NASHVILLE (WordNews.org) March 22, 2012 – October Baby, the story of a 19-year-old who finds out she was not only adopted, but the survivor of an attempted abortion, debuts nationally tomorrow. She goes on a road trip to find her mother, and finds herself too.
Jon Erwin told WordNews.org that the film was inspired by the story of Gianna Jessen, who also was an abortion survivor, two words he said he’d never heard together before hearing Jessen’s story. [Come back tomorrow for the  first installment of A Word News conversation with Jon Erwin].
This is the first feature film for Erwin and his brother Andy Erwin, who have won numerous awards for documentaries and music videos for such artists as Switchfoot, Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant. The two began their career working as camera operators for ESPN when they were in their teens.
Jon Erwin said after making this film, though, there’s no going back to music videos.
The film features newcomer Rachel Hendrix as Hannah, the lead character. John Schneider of the television series Dukes of Hazzard and Smallville plays her father. Shari Rigby of The Bold and the Beautiful, Jasmine Guy, of A Different World, and Chris Sligh of American Idol fame also star in the film.
Dennis Rainey of FamilyLife Today called the film “powerful.”
“I was not prepared for the impact this movie would have on me,” he said. “October Baby is the ‘must watch’ movie for all families in 2012.”
The film is being shown in 390 theaters in 70 communities across the country. It is being marketed and distributed by Provident Films, known for its association with the films Courageous and Fireproof, and Samuel Goldwyn Films, distributor of films such as Fireproof, Amazing Grace and Facing the Giants.
“We’re thrilled to introduce these exciting young filmmakers to audiences nationwide,” said Meyer Gottlieb, president of Samuel Goldwyn Films.
Ten percent of the profits are going to the Every Life is Beautiful Fund, which will distribute the money to frontline organizations helping women who are facing crisis pregnancies.
“We feel like its very important to use October Baby as an opportunity to serve, give back,” Jon Erwin said, “and save lives.”
The film debuts the same night the much-anticipated and hyped The Hunger Games comes out, a story one author says is ultimately about child sacrifice.
To follow October Baby on social media visit @OctoberBabyFilm on Twitter and Facebook.com/OctoberBabyMovie. The film is being Tweeted by by former NFL coach and NFL analyst Tony Dungy and former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, among others.
At a pre-screening of the film, here’s what some teens had to say:
“I really liked the movie. It was touching. It had real raw emotions,” said Maryanna Krewson of Schenectady, New York, said.
“It had many redemptive qualities,” said Amy Melnik, who attends Grove City College in Pennsylvania.
“I cried the whole movie,” said Amanda Luger of Saratoga County, New York.