Challenging the Conventions of Horror  

Born in Athens, Georgia, the Kendricks grew up in the community of Smyrna, Georgia. Shannon (Director of Operations), Alex (Writer, Director & Actor), and Stephen (Writer & Producer) were sons of an ordained minister and a schoolteacher. The Kendricks discovered their love for creative arts and began shooting movies on super 8mm film. They followed in their father’s footsteps and started their career in ministry, which is where God led them to create full-length Christian movies. The Kendrick Brothers have always focused on staying true to their faith and inspiring others.  

Fathom Events is bringing the Kendrick Brothers latest film, LIFEMARK, to theaters nationwide beginning September 9, and we are highlighting their films.  

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FLYWHEEL (2003) 

In 2002, Alex was looking to create his first feature inspirational film. He had a theme in mind but needed help from his church and the community.  Alex would approach senior pastor Michael Catt with the idea, and after weeks of prayer, church members blessed him with the funds needed to make FLYWHEEL.  

The concept for FLYWHEEL is centered around a dishonest car salesman finding the power of faith and becoming a better person along the way. Stephen would eventually join Alex in the production, along with dozens of church volunteers, and on April 9th, 2003, the film was completed.  

The brothers were not expecting success, but after viewers left theaters inspired and surprised, FLYWHEEL became an instant classic, allowing them to continue making Christian films.  

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FACING THE GIANTS (2006)

After months of prayer, the Kendrick Team began writing the script for FACING THE GIANTS – a high school football story about facing fear with faith. Without any formal fundraising, individuals began giving money and the needed resources to start the project. In May 2004, production began on the film with Alex directing and Stephen producing.

Emails and phone calls began arriving by the hundreds each day from around the world as viewers responded to the film. Thousands reported a new faith in Jesus Christ and shared amazing stories about God working in their lives. Business leaders, politicians, and football coaches used “the death crawl” scene to motivate their teams.

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FIREPROOF (2008) 

FIREPROOF, one of the most inspiring Kendrick Brothers movies takes us on a firefighter’s journey to save his marriage. The potent and moving performance by Kirk Cameron had ripple effects across the country. The film inspired people to try out The Love Dare (the marriage counseling technique used by ministries and what Kirk Cameron uses in FIREPROOF). The sheer scale of the film would require 1200 volunteers and dozens of professionals.  

The film became a top-rated movie on Yahoo and the number one independent film of 2008. Generating thousands of testimonies, emails, calls, and visitors thanking the Kendrick Brothers for saving their marriage.  

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COURAGEOUS (2011) 

Following the success of FIREPROOF, the brothers wanted to create a film about fatherhood. After months of research, the idea for COURAGEOUS formed. Alex and Stephen started working on the script, and finally settled on a story involving four police officers and the struggles they face at home and at work. This would become the core idea of their script, and they wanted to challenge men to lovingly lead their families.  

COURAGEOUS began production in May 2010, with over 1,700 community members helping in the production. With the help of TriStar Pictures, the film was released in “1,214 theaters across the nation on September 30, 2011” [1].  

The influence of the film prompted the brothers, along with pastor Michael Catt and several cast members, to speak across the nation. They strived to inspire people to take part in resolution ceremonies around the world.  

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WAR ROOM (2015) 

Alex and Stephen wanted to explore the power of prayer in their fifth film. WAR ROOM would begin to take shape in the late spring with the help of a professional crew, 20 college interns, and volunteers from 85 churches.  

WAR ROOM was released on August 28, 2015, with the help of Sony/TriStar Pictures. Once again, the faith community came out to support the Kendrick Brothers and their vision. The film was released in over 1,945 theaters and quickly became an instant success.  

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OVERCOMER (2019)

In the summer of 2018, the Kendrick team began work on movie number six, OVERCOMER. Alex was once again the lead actor and director. He was joined by Priscilla Shirer, Shari Rigby, Cameron Arnett, and newcomer Aryn Wright-Thompson. OVERCOMER explores the question: What do you allow to define you? and delves into the value of finding our identity in Jesus Christ.

The film is filled with a powerful mix of faith, a twist of humor, and a ton of heart. The story is based on coach John Harrison, a basketball coach whose life changes when his team’s state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unfortunate events. It isn’t until John crosses paths with a student struggling with her own journey that his faith is restored.

The Kendricks wrote the book and Bible study, Defined, offering powerful insights from the Book of Ephesians. Defined challenges you to let the one who knows you best be the one who guides your heart the most.  

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SHOW ME THE FATHER (2021)

In September of 2021, the Kendrick team released its first documentary. SHOW ME THE FATHER uses five powerful true stories to highlight the value of a father’s relationship with his children.

Everyone has a unique father story. Whether positive or painful, it’s always personal and can deeply affect the core of our identity and the direction of our lives. This captivating film takes audiences of all ages on an inspiring and emotional cinematic journey. The film invites you to think differently about how you view your earthly father, providing a fresh perspective on their role in our society.

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LIFEMARK (2022)  

The Kendrick Brothers’ newest film, LIFEMARK, is centered around celebrating adoption, reconciliation, and love. The brothers teamed up with Kirk Cameron again to bring to life an incredible story that will inspire once more.   

The story is centered around David, a young adult who embarks on a journey of discovery after his birthmother reaches out to him. Encouraged by his adoptive parents, he begins to uncover the truth about his past. The concept of LIFEMARK was inspired by a true story and will be in theaters starting September 9!  

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Pushing the Boundaries of Christian Filmmaking 

Overall, the Kendrick Brothers have focused on inspiring faith, love, and hope in others, building an incredible body of work that embodies their humble beginnings. Below is a list of the Kendrick Brothers’ values. All of them are present in their storytelling and will continue to be the themes they explore as they push the boundaries of Christian filmmaking. 

The Kendrick Brothers Values:  

1. To honor Jesus Christ by making HIS truth and love known worldwide.  
2. To encourage, edify, and equip others in their spiritual journey. 
3. To strengthen relationships in marriage, parenting, friendship, and beyond. 
4. To inspire faith, hope, and love in others.

If you want to see their latest film, LIFEMARK, visit our event page to learn more!

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