We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.
Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.Help Now >
'SOUL SURFER' hangs 10(.6) on opening weekend
FREE Catholic Classes
April 15, 2011 - 1:45 PDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY
For More Information:
Alexis Walkenstein, 678-990-9032,
AWalkenstein@MaximusMG.com
Audiences Give A+ to Inspiring True Story of Faith and Courage
LOS ANGELES, CA (April 14, 2011) - SOUL SURFER, the inspiring true story of teenager Bethany Hamilton - who lost an arm in a shark attack and returned through courage and faith to the top levels of competitive surfing - scored big in opening weekend box offices and drew a rare A+ in CinemaScore exit polls.
"Audience support is phenomenal," Rich Peluso, vice president of AFFIRM Films, said. "Ticket sales exceed expectations, and 96 percent of audiences rate it 'excellent' or 'very good.' That's a whole lot of families and teens having a great time at the movies."
Bethany's church youth leader Sarah Hill, played in the movie by Carrie Underwood, is delighted with the movie's effect on young people, many of them attending with youth groups. "Bethany's story is about faith getting her through tragedy," Sarah Hill said. "And SOUL SURFER brings it to the world: the surprise and pain, the support, the comeback...like Bethany and her family, I'm so proud of this film."
While Christian leaders like Saddleback pastor and author Rick Warren urge people to see SOUL SURFER, "Christianity Today" movie reviewer Mark Moring salutes the mix of Christian values and production values. "It's rare to see a Hollywood film score on two critical points: 1) It's well made and 2) it gets the faith factor," he said. "SOUL SURFER is good from an artistic perspective, and it gets the faith elements without being preachy or watering it down."
"Plugged-In" reviewer Bob Waleszewski also likes the faith factor: "...first and foremost it's a true story about a young teenage girl walking through major trauma and doing so with a calm reliance on her faith and family," he said. "Because all of us face trials, we need to see how it's done rightly. Bethany models that for us."
SOUL SURFER'S impact shows in several important weekend indicators:
• $10.6 million weekend estimate at the box office, making SOUL SURFER the No. 4 film in the country and, at $4,788 per screen, second in per-screen average among new films.
• The film's A+ rating from the CinemaScore marketing research firm (exit polls) is "rare" says The Wall Street Journal; the rating suggests a long-term theatrical run.
• By Friday afternoon on its opening day, SOUL SURFER was "trending" on Twitter globally, meaning it was among the top 10 tweeted items, worldwide, for that period.
"From the beginning, this was God's film, and we're delighted with it," Cheri Hamilton, Bethany's mother, said on behalf of the Hamilton family. "As the story goes out, we're trusting God to bless other families through the incredible way he's taken care of us."
SOUL SURFER was released through TriStar Pictures under a deal between FilmDistrict and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions. Film District with Affirm Films oversaw marketing to the faith audience.
To learn more, visit: www.SoulSurfertheMovie.com or SoulSurferWave.com
About AFFIRM Films
AFFIRM Films is a division of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA), a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company, dedicated to producing, acquiring and marketing films which inspire, uplift and entertain audiences. SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 140 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found at www.SonyPictures.com.
About FilmDistrict
FilmDistrict is a multi-faceted acquisitions, distribution, production and financing company focusing on wide release, commercial pictures. Founded in September by Graham King and Tim Headington's GK Films, in partnership with Peter Schlessel, FilmDistrict recently released INSIDIOUS, which has grossed over 27 million in 11 days. Upcoming films include DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK, Aug. 12; DRIVE, Sept. 16; THE RUM DIARY, Oct. 28; and LOCKOUT, February 24, 2012. For more information, visit FilmDistrict.com or call (646) 380-4470.
About Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions, TriStar Pictures
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) and TriStar Pictures are Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) companies. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 140 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found at www.SonyPictures.com.
Contact
http://www.SoulSurfertheMovie.com
GA, 30188 US
Kevin Wandra - ,
Keywords
Soul Surfer, movie, Bethany Hamilton,
Category
OTHER
More Catholic PRWire
Showing 1 - 50 of 7,177
When Pope Francis Arrives in North America, There is Only One Network to Watch: EWTN Global Catholic
EWTN Global Catholic Network
September 16, 2015 - 5:17 PDT
GHIRELLI'S WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES ROSARIES NOW AVAILABLE
The Word Out | Marketing For Catholics
September 11, 2015 - 11:44 PDT
The Synod on the Family: Addressing the Instrumentum Laboris
Franciscan University of Steubenville
September 11, 2015 - 10:26 PDT
OCP Artist, Pedro Rubalcava, Writes Song for Pope Francis' Visit
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
September 10, 2015 - 2:50 PDT
Pre-Synod Conference unites Cardinals and men and women living with homosexual tendencies
September 09, 2015 - 2:58 PDT
The Rigging of a Vatican Synod
September 02, 2015 - 3:44 PDT
17 Cardinals and Counting
August 31, 2015 - 3:38 PDT
19th Annual Carnival Announced for St. Ann's Parish
August 28, 2015 - 9:20 PDT
The John Paul II International Film Festival Marks Its Five-Year Anniversary
August 27, 2015 - 6:09 PDT
OCP Pledges to Support the V Encuentro
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
August 27, 2015 - 2:51 PDT
Thu, Sept 24, 2015- Mass & Healing Service with Fr. Angelos Sebastian Our Lady of Grace Catholic Chu
August 26, 2015 - 4:03 PDT
Grief, Death, Eternal Life Explored in New Catholic Title by PBM
Pauline Books & Media
August 25, 2015 - 3:55 PDT
How do we live the truth in love when the culture says we're haters?
August 25, 2015 - 9:52 PDT
Right Next to Disneyland: Theater Meets Faith
Saint Luke Productions
August 19, 2015 - 1:29 PDT
OCP Parish Grant Program to Distribute $200,000 to U.S. Parishes
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
August 18, 2015 - 1:23 PDT
Franciscan University Joins With UK School to Offer Online Master of Catechetics Degree
Franciscan University of Steubenville
August 05, 2015 - 2:20 PDT
CONOR GALLAGHER NAMED PUBLISHER OF TAN BOOKS AND SAINT BENEDICT PRESS
Saint Benedict Press & TAN Books
July 20, 2015 - 12:49 PDT
Thérčse Drama Surprises Audiences
Saint Luke Productions
July 16, 2015 - 12:35 PDT
Catholic Press Association Honors Liguori
Liguori Publications
July 10, 2015 - 8:29 PDT
Crosier Order elects master general and councilors
June 26, 2015 - 2:06 PDT
World Library Publications Honored With Three Paul Revere Awards
World Library Publications
June 23, 2015 - 4:11 PDT
Indie Catholic Authors June Ebook Sale Offers the Faithful 17 Books Outside the Mainstream
Four Waters press
June 23, 2015 - 12:10 PDT
Limitless Love in Action: First Steubenville Youth Conference Inspires Teens to Bring the Fire Home
Franciscan University of Steubenville
June 18, 2015 - 2:03 PDT
Franciscan University of Steubenville Athletic Director Enshrined in Sports Faith Hall of Fame
Franciscan University of Steubenville
May 29, 2015 - 1:53 PDT
AWARD-WINNING CATHOLIC AUTHORS TEAM-UP TO PROMOTE HEALING THROUGH FORGIVENESS
Pauline Books & Media
May 27, 2015 - 12:32 PDT
NY CONCERT FOR NEPAL 5/31
May 27, 2015 - 1:22 PDT
Who's responsible for designing the designer?
May 19, 2015 - 11:12 PDT
Thu, Jun 11, 2015- Mass & Healing Service with Fr. Bill Adams at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
May 13, 2015 - 4:21 PDT
Your search for true happiness is over
May 05, 2015 - 1:22 PDT
ValLimar Jansen's latest album "a soulful experience"
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
April 30, 2015 - 1:33 PDT
Uncovering the roots (and branches) of the greatest revolution in the American Catholic Church
April 28, 2015 - 9:45 PDT
NYC May 8, 2015 Spring Fling Catholic Singles Mingle Fundraiser
The Catholic Fellowship
April 18, 2015 - 9:07 PDT
Thank A Nun Day
Image Books/Random House
April 15, 2015 - 12:32 PDT
#TweetingwGod dares young people to believe
April 14, 2015 - 9:54 PDT
Experience Beloved: Finding happiness in marriage
April 13, 2015 - 1:27 PDT
Archbishop Aquila, Dr. Edward Sri and other experts to participate in 'Beloved' telepress conference
April 07, 2015 - 4:51 PDT
Nobis Media, Marketing & Web Development Company
April 01, 2015 - 5:49 PDT
Catholic toymaker puts Faith in hands and mouths of babies: Pope Francis doll added to line of toys
The Word Out | Marketing For Catholics
April 01, 2015 - 3:48 PDT
Concert Series Concludes with Winthrop University World Percussion Ensemble
April 01, 2015 - 2:48 PDT
Birth Choice Health Clinics Announces Transition to Obria Medical Clinics and Plans for Expansion
March 28, 2015 - 10:43 PDT
OCP releases expanded edition of Mass of the Sacred Heart
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
March 24, 2015 - 4:43 PDT
Archbishop Aquila, Dr. Edward Sri and other experts participate in 'Beloved' tele-press conference
March 21, 2015 - 11:57 PDT
Priest and Seminarian Join National Three-Point Contest to Benefit Marriage Ministry
Paradisus Dei
March 13, 2015 - 10:20 PDT
Shroud of Turin Exhibit At Holy Spirit Brighton
Holy Spirit Catholic Church and School
March 12, 2015 - 3:58 PDT
Flor y Canto campaign invites the Hispanic community to share their stories
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
March 11, 2015 - 4:40 PDT
Crisis Pregnancy Center Dream Becoming Reality
TRFC Inc.
March 10, 2015 - 6:36 PDT
Crisis Pregnancy Center Dream Becoming Reality
TRFC Inc.
March 09, 2015 - 7:04 PDT
Join RealOptions 2015 Walk for Life and 5K Run!
RealOptions Pregnancy Medical Clinics
March 09, 2015 - 2:40 PDT
New Orchestra Comes to Mary's Nativity Church
March 09, 2015 - 12:06 PDT
Paradisus Dei Offers New Marriage Program to Churches at No Cost
Paradisus Dei
March 05, 2015 - 6:25 PST
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.
-
Mysteries of the Rosary
-
St. Faustina Kowalska
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
-
Saint of the Day for Wednesday, Oct 4th, 2023
-
Popular Saints
-
St. Francis of Assisi
-
Bible
-
Female / Women Saints
-
7 Morning Prayers you need to get your day started with God
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Chaplain Reveals Unrest at Columbia University Caused by Communists
-
Discovering Who We Are: God's Truth in Scripture
-
Pope Francis Advises Parish Priests on Fostering a Missionary Church
-
5 Reasons Going To Church Is Important (even on days you feel like you can skip)
-
U.S. Catholic Parishes Experience Resurgence of Traditional Practices
Daily Catholic
- Daily Readings for Saturday, May 04, 2024
- St. Florian: Saint of the Day for Saturday, May 04, 2024
- The Universal Prayer (attributed to Pope Clement Xi): Prayer of the Day for Saturday, May 04, 2024
- Daily Readings for Friday, May 03, 2024
- St. James the Lesser: Saint of the Day for Friday, May 03, 2024
- Prayer before Starting on a Journey: Prayer of the Day for Friday, May 03, 2024
We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.
Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.Help Now >
Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.