What If You Could Talk to God Face to Face? New Faith-Based Film Explores Just That
They called him “doubting Thomas” because he needed to see the physical scars of his Lord before he would believe.
Christ obliged him, but told the disciples that blessed are those who believe but do not see.
In the 2000-plus years since the experience, Christians have pursued the Lord on faith, not sight, but in a new film, God makes an appearance.
“I had been looking for a way into a film about faith that was more than just platitudes,” An Interview With God writer Ken Aguado says. “I wanted to go deeper. And inspired I was—writing the first draft in only a few weeks. It literally flowed through me and onto the page.”
His fictional script follows war journalist Paul Asher, who struggles to deal with the after-effects of his experiences, a failing marriage and his dying faith upon his return from Afghanistan.
Determined to numb his pain with work, Asher throws himself into the story of a lifetime—an interview with a mysterious man claiming to be God.
“I would say the interview is less a symbol and more of a device,” Aguado says. “Really, it’s just an extrapolation of the conversation we try to have every day but, in this case, it’s an actual sit-down Q-and-A session! That said, as a script device, an interview scenario allowed me to go deeper into matters of faith and theology, without being contrived.”
Though many believers may question their faith, few have the chance to engage with the Lord face to face. Asher’s opportunity allows him to see the reality of Christ working in the midst of trials. It’s a plot in which some may find comfort.
“On the one hand, it’s all about real life in the sense that I was trying to dramatize a realistic, relatable character grappling with the life challenges that tests his faith,” Aguado sasy. “On the other hand, the lead is in his 20s and educated about faith, but he also has the skeptical curiosity of a journalist. So maybe more Millennial apologetic, which might appeal more to some viewers than others.”
Giving Films produced the film, which will be in theaters Aug. 20-22.
The films profits will be donated to charities, including FaithBridge, Children’s Alliance for Orphans and Sunshine on a Ranney Day.
“I hope this doesn’t sound egotistical, but there are more spiritual lessons in this film than any film in history. See the film, let it wash over you. Discuss it with your friends. I think most of the lessons will come then, after the 96-minute run-time of the film,” Aguado says.
At the film’s conclusion, viewers will experience an engaging panel discussion based on the film’s inspiring themes featuring nationally syndicated radio host Eric Metaxas, faith and culture writer Jonathan Merritt and Inside Edition correspondent Megan Alexander.
“Many of us have questions around life and faith, although we might be afraid to admit we have them. We are really excited to see what conversations this film sparks!” said Harrison Powell, vice president of development for Giving Films.
The film stars Brenton Thwaites (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales), Yael Grobglas (Jane the Virgin) and David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck).