Susan Boyle To Make Her Feature Film Debut In "THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE" In Theaters This November

NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- EchoLight Studios announced today that their upcoming holiday film THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE will come to the big screen for audiences nationwide on November 22. The movie is based on the book by international bestselling author, Max Lucado, and is a timeless holiday tale for the entire family.

THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE marks the feature film debut for two-time Grammy Award-nominee singer Susan Boyle, who dazzled the world when she sang 'I Dreamed a Dream' from Les Miserables on Britain's Got Talent.  Since her debut Boyle has released four studio albums, 'I Dreamed A Dream' in 2009, 'The Gift' in 2010, 'Someone To Watch Over Me' in 2011, and 'Standing Ovation: The Greatest Songs from the Stage' in 2012, selling over 20 million records worldwide. Her original single Miracle Hymn is the film's anthem and can be seen on her new upcoming holiday album, 'Home for Christmas,' releasing October 29. Susan Boyle appears alongside an ensemble cast of beloved Hollywood talent in THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE.

The film's release also marks former U.S. Senator and 2012 presidential candidate Rick Santorum's migration into the film and entertainment business.  Rick Santorum joined EchoLight Studios as CEO in June of 2013 to serve as a driving force in the production and distribution of inspirational family films.  His background in politics and the private sector led him to the realization that our culture is upstream from politics, and the entertainment industry is a big factor in defining that culture.  Santorum believes this is an opportune time to serve audiences who are searching for more uplifting, hopeful and imaginative entertainment.

"What better time to share an inspirational movie than at Christmastime? People want movies that inspire, and that's what we can deliver. The Christmas Candle reminds us that Christmas is not just about reindeer and shopping, it's about hope and miracles," said Santorum, CEO of EchoLight Studios.  "Classic movies like It's a Wonderful Life show us that even in the most difficult times, we can hold on to the hope that surrounds Christmas," Santorum continued. "We made The Christmas Candle in that same tradition."

THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE also stars Samantha Barks, who wowed audiences with her performance of Eponine in the recent Academy Award-nominated film, Les Miserables, as well as Hans Matheson (Clash of the Titans, Sherlock Holmes), Lesley Manville (Disney's A Christmas Carol), Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit Trilogy, Doctor Who), John Hannah (The Mummy, Four Weddings and a Funeral), Barbara Flynn (Miss Potter), and James Cosmo (Game of Thrones, Braveheart).

THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE comes to theaters November 22. The film is directed by John Stephenson (Five Children and It), and produced by Tom Newman and Hannah Leader.  Executive Producers on the project include Brian Lockhart, Steve Christian and Huw Penallt Jones and screenplay by Eric Newman and Candace Lee.  The film runs 100 minutes in length.

Synopsis

Deep in the heart of the English countryside lies the enchanting village of Gladbury. Legend has it every twenty-five years an angel visits the village candlemaker and touches a single candle. Whoever lights the Christmas Candle receives a miracle on Christmas Eve. But in 1890, at the dawn of the electric age, this centuries old legend may come to an end. 

When David Richmond (Matheson), a progressive young minister, arrives in Gladbury, the villagers discover a new formula for miracles: good deeds and acts of kindness. While David's quest to modernize Gladbury sets him at odds with the old world candlemaker, he finds an unlikely ally in the lovely skeptic, Emily Barstow (Barks). Now, the fiery candlemaker must fight to preserve the legacy of the Christmas Candle. But when the Christmas Candle goes missing, the miraculous and human collide in the most astonishing Christmas the village of Gladbury has ever seen. 

For more information visit www.TheChristmasCandleMovie.com.

About EchoLight Studios
EchoLight Studios finances, produces, markets and distributes inspirational, high-quality movies across all traditional and new media platforms. For more information please visit www.EchoLight.com.

SOURCE EchoLight Studios