Towards the end of my interview with David Nixon, the director of the new film “Letters to God” (in theatres everywhere tomorrow), he told me that he and many of the people he works with “are not interested in making movies that don’t have a message.” Such a sentiment is not surprising coming from Nixon, who has previously produced small, successful Christian films like “Fireproof” and “Facing the Giants.” What is a surprise, and a pleasant one at that, is how Hollywood now seems to be embracing films with a Christian message and how people like Nixon are able to fulfill their dreams by working on films such as “Letters.”
He told me about a dream that he’s had for thirty years. That dream, he stated, was “to use motion pictures to get [a] message out.” That message, he added, is that “God is real and you can have a relationship with him.” His movie, which I recently had the chance to view, certainly does that. It’s open about its Christian message, a message that might not have reached moviegoers just a few years ago before Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” changed everything. Today, Nixon told me, studios are more interested in films that appeal to the faith community and “Letters to God” will likely very much appeal to that large demographic. (To learn more about the marketing for this film, make sure to check out Christian Toto’s BH interview with Mr. Nixon.)
“Letters to God” tells the story of Tyler Doherty, a young boy fighting cancer. As he struggles against the disease, he sends letters to God about what he and his family are going through. He also inspires his friends and family even though he’s the one physically suffering. It’s a sad story with a positive message about faith and Christianity.
Unlike some other Christian films, “Letters” is inspired by a true story. Patrick Doughtie, whose own son fought cancer, helped write the screenplay. In his interview, Nixon told me that the “reason we’re making the movie is [as] a tribute to Tyler.” Nixon also said he wanted the film to be more than just a story inspired by true events, he “wanted this to be a real story, [and have the viewers] relate to the characters and believe in the characters.”
In order to do that, Nixon looked for quality actors and actresses. “It’s all about the casting,” he said and added that it was “amazing that he could get this caliber of actors,” which included such well-known faces as Ralph Waite, one of the stars of the massively successful television drama “The Waltons.” There are also a number of young up and comers such as Michael Bolten, Bailee Madison, and Tanner Maguire — who plays the lead character.
As I noted above, Nixon told me that he does not want to make movies without a message. Fortunately for the audience, he is ready and willing to spread a message of hope and faith though motion pictures and “Letters to God” is only his latest film. Nixon is currently working on two others which should start filming this summer. One of them is another true story and the other is a family comedy.
Until then, “Letters to God” is in theatres everywhere tomorrow.
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