'War Room' Surprises at Box Office With $11.35mm Opening Weekend

CULVER CITY, Calif., Sept. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- WAR ROOM, released by Sony Pictures' faith-based TriStar/AFFIRM Films label in partnership with Provident Films, and the fifth film from Alex and Stephen Kendrick  (COURAGEOUS, FIREPROOF, FACING THE GIANTS, FLYWHEEL) took in an estimated $11.35 million at the box office this weekend from 1,135 screens, opening in 2^nd place overall and 1^st place among new releases. This is in contrast with most early estimates which predicted an opening of less than $5mm.

A Sony Pictures released movie via its faith-based TriStar/AFFIRM Films label in partnership with Provident Films, WAR ROOM's opening is the highest for a faith-based film this year and the highest opening for any faith-based film since last year's HEAVEN IS FOR REAL (Sony/TriStar). Additionally, WAR ROOM secured the #3 opening day of all time for a non-concert film released in fewer than 1200 locations. 

Each of the Kendrick Brothers' last three films has significantly outperformed box office predictions. WAR ROOM's weekend numbers outpace the Kendrick's previous best opening for 2011's COURAGEOUS which earned $9,112,839 in 1,161 theaters.

"WAR ROOM has been an audience favorite from the beginning, even in our test screenings," said Rich Peluso, Senior VP of Sony Pictures Entertainment's AFFIRM Films. "Alex and Stephen Kendrick understand how to connect to the heart of a viewer and that's one of the reasons they have been so successful."

AFFIRM Films (a Sony Pictures company) and Provident Films (a Sony Music company) partnered together on WAR ROOM with an experienced grassroots marketing team to introduce the movie and filmmakers to church and ministry leaders across the country beginning over a year ago. Strategic partners were also assembled in order to create peripheral products around the themes in the movie that equip those leaders to engage the faith community and generate awareness and interest in the film.

WAR ROOM released simultaneously in Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and other Latin America territories and will continue to open theatrically in several additional countries over the next few months.

"The Kendrick Brothers' films never cease to surprise and amaze audiences, and War Room is no exception. The film's box office performance is exciting but not surprising," said Ben Howard, Senior VP, Provident Films. "The Kendricks have delivered another winner to their audience. WAR ROOM will expand to hundreds of additional theaters for its second weekend."

A Kendrick Brothers production, WAR ROOM is distributed by TriStar Pictures with marketing by Provident Films and AFFIRM Films.

About TriStar Pictures
TriStar Pictures is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company. SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-­based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to www.sonypictures.com.

About AFFIRM Films
AFFIRM Films is a division of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA), a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company, dedicated to producing, acquiring and marketing films that inspire, uplift and entertain audiences. www.AFFIRMFilms.com

About Provident Films
Provident Films, a division of Provident Music Group, develops, produces and markets faith-­based films. Nashville-­based Provident Music Group, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, has served for more than three decades, worldwide, as a leader in inspiring entertainment. www.ProvidentFilms.org

About Kendrick Brothers Productions
Kendrick Brothers Productions is the company of brothers Alex, Stephen and Shannon Kendrick that exists to honor Jesus Christ and make His truth and love known among the nations through movies, books, curriculum and speaking. By prayerfully blending engaging stories with doctrinal integrity, the Kendricks seek to encourage and inspire viewers and readers with resources that impact their spiritual lives and strengthen their families and personal relationships.

SOURCE Sony Pictures Entertainment