Director Explains How Faith ‘Inspired’ THE HOPEFUL
By Movieguide® Contributor
Director Kyle Portbury shared with Movieguide® how his upcoming movie, THE HOPEFUL, pushed him out of his comfort zone to share his faith.
“Right up until about two or three years ago, I did not talk openly about my faith with anybody ever,” Portbury told Movieguide®. “It’s not a comfortable zone for me, and I dare say that’s probably the case for a lot of people. Like there are a lot of Christians who are just like, ‘I don’t want to impose. I don’t…want people to think I’m weird.’ I don’t like being a weird person. I like the things that I like, and I like enjoying life with people that I’m in relationship with.”
However, while he may have been hesitant to share his faith in the past, his new movie, THE HOPEFUL, meaningfully explores the topic.
It “unveils the true-life story of William Miller, a simple country farmer turned influential preacher, whose post-war search for divine purpose leads him to predict Christ’s return. The film delicately navigates the resulting disillusionment and the unforeseen emergence of a passionate faith community in New England, which would ultimately become the globally recognized Seventh-day Adventist Church,” HopeTV reported.
During a crucial moment in the film, William Miller is “running into the woods, and he’s yelling God I’m not qualified.”
“We don’t like to feel uncomfortable with certain things,” Portbury continued. “And so I think what’s really lovely about that moment with Miller where he has that like, ‘This is not me, God. I’m not that guy. I’m not the guy to go out and do the thing that you’re asking of me.'”
“I really resonate with that. I’m not that guy either, and yet here I am talking openly about it with you, which probably two, three years ago was not my comfort zone, but I think when you realize what it is that actually you were wrestling with about your faith, I think a lot of the time…you can find a way to feel…inspired by [it],” he added.
He hopes the movie will inspire people to trust God no matter their circumstances.
“You don’t have to suddenly go, ‘Oh, I’m going to become the faith of the people in the film.’ But what you can do is recognize that ‘Hey, well, if they can hold on to that clear picture of God that they had, well then maybe I can as well in my context,” he explained.
THE HOPEFUL will debut in theaters on April 17 from Fathom Events.
“This is a very personal project for me,” Portbury said in a statement. “It’s a love letter to my roots, telling a powerful human story that I am proud to share not only with those who share my beliefs, but also with the many friends, family, and colleagues in my life who hold other views.”
Check out the rest of Movieguide®’s conversation with Portbury here:
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
