the words and prayers of a new-found friend, John becomes the least-likely coach helping the least-likely runner, Hannah, to attempt the impossible in the biggest race of the year. With Coach Harrison’s mentorship and that of his new friend, Hannah overcomes the seeming impossible on many significant and surprising fronts.
Overcomer will leave audiences filled with hope, inspired to dream, and challenged to reevaluate who they are.
Overcomer has been directed by Alex Kendrick (War Room…) and produced by Stephen Kendrick (War Room…) from the screenplay by Alex and Stephen Kendrick. Overcomer was filmed in Columbus, GA.
Stephen Kendrick says, “We are glad to have filmed this new feature in the charming and beautiful city of Columbus, Georgia. We felt so welcome and truly appreciate the many businesses, schools and loving pastors and churches who came alongside us to support our efforts.”
Follow the movie on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram at @OvercomerMovie.
Register to get all the latest news from AFFIRM Films and follow AFFIRM Films on social media at @AFFIRMFilms.
Register to get all the latest news from Provident Films and follow Provident Films on Facebook at providentfilms.
Get all the latest news from The Kendrick Brothers at kendrickbrothers.com and follow them on Facebook at @kendrickbrothers and Twitter at @KendrickBros.
Kendrick Brothers Productions is the company of brothers Alex, Stephen and Shannon Kendrick that exists to honor God and share the truth and love of Jesus Christ through movies, books, curriculum and speaking. By blending engaging stories with doctrinal integrity, the Kendricks seek to encourage and inspire audiences with resources that positively impact their lives and strengthen their faith, families, and personal relationships.
By Diane Howard, Ph.D. (Performance Studies)
i am trying to fine out where I can buy all the other videos that the Kendrick brothers have made I have the set of five in the war room pack. but i would like to get all the others that have been made as well as the last one overcome as soon as it comes out in shoppes if you can help me I would be very thankful.
thanks.
I thank God for your contribution to God’s kingdom. This movie have been such a blessing to so many people. Kendrick brothers, you are an inspiration.