Outtakes | ‘Providence’ gives a lesson in hope and faith

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Mainstreet Productions and Faith Flix Films present “Providence,” a romantic story that’s four decades in the making. It stars Juli Tapken (“The Colors of Emily”), and Rich Swingle (“Beyond the Mask”) who find love in their 40s after growing up together in a small town. Year after year their lives keep intersecting before tragedy strikes, setting the stage for finally finding true love.

The childhood role of Rachel is portrayed by Emily Knapp (“The Good Book”) and Stacey Bradshaw (“Touched By Grace”) plays the lead character in her teen years. Mitchell’s childhood years are portrayed by Chase Anderson (“Where Hope Grows”), while Josh Allen (“Home Sweet Bus”) takes on Mitchell as a teen.

portrayed by Chase Anderson (“Where Hope Grows”), while Josh Allen (“Home Sweet Bus”) takes on Mitchell as a teen.

The story is told without dialogue, using the strength of acting, cinematography (including scenes from the ’70s and ’80s) and a dynamic soundtrack, featuring an eclectic blend of indie music to weave the story.

“Providence” is the sixth feature film for MainStreet Productions, including “The Good Book,” which has spent the past year on the film festival circuit, playing in 18 regional and international festivals and accumulating 21 nominations and five wins since it February 2015 release.

“Providence” releases Feb. 12.

Learn more at www.providencemovie.com

‘Risen’ film looks at Easter from a new view

Affirm Films, makers of the successful faith-based movies “Soul Surfer” and “Courageous,” returns to the big screen in February with an epic offering exploring the post-crucifixion story from a unique angle.

The “Risen” screenplay, co-written by Paul Aiello and Kevin Reynolds, who doubles as director, follows the story of Clavius (Joseph Fiennes, “Shakespeare in Love,” “Luther”), a Roman military officer who is commissioned by Pontus Pilot to solve the mystery of what happened to Jesus Christ after his death on the cross.

Implementing his orders, Clavius and his aide, Lucius (Tom Felton, “Harry Potter,” “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”) launch an intense manhunt for the body of Jesus Christ in hopes of preventing an uprising in Jerusalem after rumors swirl of a risen Messiah. In the midst of his encounters with the apostles and other followers, however, Clavius begins to question his own doubts about the supernatural accounts of the Messiah.

In an interview with CBN, producer Rich Peluso likened the film to a collision of ‘The Passion of the Christ’ and the sequel with ‘CSI.’”

The film also stars Peter Firth (“The Hunt for Red October,” “MI-5”) and Cliff Curtis (“Live Free or Die Hard,” “Training Day”).

The film opens Feb. 19. www.risen-movie.com

‘The Masked Saint’

The New Year will be ushered in with the Jan. 8 release of “The Masked Saint,” which chronicles the journey of Chris Samuels, a former professional wrestler who becomes a small town pastor after retiring from the ring.

The Ridgerock Entertainment film stars Brett Granstaff (“Black Mass,” “Vice”), as Samuels, who becomes troubled with the rampant problems in the community, prompting the spiritual leader to moonlight as a masked vigilante fighting the injustice. While facing crises at home and at the church, the pastor must evade the police and somehow reconcile his secret, violent identity with his calling as a pastor.

Directed by Warren P. Sonoda, the film is inspired by true events and is based on the Chris Whaley book by the same name. The film also stars Lara Jean Chorostecki (“Hannibal,” “Antiviral”), T.J. McGibbon (“Christmas at Cartwright’s,” “Remember”), Diahann Carroll (“Julia,” “Dynasty”) and the late “Rowdy” Roddy Piper (“Wrestlemania”), who died of a heart attack earlier this year. www.themaskedsaint.com