’90 Minutes in Heaven’ goes into production, new site up with Kate Bosworth, Hayden Christenson
A new faith-based film went into production this week, partnering with Family Christian Stores’ new sister company, Family Christian Entertainment (FCE), 90 Minutes in Heaven will star Kate Bosworth and Hayden Christenson.
Based on the New York Times best-selling book, Don Piper died in an automobile accident (paramedics had covered him with a tarp) when another pastor at the site prayed over him. This was in 1989. Before Piper returned to life, and to a protracted physical recovery, he saw Heaven, met family members, friends, church folks, teachers . . . even joined the procession as a heavenly choir entered Heaven’s gates.
Kate Bosworth is set for “90 Minutes in Heaven” photo/ Instragram
Director Michael Polish (Twin Falls Idado, Big Sur) will helm the project with Christenson (new Star Wars trilogy, Jumper) as Piper with Bosworth (Superman Returns, 21, Big Sur) co-starring as his wife, Eva. Bosworth took to her Instagram page to show off her new look for the film.
“Piper struck me as a reliable witness,” Christianity Today editor and former Christian History editor Mark Galli wrote in CT’s December 2012 cover story about the rise in accounts of “near-God experiences.” “Piper simply had the look and sound of sanity, of someone who was telling the truth, whose word was his bond,” Galli said.
Piper knows well his story’s effect and is eager to see it translate into theaters. “In the 10 years since the book’s release–in 46 languages–the response always is moving and personal to each reader,” he said. “To think now that it’s also going to be a film is humbling and gratifying, and for Family Christian Entertainment to produce it is immensely exciting.”
“We know our audience, we know the power of stories, and we plan to make at least two films a year,” 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN Producer Rick Jackson said. Jackson founded and is CEO of Jackson Healthcare, the nation’s third-largest healthcare staffing company. He and two other investors formed Family Christian Ministries, a non-profit holding company that owns Family Christian Stores, IDisciple, Family Christian Entertainment—and sends 100 percent of profits to Christian charities.
“In production . . . in quality, budgets and professionalism, the Christian and family markets are maturing, and we’re upping the ante again,” Jackson said. He adds that Family Christian Entertainment is open to all sources for ideas–from developing original scripts to ideas that come in the door. “And we’ll stay true to the story,” he said. “When faith is a factor, it stays in.”
90 Minutes in Heaven is set for a fall 2015 release, but no offical date was announced.
Get updates and information at the film’s official site: 90minutesthemovie.com
