“We couldn’t have scripted something so good,” actor Kirk Cameron said of his newest film, Lifemark, which is releasing in 1,500 theaters across the country tonight.
Based on a powerful true story, Lifemark was produced by Cameron and the Kendrick Brothers, who teamed up again for the first time since 2008 when the trio brought us Fireproof. This time they have produced a feature film with a very pro-life, pro-adoption message that is releasing, unplanned, on the coattails of the recently overturned Roe v. Wade.
It is their prayer, and mine that the Lord is going to use it in mighty ways when it hits the big screen this weekend.
I had the opportunity to hear about the film firsthand from Kirk Cameron earlier this year. More recently, I had the opportunity to ask the Kendrick Brothers a few questions via email, and then my colleagues JJ Jasper and John Riley interviewed them on American Family Radio last week. Below is a compilation of both interviews that will give you a candid look at the film and its purpose.
When you get finished reading what the Kendricks have to say, you won’t be able to get to the theater fast enough. … Trust me! (I’ve seen the movie twice already!)
The Stand: How did the idea for Lifemark come about?
Stephen Kendrick: When Kirk Cameron watched the award-winning documentary I Lived on Parker Avenue, he was overwhelmed with emotion and inspiration. The true story of an adopted teen tracking down his birth mom to thank her hit home for Kirk since his wife and four of his children had all been adopted. Kirk contacted us and asked us to pray with him about the potential of this story being somehow transformed into a full-length feature film. … After spending weeks in prayer, Alex and I believed that God was calling us to partner with Kirk on making Lifemark a reality. With Kirk and Alex acting, we pulled in a professional team who believed in the message of the film. Kirk loves the Lord, and is passionate about his family and his faith. It had been over a decade since we had worked with Kirk on Fireproof, and we were excited about collaborating again on a project.
American Family Radio: Tell us about the film.
Alex Kendrick: It’s a true story about this 18-year-old girl who rolls off the abortion table at the last second before the procedure. She decides she is going to let her baby live. She places him for adoption, and he is adopted by a Christian couple who can’t have children of their own. When he’s about 18 years old, he gets to meet his biological mother. She thought he would hate her. [Instead] he wraps her up in a loving hug and says, “Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for the choice you made and the sacrifice. Thank you for letting me be adopted by my family.”
TS: Why this film and why now?
SK: Lifemark is pro-life, pro-love, pro-family, pro-reconciliation, and pro-adoption. It not only hits “all the feels” emotionally but shows how one person’s courageous decision could impact and bless so many lives. It also connects with young people and sends a desperately needed message to this next generation about the value of human life.
AFR: Did you get any pushback from Hollywood?
SK: We had multiple studios that just said, “We can’t touch this story!” What’s interesting is that we even got a PG-13 rating; there’s no profanity and no immorality in this movie. No witchcraft. There’s no drug abuse. But there is a lady who doesn’t have an abortion. So when she doesn’t have the abortion, I guess that makes it super controversial.
TS: What do you hope the film accomplishes?
SK: We hope that this movie will not only help save countless unborn lives but turn the hearts of state legislators to see the value and need to defend life. We also hope that churches will see this amazing opportunity to rise up and get busy in their communities to support those who would be tempted to turn to abortion. This movie should become a powerful tool for anyone wanting to spread the word about life and adoption. We also would love it if God strengthens and expands adoption ministries across America and beyond. Please join us in praying that Lifemark will be mightily used by God and also will be translated and distributed all over the world wherever abortion is happening.
TS: In what specific ways was the Lord’s hand on this project?
SK: We had no idea that Roe v. Wade would be overturned right before the theatrical release. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the battle has now transferred from the national Supreme Court level to the local state legislatures. It is vital that the church rise up courageously and speak into this space with clarity and compassion. Lifemark uses a true story to show why defending the unborn is vital. It also will encourage churches to support their local pregnancy centers and also see the beautiful value of adoption. The body of Christ has an amazing opportunity to shine the love of Jesus in their local communities at this time. Young women who find themselves in unwanted pregnancies and panic in fear do not need to see the abortion industry as their savior. They need local churches to reach out to them and become havens of compassion and support, not only helping them to carry their babies to term, but to either raise them or find a loving home where that child can experience the gospel and love of Christ in living color.
AFR: So why should people go see this movie?
AK: One, it’s a true story. Secondly, Hollywood, right now, is starting to cook up movies and TV shows that try to sway the audience to believe abortion is still the best answer. They are coming up with fiction and trying to twist heartstrings. We are putting out a true story that really happened that is inspirational and is based on the fact that God creates life. It is a gift, it is worth protecting, and this movie reinforces that. Lifemark is a testimonial of good that can come when we honor the Lord with our decisions.
SK: And it’s a good movie, [especially] if you like watching a dramatic movie where you’re laughing, crying, on the edge of your seat. … You will leave inspired with your heart full, and you will be ready to go share it with other people.
For more information and to find out if the movie is playing at a theater near you, click here.
Lifemark is rated PG-13 for thematic elements. The film’s website notes: “Because the true story that inspired Lifemark revolves around the decision a woman makes while in an abortion clinic, the movie shares her experience. Nothing shown or discussed is graphic. As with any movie, we would suggest parents watch the movie for themselves to decide what’s best for their family.”
