Los Angeles, CA (March, 31, 2024)
Fathom Events, the leader in specialty distribution, announces the acquisition of exclusive screening rights for the highly anticipated film, The Hopeful. The heartfelt and compelling historical drama will be released in over 900 theaters nationwide this April in partnership with Hope Studios and Kyle Portbury Films. The Hopeful features a diverse cast and marks the first long form feature from Emmy Award winning and three-time Australian Director’s Guild nominated Kyle Portbury.
The Hopeful is the true story of a community whose lives were transformed as they learn what it means to truly wait for Jesus. This sweeping drama, set in 19th century New England, invites audiences of all ages to imagine how hope can change the world.
William Miller’s faith is in ruins. After miraculously surviving a fierce battle in the War of 1812, Miller questions why God spared him. His search for wisdom leads to an astonishing prophecy—the world is going to end. The Hopeful unfolds as a story of a man burdened with the knowledge of Christ’s return. Miller’s message resonates with some—even as it is scorned by others. When a young woman named Ellen Harmon listens to one of his sermons, she is transformed by the message. And through her, witness the message that begins to take hold. Her preaching grows beyond prophecy and develops into a more holistic vision for how Christians should live and worship. We see blossoming the seeds of a new global movement of faith—the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
“This is a very personal project for me,” says Portbury, who directed and co-produced the The Hopeful from a script by Aaron Hartzler and H.G. Sloan. “It’s a love letter to my roots, telling a powerful human story that I am proud to share not only with those who share my beliefs, but also with the many friends, family, and colleagues in my life who hold other views. I wanted to create a work that can stand on its own, about people who anticipated something major—yet had to deal with the fallout when that didn’t pan out. That’s a universal experience, not unique just to faith communities. Everyone has anticipated something only to see it not turnout like they imagined or dreamed it would.”
For a drama set in the 1800s, one of the most unique choices Portbury made was to collaborate with two-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Jonas Myrin, who contributes two original songs with mainstream hit potential, “Hope Is on The Way” and “Made for You.” Both songs were written and performed by Myrin specifically for the film.
Watch the trailer: