New Film Affirms U.S. Christian Roots

Music artist Nicole C. Mullen shines in her pivotal role in The American Miracle, an epic Christian movie debuting in theaters June 9-11 only. Mullen has been a mainstay in Christian music for more than three decades. Now she also proves to be a pro at immersing herself in someone else’s persona to bring that character to life on the screen.  

In The American Miracle, Mullen portrays Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman, a real-life slave who was brutally disfigured by her owner. In response, Mumbet demonstrates extraordinary courage when she files a suit against her owner and wins her freedom (Brom and Bett v. Ashley, 1781). 

In that landmark case, The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court was, in effect, declaring slavery to be inconsistent with the state’s 1780 constitution.

Accurate history 

The American Miracle illustrates authentic Revolutionary War history as it alternates gripping reenactment scenes with insightful commentary by scholars and historians. Producers coined the term dramadoc to define this creative approach to reveal America’s true Christian roots. 

Convinced that U.S. history is “a fabric woven of countless instances of improbable, unimaginable success,” film makers were committed to historical accuracy, even to relate unexplainable miracles that occurred.  

For example, the supernatural protection of providence over George Washington’s life, mysterious weather conditions that favored the Continental Army, and the unique success of a revolution unlike any other in world history come to life as nothing short of miracles.  

Divine providence is not debatable. Afterward, in his first inaugural speech President Washington described it as “the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men.” 

“If we couldn’t verify it factually and historically,” says executive producer Ralf Augstroze, “then we wouldn’t include it in the movie. We also had a fantastic historian, James Gallagher, on set for every moment of filming.”  

Gallagher is a Navy combat veteran, attorney, historian, and a historical interpreter and reenactor. He is a descendant of nine patriots who participated in the Revolutionary War. 

“On occasion,” Augstroze adds, “we halted filming to do additional research from the set.” Actors/soldiers in heavy uniforms simply waited in sweltering heat while fact-checking went into overdrive. 

Flawless portrayal 

Mullen portrays Mumbet to perfection. Remarkably, Mumbet’s life seems to foreshadow lyrics from some of Mullen’s top hits. For example, Mumbet lived the lines that Mullen wrote more than two centuries later in her song Freedom: 

Ain't got no halo, no wings to fly away. 
I've got to labor, for many, many days. 
I'm on a journey, I'm looking for a place 
To rest my burdens, far from this tyranny. 

“When I wrote Freedom 25 years ago,” says Mullen, “I never realized how powerfully it would speak to this moment. Seeing it woven into The American Miracle … is a reminder that true freedom comes from Him and is always worth the fight.”  

The film includes her stunning performance of Freedom. Many more of her lyrics reflect the same hope that gave Mumbet faith and courage almost 250 years ago. The song Call on Jesus says it this way: 

But when I call on Jesus, 
All things are possible. 
I can mount on wings like eagles and soar. 
When I call on Jesus, 
Mountains are gonna fall … . 

Superb product 

The American Miracle is the epitome of superb cinematography – script, acting, narrative, truth, and more. The cast includes a number of notable names. Christian actor Kevin Sorbo (God’s Not Dead) portrays the younger Thomas Jefferson, and Pat Boone has a cameo as the elder Jefferson. Actor Richard Dreyfuss offers commentary, and singer Libby Smallbone portrays Hannah Ashley, Mumbet’s owner.  

Ben Davies, a favorite in Kendrick Brothers movies Courageous, Overcomer, and War Room, plays New Jersey Militia commander John Neilson.  

Again, it merits note of how remarkable Nicole C. Mullen’s contemporary lyrics sparkle with depth and passion that reflect this nation’s Christian foundation. From My Redeemer Lives, come these lines: 

The very same God 
That spins things in orbit 
Runs to the weary, 
The worn, and the weak. 
And the same gentle hands 
That hold me when I'm broken, 
They conquer death to bring me victory. 

It’s a perfect anthem for one heart in confusion – or for a nation in moral chaos. 

Learn more, purchase tickets, and view a trailer of The American Miracle at americanmiraclemovie.com.