Welcome to a special double dose of Open Dialogue as EoM Partner Noel T. Manning sits down with Unsung Hero co-director/co-writer/actor Joel Smallbone and producer Luke Smallbone in one segment and actor Kirrilee Berger and inspiration for her role Rebecca St. James.
The Smallbone family in UNSUNG HERO. Back Row L-R: Paul Luke Bonnenfant as Daniel, Daisy Betts as Helen, Kirrilee Berger as Rebecca, Joel Smallbone as David. Front Row L-R: Tenz McCall as Ben JJ Pantano as Luke, Angus K. Caldwell as Josh, Diesel La Torraca as Joel. Photo Courtesy of Lionsgate. © 2024 Lionsgate.
Noel T. Manning II welcomes Rebecca St. James and Kirrilee Berger to talk about the new Lionsgate Unsung Hero on this episode of Open Dialogue. Berger stars as St. James in this autobiographical film that explores the challenges of a family in search of their place in this world.
The Lionsgate release Unsung Hero shares a true story of family, faith, and perseverance. On today’s Open Dialogue, Joel Smallbone (writer, director, producer, star) & brother, Luke (producer), offer thoughts on their journey into bringing this autobiographical story to the silver screen.
Meet Me at the Movies airs on C19 TV and clips are used by permission for review, interview, and commentary purposes. Manning is a registered film journalist with organizations like the Critics Choice Association, SEFCA, and the N.C. Film Critics.
Official Synopsis:
Based on a remarkable true story, “Unsung Hero” follows David Smallbone as he moves his family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future after his successful music company collapses. With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING + COUNTRY’s Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives. Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children, who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in Inspirational Music history: five-time GRAMMY Award®-winning artists for KING + COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James.
In theaters April 26th, 2024.
For more information, head to the official Unsung Hero website.
Noel T. Manning is a member of the CCA, SEFCA and the NCFCA and also hosts Meet Me at the Movies and Screen Scene. He’s the founder of the Real to Reel Film Fest and has served over 20 years as an adjunct professor of film studies. When he’s not embracing mainstream, indie, international, documentary or art films, he’s exploring the world of visual arts and entertainment by chatting with those in front of and behind the cameras.
Meet Me at the Movies airs on C19.TV and WGWG radio. Screen Scene airs on NPR affiliate WNCW. Find Noel T. Manning II via Facebook, Twitter, Instagr
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Categories: Filmmaker Interviews
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