‘Important to See’: Jen Lilley Urges Audiences to Watch SOUND OF HOPE
By Movieguide® Contributor
Jen Lilley says Angel Studios’ upcoming SOUND OF HOPE: THE STORY OF POSSUM TROT is “so important to see.”
“Meet my dear friends @rebekahweigel and @jpeacetree!” she wrote under a photo of herself with Joshua and Rebekah Weigel.
Lilley continued, “These two adapted Bishop and First Lady Martin’s inspiring true story to screen in SOUND OF HOPE, which premieres JULY 4 in THEATERS NATIONWIDE. Y’all keep hearing me say it, but truly, I don’t think there’s ever been a movie so important to see.”
“As a filmmaker, the writing, acting, scene work, cinematography, directing lighting, sound, editing, costuming and soundtrack are top notch, and dare I say artistically perfect!” she wrote. “What I find so fascinating is how every time I see this film, I’m not just watching a movie, I’m EXPERIENCING it. Rebekah and Josh are also foster and adoptive parents, and you can tell as this movie will have you on a roller coaster ride of laughing, crying, deep contemplation inspiration and true transformation.”
Lilley added that Rebekah was “a HUGE key” in her journey as a foster parent, supporting her and introducing her to a community of fellow foster moms.
“Her one simple act of kindness took the straw off my back and has kept me in the game, which led to the adoption of our two sons, the other children we fostered, and even our journey with our favorite TAY,” Lilley explained. “And now their obedience to create this movie just might save all 429,000+ kids in our broken #fostercare system. I am truly humbled and honored to stand alongside them on the frontlines for our children! Go see @soundofhopefilm!!!!”
SOUND OF HOPE is inspired by the true story of Rev. WC Martin and his wife, Donna. The couple arranged for the adoption of more than 75 children.
Neal Harmon, CEO of Angel Studios, praised the Weigels for their work on the movie, telling the Washington Examiner, “They felt like the script wasn’t reaching an authentic level, so they decided to move into the community. And they lived there for a couple of years.”
“You’ll see it on the silver screen, that you really get to feel what these families went through, and what these children went through in the foster care system,” he continued. “It doesn’t shy away from the hardship, it doesn’t shy away from the hope. And it’s just, it’s such a beautiful responsibility for Angel Studios to now take the life of the Martins and their community and the work of the Weigels.”
Rebekah spoke about the importance of shining a light on the foster care system, telling the National Catholic Register, “Something that was really important to us as the storytellers, writers and producers was, we didn’t want to sugarcoat this issue. I mean, this is a difficult issue. You know, foster care, adoption, anytime you step into the area, it involves pain and involves trauma, brokenness. We believe that that’s where the church shines. We’re called to that, we’re called to care for the orphan and the widow.”
A portion of the Movieguide® review reads:
SOUND OF HOPE: THE STORY OF POSSUM TROT is a beautiful story about an entire town taking in foster children. As such, it has a strong Christian, morally uplifting worldview. However, the movie does deal with some of the realities and hardships foster families and foster children undergo. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for children and families. However, SOUND OF HOPE: THE STORY OF POSSUM TROT shows that God’s love is real and that, no matter what your past is, God will always be with you.
SOUND OF HOPE: THE STORY OF POSSUM TROT will premiere in theaters July 4.
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