‘Fireproof’ Enjoys Box-Office Success

“Fireproof,” a low-budget Christian film about a firefighter who strengthens his marriage with God’s help, is making significant headway among moviegoers by opening at No. 4 and grossing more than $12.5 million.

The film was funded through donations from Christians, particularly at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga. Though donations, the church raised $500,000, and two of the congregation’s ministers, Alex and Stephen Kendrick, wrote and directed the movie. The church’s senior pastor, Michael Catt, served as the executive producer. Of the church’s roughly 3,000 members, 1,200 participated as members of the cast and crew.

Noted evangelical actor Kirk Cameron, of ’80s sitcom “Growing Pains” fame, plays the protagonist, firefighter Caleb Holt. Holt is a hero in his community but headed for divorce with his wife until Holt’s father asks him to read a book called “The Love Dare,” a 40-day plan to help couples use the Bible to learn to love each other unconditionally.

Cameron’s real wife, Chelsea Noble – who played Cameron’s girlfriend on “Growing Pains” – actually appears in the movie in scenes where Holt kisses his wife. Cameron insisted that he could not kiss another actress, so the filmmakers agreed to dress Noble in the same clothes as the actress who plays the wife in the rest of the film (Erin Bethea) and shoot the scenes in silhouette.

Sources:

The Telegraph: Fireproof, a film made by church volunteers, is a multimillion-dollar box-office hit

Babble: Kirk Cameron Will Only Kiss His Wife

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