Vivendi Entertainment to Deliver 'LETTERS TO GOD' to the Big Screen

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivendi Entertainment (VE) has announced it will release its faith based family film LETTERS TO GOD, nationwide on April 9, 2010.

Directed by David Nixon, best known as one of the producers of FIREPROOF and FACING THE GIANTS and co-directed by Patrick Doughtie, LETTERS TO GOD stars Robyn Lively (THE KARATE KID PART III, WILDCATS), Jeffrey S.S. Johnson (HELTER SKELTER, A COAT OF SNOW), Tanner Maguire (SAVING SARAH CAIN, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER), Maree Cheatham (MR. & MRS. SMITH, BEETLEJUICE), Michael Christopher Bolten (HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, THE WOODS HAVE EYES), Bailee Madison (BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA, BROTHERS, the upcoming DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK) and Ralph Waite (THE WALTONS, COOL HAND LUKE).  

The film is the first from Possibility Pictures, which is led by Nixon, along with producer Kim Dawson (BOBBY JONES: STROKE OF GENIUS, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES I,II,III), executive producer Tom Swanson (COME AWAY HOME), and writer Sandra Thrift.  Based on a story written by Doughtie inspired by his son's battle with cancer, the screenplay is written by Doughtie, Art D'Alessandro, Thrift and Cullen Douglas.

A heartfelt tale of inspiration, hope and redemption, LETTERS TO GOD is the story of what happens when one boy's walk of faith crosses paths with one man's search for meaning—the resulting transformational journey touches the lives of everyone around them.  

Tyler Doherty (TANNER MAGUIRE) is an extraordinary eight-year-old boy.  Surrounded by a loving family and community, and armed with the courage of his faith, he faces his daily battle against cancer with bravery and grace.  To Tyler, God is a friend, a teacher and the ultimate pen pal—Tyler's prayers take the form of letters, which he composes and mails on a daily basis. 

The letters find their way into the hands of Brady McDaniels (JEFFREY S.S. JOHNSON), a beleaguered postman standing at a crossroads in his life.  At first, he is confused and conflicted over what to do with the letters.  But the decision he ultimately makes becomes a testament to the quiet power of one boy's shining spirit and unshakeable faith.

"This film is a powerful testimony of what can happen when one young boy has faith," said Nixon. "Tyler wrote his prayers, not as much for himself as for others. He believed that God was taking care of him and those around him. There are so many people facing difficult situations who need that same kind of hope, and that is why we made LETTERS TO GOD."

"The purpose of this film is not to show the difficult side of cancer, but to inspire those dealing with serious challenges in their own life to find hope by turning to family, friends and faith," said Dawson. "We've seen many examples of people who have survived cancer just because they had hope – a hope that comes from a belief in God. That is the message we want to spread with this movie."

"Movies can touch lives, change perceptions and renew hearts," said Swanson. "LETTERS TO GOD will be a bright light in a darkened theater that lifts up audiences, encouraging them to go out and make a difference. It is an opportunity to build a bridge of hope.  And to enhance the overall experience of seeing the film," Swanson added. "We have partnered with Zondervan Publishers (a division of HarperCollins) and created a powerful suite of six books and a Bible, available in thousand of retail stores on March 12.  This will be complemented with a soundtrack that has been compiled by music supervisor David McKenna for his label Bonded Records. Distributed by Fontana/Universal Music Group Distribution, the soundtrack will be available prior to the film's release."

Vivendi Entertainment President Tom O'Malley commented, "I am thrilled to be working with Possibility Pictures on the release of their first feature film.  LETTERS TO GOD is a movie that will not only entertain, but inspire audiences everywhere. This is a very special picture."

The deal was negotiated by Yolanda Macias on behalf of Vivendi Entertainment and Kim Dawson on behalf of Possibility Pictures.

About Vivendi Entertainment

Vivendi Entertainment is a full service independent film, television, DVD, and digital distribution company operating in the United States and Canada. Representing a vast range of genres including action, comedy, thriller, urban, family, fitness and stand-up comedies, Vivendi Entertainment has become a favorite distribution partner for independent content providers.  The company has built an extensive catalog of over 3,000 titles, and its customer-centric business model was founded on the principles of collaboration and financial transparency. The company provides sales, marketing, and distribution services to many of the home entertainment industry's most prestigious brands including: Sesame Street, World Wrestling Entertainment, The Weinstein Company, Classic Media, RHI, Shout! Factory, Salient, and CodeBlack.  The company currently has New York, I Love You in theatrical release. Vivendi Entertainment is a division of Universal Music Group Distribution, the award-winning sales, marketing and distribution arm of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company.

About Possibility Pictures

Possibility Pictures was formed with the purpose of spreading the good news of God's Word through the medium of feature films. Founder and Director David Nixon had the dream of making faith-based films almost 30 years ago, and after helping produce the beloved faith-based films, Facing the Giants and Fireproof, his dream has come to life through the creation of Possibility Pictures. He has teamed up with a talented roster of gifted veterans and category leaders including producer Kim Dawson, executive producer Tom Swanson, writer Sandra Thrift and over 100 seasoned filmmakers. The company will serve as a beacon of love and hope, and is poised to be an industry leader in faith-based cinema. Possibility Pictures plans to diversify the choices available to a receptive and eager market, presenting stories that inspire the heart and lift the spirit.

SOURCE Vivendi Entertainment