The two actors, deeply rooted in faith-based entertainment, say the genre is stronger than ever and they long for content that viewers speak to their souls. Co-stars of Brett Barbell and Christine Wallet from the Great American Family/Great American Pure Flix original series County rescue, It is heading towards a second season amid a surge in national interest in faith-based projects.
Last fall, a faith-based film Best Christmas Pageant ever It opened at the box office with the third opening, and critics also won, earning 92% in Rotten tomatoes. At the beginning of the year, another film of the genre was Unsung HeroOpened at No. 2. That was also the case Certified “fresh” in Rotten tomatoes. Next, there is a global sense I was chosenattracted millions of viewers and expanded it to theaters.
He was asked if he compared the present day to a faith-based “renaissance,” Valvel agreed.
“If you look at past Renaissance artists, they talk about people from the 1400s and 1500s. that Which of It was It is sacred, and beautiful it with the art form of the day and introduces its beauty to people.
“And for a long time, faith-based entertainment has taken sacred and not included it. so beautiful Light. And now, all of a sudden, we are raising our standards for quality. About excellence Reliability, When we bring these stories back to life,” Varvel told the headline on Crosswalk.
Within the past year, Wallet portrayed characters from Great American Family movies. Christmas wreath and ribbon And in theatrical movies God is not dead: We trust in God. Included in past projects for Varvel Proof, American loserand Run the base. Varvel directed and starred in 2024 An apprentice in the moonlight.
“Viewers are thirsty for good entertainment,” Wallet told the Crosswalk headline. “And when you see something like that An apprentice in the moonlight or Unsung Hero or tHe is the best Christmas pageant ever or I was chosenyou think, “Oh, that's what I'm thirsty.” Like – “I've been drinking from this other well for a long time, and I didn't understand what Really I was thirsty. ”
“and I think People are finally getting ideas about what family-friendly, faith-worthy entertainment looks like, with good storylines, good acting, everything is put together. And that's one of the things people have now actually Get that taste – they just I want more. ”
Faith-based Entertainment is thriving at the same time Hollywood projects are “out of the deep edge”She said.
“There's a huge gap,” she said.
Faith-based entertainment lies in “unprecedented territory,” Varvel said.
“I think the talent has always been there,” he said. “I think so many people were afraid to take risks. You're looking at it, for faith-based entertainment, so to speak, you see it with the mainstream A-list name that's trying to step into the pond, so to speak, but they never do that, Because it's going to be a career suicide and You're Blacklist. ”
2023 movies Jesus Revolution Stars Five times Emmy winner Kelsey Glamour. 2024 Movies Normal angel Cast Oscar winner Hilary Swank a Main role.
Varvel said faith-based industries have become more honest in their own assessments.
“the It's very important It's not just to say“Well, it's great, because it's God or Jesus in it.” You have to be excellent. we You need to Tell me if something is bad or not just I own it until then It'll get better As an artist. So I think There was a lot of integrity that has been nurtured over the past decade or so.. ”
Great American families “answering that call” for more faith-centered contentWallet said. County rescue Follow the story of EMT in training.
“I hope that Wallet said it paves the way for more content like this. “I hope it raises the bar.”
Photo credit: ©Great American Family
Michael Foot For 20 years, I have covered the intersection of faith and news. His stories appear in the Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Leaf, Toronto Star, Knoxville News Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's podcast! He is the host of Cross Walk Talka podcast where he talks to Christian movie stars, musicians, directors and more. Listen to famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian films, books, television and other entertainment. You can find Cross Walk Talk Above lifeaudio.comor subscribe apple or Spotify So you won't miss an interview that will surely encourage your faith.
It was originally released on March 13th, 2025.
