‘I Am Potential’ Film from American Family Studios Debuts on UPTV This Weekend

TUPELO, Miss.—Faith-based films have come a long way—with bigger budgets, bigger stars and bigger Christian audiences who can do without the foul language, sex and violence of mainstream blockbusters.

One of those uplifting and inspiring films came this summer from American Family Studios, a division of the American Family Association (AFA, www.afa.net). “I Am Potential” follows the true-life story of Patrick Henry Hughes, a wheelchair-bound young man whose father helped him overcome impossible odds and allowed the world to see his God-given potential.

This summer, “I Am Potential” debuted in theaters in Tupelo, Miss., where the movie was filmed and the headquarters of AFA, as well as in Louisville, Ky., and Evansville, Ind. Now, even more will have the chance to see the Hughes family’s uplifting story, as “I Am Potential” premieres at 7 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 18, on UPTV.

“AFA is excited that millions will have the chance to watch the amazing story of Patrick Henry Hughes and his dedicated father in ‘I Am Potential’ this weekend on UPTV,” said AFA President Tim Wildmon. “Their story is one of love, commitment, perseverance and faith that will undoubtedly speak into many lives. American Family Studios has been honored to be a part of this project and bring this story to the world.”                               

Hughes was born without eyes but dreamed of joining the high school marching band. His loving father helps his son realize this dream, even though Patrick’s father had dreamed of raising an athlete.

The “I Am Potential” DVD is also available for pre-order now at the AFA Store for $16.99. Copies of the film will begin shipping next week. The film makes a wonderful Christmas gift or an evening of entertainment for small groups.

“I Am Potential” was not AFA’s first foray into film. Last summer, the family movie “Summer Snow” debuted in theaters, then saw a successful premiere on UPTV as well as its own DVD release last fall.

Starring David Chisum, Cameron Goodman, Garrett Backstrom, Brett Rice and Rachel Eggleston, “Summer Snow” tells the story of 8-year-old Hallie Benson (Eggleston), a small girl with a very big heart. Whether baking cookies for a grumpy neighbor or selling toothbrushes to help a friend, Hallie always thinks of others. Unfortunately, her “creative” ways of helping people often leave her father, Dan (Chisum), with a mess to clean up. Dan struggles to keep it all together after his wife’s death. He doesn’t cook, do hair or know how to help his three children without his beautiful wife and her unshakeable faith in God.

“Summer Snow” will also air on UPTV at 5 p.m. this Sunday, just before the 7 p.m. debut of “I Am Potential.” For more details, visit http://uptv.com/movies/i-am-potential/.

UPTV is found on DIRECTV Channel 338, DISH Channel 188 and Verizon FIOS Channel 224, as well as on most cable systems in the U.S.